Honda Accord UK (2003 - 2008) - Specific mileage to change alternator belt

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
View Threaded
Thu 25 Jun 2009 20:59
Specific mileage to change alternator belt - Akin
According to the manual of the Honda Accord 2005 diesel, the alternator belt should be replaced when the mileage reaches 75,000 miles - 100,000 miles. However, it seems majority of people including the honda specialist in London believe that it is not necessary as far as the belt is in good condition and the tensioner appropriately set.
Isn't there a possibilty of spontaneous rupture even in apparent good looking belts?
what do you think?

Edited by Pugugly on 26/06/2009 at 09:14

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 25 Jun 2009 22:01
Specific mileage to change alternator (fan belt) - zookeeper
its not the end of the world for an alternator drive belt to let go, worry about the cambelt instead
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 26 Jun 2009 08:10
Specific mileage to change alternator (fan belt) - DP
I tend to change these on condition.
My S60 had its original belt replaced at the 108,000 mile service because of cracking. The fact this led on to the only breakdown of its life (dealer fitted the wrong (too short) belt and the alternator bearings let go a few hundred miles later) was somewhat ironic.
I'm with zookeeper - it's the cambelt you need to worry about.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 26 Jun 2009 09:10
Specific mileage to change alternator (fan belt) - Statistical outlier
Honda diesel has a chain, so not so much of a concern. Apparently they on,y change them if they get rattly - my local dealer has only done 2, both 150k miles +, both with very ropey service history.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 26 Jun 2009 09:24
Specific mileage to change alternator (fan belt) - oilrag
Why not just slip a new belt on? I found some cracking on the belt of my 1.3 diesel Punto so decided to fit a new one.

1) Belt £13 from Fiat
2) Drew diagram of belt run
3) Put spanner on auto adjuster - pulled back and took tension off belt
4) Slipped old off and new on

Before doing this I read up on Poly V belts - they really are a step forward. Find the belt where it bends back on itself over the tensioner and you can check for cracking. (speaking generally) It seems some cracking is acceptable but if its severe, or any chunks missing it should be replaced.

It took me alll of 30 seconds to slip a new belt on the Fiat and I know this is a Honda thread - but nevertheless I hope some of my info will be useful.

Regards
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 26 Jun 2009 13:32
Specific mileage to change alternator (fan belt) - datostar
Good point. Again not relevant to Honda, perhaps, but if the aux belt bottom pulley shares the same driveshaft and belt enclosure as the cambelts on a lot of cars do, there's a good chance that a broken aux belt will take the cambelt out with it during the thrashing about. I always have both replaced at the same time.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 26 Jun 2009 13:38
Specific mileage to change alternator (fan belt) - bell boy
put a new serpentine belt on a car thats done the mileage and the new noise it generates will drive you nuts
i wouldnt change it if it looks in good condition and no serious cracking
Reply | Report as offensive | Link

10 warranty myths exposed

Here’s how to sort the fact from the fiction when it comes to car warranties.

Cheap Car Warranties

Looking for a garage you can trust? Honest John's Good Garage Guide has thousands of reader recommended garages, plus how-to guides and tips on servicing.

The Good Garage Guide