2014-2020 Acura MDX Timing Belt Replacement | 3.5L V6 | 2016-2020 Honda Pilot as well!

[@robertcrain9849]

I just did this job on my 2016 Pilot and I want to thank you so much for making this video! I also did the spark plugs and timing adjustment for the 105k service. The car is running great and I had a blast doing it. Thanks again!

[@JNBTuning]

Glad it helped! Great work 👍🏻

[@carlb64]

Great video and walk thru. Thx for sharing

[@JNBTuning]

@carlb64 thanks man much appreciated🙏

[@alexandruionescu6815]

Excellent video and great job to share with us the step by step for replacing the timing belt. Thanks a bunch.

[@JNBTuning]

Thank you 🙏 and you are welcome!

[@beaudittberner6983]

I am about to do my second timing belt, previously did a 2013, my 2019 looks easier. Great instruction and Thanks on the torque specs

[@JNBTuning]

You are welcome. Glad it helped!

[@MihirJShah]

Thank u for the help, you worked best to show us pretty much everything.

[@JNBTuning]

You’re welcome!

[@twinturbobmw535xi7]

Def a good video. I know mine needed the timing belt etc done because of the Mileage since I bought it. I kept putting it off and booom my water pump went. Honestly I wouldn’t ever change a timing belt without replacing the water pump , tensioner, idler etc. there’s just too much work involved to do this job twice not to mention it’s not worth saving a few $$ and end up with a locked or leaking pump. It’s an interference engine so If that water pump locks the belt snaps and you’ll bend your valves, then you’ll be looking to replace your engine. I would recommend anyone doing this job to buy the kit and replace everything. The only thing I would leave alone is the cam and crank seals if they’re not leaking. I’ve seen quite a few locked water pumps from ppl neglecting the timing belt/water pump maintenance. I had this happen to me with an Integra I bought back in the day.

[@JNBTuning]

Thank you 🙏 and well said!

[@marynotlincolntodd]

Thanks for time stamps

[@JNBTuning]

You’re welcome 😊

[@patricklimap]

Hands down best video i found for my 2017 honda pilot. Thanks man

[@JNBTuning]

You are very welcome 🙏

[@monadouroboros]

Great tutorial man I can already see my pockets getting bigger

[@JNBTuning]

Glad to hear it!

[@joelthomas3823]

When you were stuck with that far right bolt on cover behind serpentine tensioner, why didn't you just unbolt the tensioner and get it out of the way?

[@markgrobe9269]

I have done tons of Nissan and Isuzu timing belts and all those T Belts have marks on the belt to direct the location orientation, surprised Honda does not do that

[@JNBTuning]

☝🏼 agreed

[@wangwang2003]

Little bit challenging but doable DIY, nice video, will follow this doing mine in future, there are a lot steps, how did you learn this? How much OEM belt cost?

[@jameswallace5113]

Great vid

[@JNBTuning]

Thank you 🙏

[@fatred777]

Good job. well explained.

[@JNBTuning]

Thank you 🙏

[@passion830217]

Do we have to replace the tensioners? Are those tensioners for timing belt weaker than their counterparts for timing chain? My 02 Camry 4 cycle has 185 k miles on it, and the timing chain is still good so the tensioners must be good. The car still has the OEM water pump, and I believe my coolant flush every five years definitely helps with its longevity. Under those minds, I will probabaly only change the belt, not the water pump and tensioners.

[@JNBTuning]

I would always change the tensioner as it is part of the kit and your are there already

[@taylorswayranch3039]

Great Video! Seriously very helpful. I did want to ask one question about the serpintine belt tensioner. When you had to re-apply pressure to get that last cover bold out. Did you consider just taking the tensioner off? I think it's only one bolt. Just curious if there was a reason not to do it that way. Thanks again for the helpful video!

[@JNBTuning]

Thank you 🙏 yes that is another way to get around it. I just figured I will just retract it back and go from there. I also mentioned that you could probably try undoing the bolt while you still have the belt on it might work. Never tried but might work.

[@seadweller8458]

How many miles was on this vehicle?

[@juanlanda2441]

Not sure why my instructions say to install a 6mm battery hold down bolt into the bracket above the tensioner . But it doesn't make sense , if all it would do is apply pressure toward the tensioner.

[@JNBTuning]

I hope my video will help!

[@richardnowell7018]

@@JNBTuning I've done a few of these and my service manual has you grinding down that battery hold down bolt to a bit of a taper and then installing it in the threaded hole behind the tensioner. Grinding it down on the tip is probably optional but I do it anyway. You can see the threaded hole it goes in above the tensioner around 19:40 of the video. This will hold the tensioner in place while you loosen the idler. Once the idler is loosened it takes the tension off of the belt then you can remove the belt. More than 1 way to skin a cat I quess.

[@JNBTuning]

@@richardnowell7018 thanks man for sharing!! Much appreciated. Very good information.

[@arielmouret7071]

Can you please help me find the PCV valve . I can’t find a video or diagram that shows where it is on a 2017 mdx

[@Eli-zl4gx]

Great video! I don't know if I missed it, but what did you torque the crankshaft bolt to when reinstalling it?

[@JNBTuning]

Thank you! I didn’t torque it I just buzzed it with my implant with a regular impact socket couple of times

[@glacious0640]

Dealer told me that 2020 Acura RDX does not have a timing belt and need to change because of self oil. Is this true?

[@JNBTuning]

I am not familiar with the 3rd gen RDX, but if they are right and it is a chain vs. A belt then yes, the chain is more internal and requires lubrication.

[@NganNguyen-m4u3q]

why do you need to put the marks on the belt when the rear and front cam and bottom crank shaft is top dead center already marked? I didn't understand the logic behind that? as long as you put the belt back to all the teeth turn the bottom crank shaft 2 clockwise revolution and double check your 3 marks top dead center again then you should be good right?

[@JNBTuning]

Do what is best for you! Placing the marks will just guarantees me, and gives me extra peace of mind knowing I didn’t skip/move a cog or two.

[@FrankenFive]

It helps to place the belt properly at the first try, it surprised me that Honda/Acura hasn't put such marks on the timing belt.

[@twinturbobmw535xi7]

Honestly I didn’t understand that either.

[@kevincris2589]

Cheap insurance that your belt is being placed correctly. With the lack of space to do this, its easy to leave slack on the belt and miss it by one tooth.

[@JNBTuning]

@@kevincris2589 well said☝🏼

[@ginvm]

Very helpful video

[@JNBTuning]

Thank you 🙏

[@kirillbobrov6589]

Why you didn’t replace the water pump as well?

[@JNBTuning]

Manufacturer doesn’t require you to replace water pump, if you watched my video I have explained this exact thing. It is mainly inspecting it for condition. Please refer to: www.acura.ca/-/media/Brands/Acura/Maintenance-Schedule/PDF/Maintenance-Minder-AB-Schedule---ENG.pdf?rev=5da80817b25e460eac184705bc5ce22f

[@FrankenFive]

Great job and very helpful video! How long did it take to complete this replacement? You haven't supported the engine while removing the upper engine mount, did the engine move down when you unbolted the mount?

[@JNBTuning]

Hi @FrankenFive thank you! I am glad the video was helpful. Regarding your question, no I didn't have to place any support on the engine at all before removing the engine mount. The engine did not flex or move one bit. Hope this will help.

[@FrankenFive]

@@JNBTuning thanks for reply, is it like 2-3 hour job when doing it the first time?

[@JNBTuning]

@@FrankenFive oh yeah I forgot to answer that! It should take 2 to 3 hours. At time it is hard for me to justify how long it take as I am filming and doing the work at the same time 😅

[@FrankenFive]

@@JNBTuning it is ridiculous how dealerships are charging more than 1k for labor alone

[@JNBTuning]

@@FrankenFive indeed!!

[@ceenote6364]

I know I’m late , but I just had a situation with my Ac Compressor , it seized up and the belt burnt. I had it fixed and drove for about two hours and a piston shot through the motor . My question is would that repair be a reason that happened?

[@JNBTuning]

When the serpentine belt burnt did it break? Regardless did you drive around long enough that you deprived your engine with its proper cooling? It could possibly be from the over heating. I couldn’t see how the repair would cause your engine to explode.

[@ceenote6364]

@@JNBTuning I ask because the repair shop I had do the work is not trying to take accountability. Let me explain more in detail: I have a 2015 Acura MDX . My Ac Compressor needed to be fixed for about two months, but was putting it off until I started to smell a burning smell that I didn’t know where it was coming from. One day the car started hesitating to accelerate past 20 mph, and power steering went out and the car shut off. So I believed it was the alternator due to the battery light being on, so I bought a new battery and drove home which was 30 mins away, and soon as I made it the car started to do the same issue, the battery light was still on. So I put it in this shop and they told me it wasn’t the alternator, but the ac compressor seized up, and the belt burnt out so I had them fix that. I picked the car up drove it for about . Then out of nowhere the car started smoking and making a crackling sound coming from the engine. I pulled over and seen the oil had came out and was burning on something hot under the hood. I had it towed to the same shop telling them what happened. They looked at it and said that a piston shot through the engine from the back to the front blowing a hole. The oil shot out when they put it in there. So I asked them what would make that happen, and they replied a “few things”. Saying they didn’t do anything to the engine, but I’m asking how did y’all know I didn’t need an alternator if you didn’t see it , and you have to mess with the engine to see it? They are saying they didn’t have to bother the engine for it to throw a rod. Could they have caused that is my question, and how? If you could please help me with more information on this would be really appreciated. Thank you for responding.

[@JNBTuning]

I am not an expert by any means, but my previous comment still stands. The cause of your engine failure mostly likely came from your serpentine belt getting cooked from the ceased AC compressor. With the damage belt, driving the car long enough, will start to cause other damages like improper cooling, improper charging and later improper timing of your the combustion engine. I hope this helps

[@ceenote6364]

@@JNBTuning thank you for the response my friend

[@JNBTuning]

@@ceenote6364 your welcome!

[@sotheamam1244]

Hi is this the same as 2006 mdx

[@JNBTuning]

You will have to confirm, but with the V6 engines they are belt driven and they are very similar

[@Andy44Andy]

Does engine need support when mounts are removed?

[@JNBTuning]

I didn’t have to, but It won’t hurt doing so.

[@ygbodybuilder3023]

Should I change this before it breaks or just wait it out

[@JNBTuning]

I personally would not take that chance and that’s just me. Regardless if we are talking about interference vs. non interference engine. Waiting till something breaks in the timing system can only result in two ways; either nothing happens due to luck, or bent valves or even worse. Why gamble if you can be sure by “doing the job correctly”.

[@EddieLeadingham]

What would cause it not to start after replacing the belt and everything else? Did I just happen to miss something? I marked it and everything matched up.

[@JNBTuning]

At first try it didn’t crank at all? What happened exactly? If your timing is off it will probably damage your valves due to interference with your pistons. If it doesn’t crank at all double check your computer module connections.

[@EddieLeadingham]

Well I tried to turn the motor over by hand to make sure the marks lined up again(which they did not) but I did it under compression so do you think that caused the belt to jump?

[@EddieLeadingham]

It cranked, just no start.

[@JNBTuning]

@@EddieLeadingham it will require couple of revolutions till they align again, but if you have done that and still not aligned then you possibly are miss timed.

[@eddo2994]

nice job. Do you mind sharing the mileage in km of your 2018 acura mdx for the timing belt replacement ? I was wondering how long or mileage needed before timing belt replacement specially in the 2018 to 2020 acura mdx

[@JNBTuning]

@eddi2994 thank you 🙏 Yes indeed! My 2018 MDX is currently at 122K Km and the recommended manufacturer’s interval is 100K Km depending on use and climate conditions, but lightly over will not hurt. The sooner the better I guess.

[@ericworrell3653]

I just want to be sure you said your mdx is at 122k or km?

[@iangather7290]

122 k miles most likely.i did my tl at 120k

[@JNBTuning]

I did it earlier for the purpose of this video. The service manual states: *Extreme temperatures. Replace timing belt every 100,000km if used often in extreme temperatures (over 43°C or less than -30°C).

[@twinturbobmw535xi7]

From what I understand timing belt maintenance interval under normal conditions is every 90k miles.

[@roberttischler7721]

What about the waterpump?

[@JNBTuning]

Inspected it as how the dealer would have done and it is all good! It didn’t require any attention. This stuff can easily be done when needed. Oh if you watched the video, I did mention that same very reason

[@omarilindo968]

If your changing the t-belt you might as well change the waterpump or else your pretty much doing this all over when it comes time

[@csamvang1]

I can pay you to change mine if you live close to Sacramento

[@JNBTuning]

Thank you for your confidence in my ability, but unfortunately I am far from Sacramento. I am approximately 1242 miles North from you. 😅

[@csamvang1]

😢

[@raycam7188]

Would this work on a tlx 2017?

[@JNBTuning]

As noted in the description should be similar to the other Acura and Honda listed below: 14 - 20 Acura MDX, 16 - 20 Honda Pilot, 18 - 20 Honda Odyssey 14 - 20 Acura RLX, 15 - 19 Acura TLX

[@raycam7188]

@@JNBTuning thank you

[@bdento59]

@@JNBTuningI’ll be working on a 2016 Acura RDX, a vehicle that’s not in your list of cars that will be similar to the MDX you worked on in the video. Is the RDX different than what you showed herein?

[@JNBTuning]

@@bdento59 it is pretty much the same process as to how you replace the the belt. The difference will be the orientation/location of the ECU and some of the engine bay plastic bits and trims.

[@mvj1960]

After all these years why doesn't Honda use a timing chain instead of a belt. This is one of the main reasons I buy Toyotas. I did purchase a 2014 CRV for my wife but it has a timing chain.

[@JNBTuning]

The K-series and most 4 cylinder engines are indeed chain driven. I have one! Chains are not forever as most think or sell them to be. I wouldn’t trust that they are bullet proof!! Chain nor belt I would replace them when time comes.

[@JNBTuning]

What I like most about t-belt, they are cheaper and easier to do and replace.

[@thynadoung1627]

I prefer timing belts

[@davewallace9048]

I’ll take a timing belt any day over a timing chain. I can do the entire job for a few hundred bucks. Good to go for another hundred K.

[@OG-Crime29]

Honda makes it so that dealers can’t make any money selling new cars. A lot of dealers make the bulk of their profit in service and parts. Of course Hondas are in the shop less than anything else, so they need to pop an expensive service in here and there.