When replacing the timing belt on your HONDA ACCORD EX, make sure the new belt matches the old one in width and shape to avoid noise and slippage. It is normal for the new belt to be slightly shorter as the old belt has stretched from use. Also take note of the exact path the belt travels in your particular vehicle or check the belt path label, located in the engine compartment. Then follow these steps to replace it.
Park your car in a safe place and open the hood.
Locate the automatic timing belt tensioner on top of the engine. The tensioner is a free-moving pulley, since it does not drive any accessories on your vehicle. Its only function is to give proper tension to the belt.
Insert an appropriately sized open end wrench into the bolts of the automatic tensioner pulley and slowly rotate the pulley to release the tension on the timing belt. If you have a 2.4L model engine, turn the pulley clockwise; if you have a 3.0L model engine, turn the pulley counterclockwise. Slide the belt off of any pulleys on the top of the engine; then slowly release the pulley tensioner and remove the belt from the engine.
Check each pulley on which the timing belt runs and make sure it is free of dirt, buildup or debris; if necessary, use a wire brush to clean the pulleys.
Compare the old belt with the new one and make sure it is the same width and configuration.
Install the new belt starting with the crankshaft pulley at the bottom and center of the engine and working your way up to the last pulley, following your notes or the diagram in the engine compartment. If necessary, have a helper hold the stretched belt next to the next pulley on top of the engine. Using an open end wrench, slowly rotate the auto tensioning pulley in the same direction you turned it to release the belt. Then slide the belt over the last pulley, and slowly release the tensioner.
Make sure the belt is seated properly between the edges of all accessory pulleys.
Tips
If necessary, consult your owner’s manual or vehicle repair manual to identify or locate the components. You can purchase one at any auto parts store or check one for free at any public library.