How to Check and Replace a Timing Belt in an Acura Integra

Check your owner's manual for the recommended mileage for replacing your timing belt. Replacement for Acura Integras is every 60,000 miles for 1986 to 1989 and 1995 to 1996 models; 90,000 miles for those between 1990 and 1996 and 105,000 miles for 1997 to 2001 vehicles.

Locate the timing belt and examine it for breaks, damage, fraying, worn spots or looseness.

Inspect the belt for cracked or missing teeth that may be the result of foreign material collecting between them.

Determine if the timing belt damage is on both sides. Single-side damage may be caused by the timing belt's guide.

Disengage the negative battery cable and safely secure the car on jack stands.

Detach the front left side splash shield, the power steering pump and its reservoir. It is possible to replace the timing belt without detaching the power steering pump, however, accessibility is impaired.

Wipe off any oil from belts and other components.

Remove the engine mount and loosen the air conditioner compressor belts and the alternator belts.

Loosen the crankshaft pulley by undoing the outer retaining bolts and freeing it from the crankshaft.

Undo the retaining fasteners and lift the timing belt cover off the engine. Align the crank and camshaft timing marks.

Relax the timing belt tensioner but do not take it off. Pull the tensioner from the belt and check the pulley for indentations, cracks or signs of loose fitting or worn out bearings.

Take off the timing belt.

Examine the cam and crankshaft sprockets. Replace if there is excessive wear or other damage.

Position the new timing belt. Begin at the crankshaft and move through the water pump and tensioner.

Relax the timing belt tensioner so it can make contact with the belt. Adjust the belt to the tension recommended in your vehicle owner's manual.

Align the timing indicators on the cam, crank and other sprockets.

Return the engine to the 0° mark by turning it clockwise for two revolutions.

Secure the timing belt cover by tightening its bolts and nuts.

Reinstall the crankshaft pulley. After fitting the pulley's keyway to the crankshaft's timing belt sprocket secure the bolts.

Replace the splash shield and the power steering pump and reservoir. Add power steering fluid.

Lower the car and reconnect the negative battery cable. Start the engine and look for leaks