Actually when should Timing Belt be replaced on 3.5 L Honda engines?

[txaginid]

My 04 3.5L Vue has 66k miles. The past couple of oil changes, they have been telling me I need to replace my timing belt. They say I should of done it at 50k.
When have others had theirs changed out of the Honda engine? Also what else did you have done while they were in there?

[BobbyP]

I've always heard 100k was the replacement interval, along with checking valve clearance. Many people replace the water pump at the same time being that it's driven by the timing belt.

Have you read your owners manual to see what Saturn recommended in 2004?

[Wayne12345]

I was told 100Km here in London Ontario but the owners service manual says 160K. I would think under normal conditions 160K should be ok. I`ll get the water pump and plugs done at the same time

[MaxSL2]

IIRC Saturn reccomends 100K miles. Honda reccomends 105K.

I have seen a used 3.5 belt with ~115K and it was just starting to show slight signs of cracking, so the ~100-105K interval seems just right.

One thing many shops probably don't do is the valve lash check/adjustment, which isn't good since it sounds like some of the valves often measure tight when checked at that mileage.

[burnout]

They say I should of done it at 50k.

I've never heard of ANY car that needs a timing belt change that early. That alone would make me question the honesty of that shop...

Wait til 100,000 miles.

[far2grumpy]

According to owners manual for my 2005 Vue with 3.5L ... the timing belt should be changed at 50,000 miles if vehicle is operated under severe service conditions.

Severe service is indicated if vehicle is operated under one or more of following conditions:

... heavy city traffic with temp regularly reaching 90deg F or higher
... hilly or mountainous terrain
... when doing frequent trailer towing
... using as taxi, police or delivery vehicle
... in very high temperatures - over 110deg F
... in very low temperatures - under -20 deg F

If none of above apply belt is replaced at 100,000 miles.