Does The Honda CRV Have a Timing Belt or Chain? - Four Wheel Trends (2024)

I’m a car enthusiast, and I’ve been mulling over this question for the last few days.

It’s not like you can’t find out, but it’s just that there is so much conflicting data on the subject.

Some people say Honda CRV has a timing belt; others say they have a chain.

They both sound good to me – belts are better than chains because they’re more durable and don’t need oil – but then again, chains are more accessible to change than belts, so what do I know?

Does The Honda CRV Have a Timing Belt or Chain?

Honda CRVs are equipped with timing chains. However, unlike some other cars with timing chains, the 2002-2004 models came with a rubber belt tensioner. This is not an issue because you can still replace this rubber part with a metal one if you upgrade yours to a better, more durable option.

Then again, this change is not necessary, and you can get away with the old belt tensioner for a while longer.

Difference Between a Timing belt and a Chain in a Car Engine

A timing belt is a rubber belt with teeth on the inside.

It wraps around the crankshaft sprocket and camshaft sprocket to synchronize their speed at every rotation.

The engine is timed by the timing belt, which is also responsible for opening valves when necessary.

Timing belts are usually found in older engines.

A timing chain is a metal chain with teeth on the inside.

It performs the same function as a timing belt.

Timing chains are usually found in older engines, but some modern ones also use them.

They replaced timing belts because they break and stretch, while chains can take a lot more punishment.

Timing chains don’t need to be changed, but they can stretch, which will cause problems with your engine’s timing.

When the timing chain stretches, it will not harm the valves or pistons, but if your car is still running, then it means that you have a very faulty timing chain and shouldn’t drive much further until you replace it.

Replacing a timing chain is not so easy and takes at least 3 hours.

Timing chain vs. Belt: Which One is Better?

Both the timing chain and the timing belt co-operate to keep engine valves timed adequately at all times.

However, chains are typically found in older cars, while belts are usually installed in newer engines.

On the other hand, timing chains last longer than timing belts and don’t require regular replacement – they can serve you for years and sometimes even decades.

Timing belts need to be changed every 60-80k miles or every 60000-80000 km. When the timing belt is broken, it will likely cause massive engine damage, which can cost you several thousand dollars to repair.

Replacing a timing belt is easy and takes about an hour.

Tips for Maintaining Your Honda CRV Timing Chain

There’s not much to do in maintaining a timing chain – it should last for the lifetime of your car.

That wouldn’t mean that you won’t have to change it sometimes because, like with any other car part, this needs occasional checks and maintenance.

It would be best to have a mechanic check if everything is alright with your timing chain after 50,000 miles.

If you’re not sure whether your car needs maintenance or not, take it to a mechanic, and he will give you any advice on that matter.

But still, keeping your timing chain clean can prevent slippage and damage of engine valves and pistons.

Also, replacing the timing chain tensioner will help avoid damage to valves and pistons.

Using only high-quality parts to replace the timing chain can make a big difference; cheap parts tend to last shorter than high-quality ones.

Honda CRV Timing Chain Replacement Cost

A timing chain is a part that needs to be replaced if and only if it stretches; otherwise, there’s no reason to replace it.

Replacing a timing chain is not easy because it will take you at least 3 hours to do so.

The price of the Honda CRV Timing Chain Replacement Cost can vary depending on where you live, but it’s about $500+ to have this service done.

Please remember that you might need to replace the timing chain tensioner if your car is equipped with a rubber belt tensioner.

The cost of the Honda CRV Timing Chain Tensioner Replacement can vary depending on where you live, but it’s around $300+ to have this service done.

Tips For Changing Your CRV Timing Chain

Replacing a timing chain on Honda CRV is not recommended for inexperienced mechanics and car owners.

The most important thing would be to make sure that the engine valves are in their proper positions before installing a new timing chain because if you’ve installed it incorrectly, your car will never start again.

When changing a timing belt on Honda CRV, keep in mind that you will also need to change the timing belt tensioner – that’s because all rubber belt tensioners wear out after time, which means that if your car is equipped with a rubber one, then it must be changed with a metal one.

If your car is equipped with a plastic timing chain tensioner, you don’t even need to worry because this type of tensioner never wears out, even after 100,000 miles.

Make sure you read the manual before doing anything to your car – if you’re not confident, take it to a mechanic and let him do the job.

If you change your timing chain on a Honda CRV, make sure that everything is done correctly.

A significant issue that might arise is the engine turning over but won’t start or starts and stops immediately.

That means something else is wrong, probably caused by the timing chain, which was not changed when your car needed it.

How To Replace A Timing Chain On A Honda CRV

If you need to replace your timing chain, make sure you have a flat head screwdriver, 10mm socket wrench, and 21mm socket wrench.

Place the vehicle securely on jack stands or ramps.

Make sure the emergency brake is pulled up all the way so that your car doesn’t roll backward when you’re doing the DIY.

Open the hood of your car and place it in a secure place – do not lay it on the fenders or the windshield.

First, you will need to remove some parts so that you can get to the timing chain.

Then, move on with removing bolts: the bolt that holds the timing chain tensioner is deep inside, so you will need to use the socket wrench and 10mm socket.

After removing all bolts, remove your old timing chain.

Finally, install a new timing chain and reverse the order when putting everything back together.

Keep in mind that if you have a rubber belt tensioner, you will need to remove and replace it with a metal one.

Benefits of Replacing your Timing Chain on Honda CRV.

If you have a broken timing chain, it will damage the engine’s valves and pistons – that’s why you will need to replace the entire engine as a whole, which will cost you a few thousand dollars.

And for timing chain tensioners, one would replace them if the engine is equipped with a rubber belt tensioner.

You would also need to replace that timing chain tensioner with a metal one, and doing so will not benefit your engine in any way since the rubber one doesn’t do much anyway.

The DIY of replacing a timing chain on a Honda CRV takes about 3 hours and is not recommended if you know nothing about cars and engines.

Replacing a timing chain is not easy, and it doesn’t cost much, so the best thing to do would be to take your car to a mechanic and let him deal with this – it will cost you less than $500 in total.

Honda CRV Timing Chain Failure Symptoms

There are no symptoms for a broken timing chain other than the noise it makes and that you will not start your car.

If you hear a clicking noise, then there is a high chance that your timing chain is stretched and needs replacement.

You might also see some smoke coming from your exhaust if this is the case.

If you have a broken timing chain, then the oil might spill out of your engine, and it will be entering your combustion chamber – that’s why you will not be able to start your car.

If you want to know if Honda CRVs have timing belts or chains, we’ve got the answer for you.

It turns out that Honda CRVs were made with a strap and chain system until 2004 when they switched over to just using chains.

So not only do these vehicles come equipped with an amazingly reliable engine, but they also don’t require any maintenance on their drivetrain systems.

Does The Honda CRV Have a Timing Belt or Chain? - Four Wheel Trends (2024)

FAQs

Does The Honda CRV Have a Timing Belt or Chain? - Four Wheel Trends? ›

Timing Chains

What years of Honda CR-V have timing chains? ›

After that (from 2001 onwards) Honda fitted the K Series engine to CRVs, and this engine used a timing chain which should be good for the life of the engine. The R20A four-cylinder engine used from late 2012 also uses a timing chain, as does the turbo-diesel 2.2-litre engine from the same era.

Does the Honda CR-V use a timing belt or chain? ›

Timing Chains

Many manufacturers suggest that they will never need replacing and can last the lifetime of the vehicle. The downsides? If your oil pressure is too low, they can fail in spectacular fashion and cause major damage to your engine. Honda CR-V and Civic models are equipped with a timing chain.

How long does a timing chain last in a Honda CR-V? ›

Older cars may have a timing chain, similar to a chain on a motorcycle, with a life cycle of around 60,000 miles. Newer models use timing belts made of polyurethane and Kevlar for long life and durability. They can go as long as 100,000 miles although it's always a good idea to change it before then.

What year did Honda stop using timing chains? ›

From 2018 to the present, your Honda Accord will have a timing chain, but those specs vary a bit for previous model years. Here are the details: 2013-2017: V6 models have timing belts & 4-cylinder models have timing chains. 2008-2012: V6 models have timing belts & 4-cylinder models have timing chains.

What year Honda CR-V is the most reliable? ›

The 2021, 2019, and 2006 models are among some of the best CR-V model years, largely thanks to their lack of glaring problems that could cause the SUV to live a shorter life than expected. If you're looking to make a sound choice, we recommend considering a second, fifth, or sixth generation.

How much to replace a timing chain on a Honda CR-V? ›

The average cost for a Honda CR-V Timing Chain Tensioner Replacement is between $409 and $436. Labor costs are estimated between $103 and $130 while parts are typically priced around $306. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location.

Do Honda timing chains need to be replaced? ›

Timing belts must be replaced on a regular basis, but timing chains do not. There's no reason to alter the timing chain unless it's damaged, strained, or otherwise affected. If there is a problem with the timing chain, your car will most likely have one or more issues.

How do I know if my car has a timing belt or chain? ›

In contrast, if you find that it is sealed under a metal cover (to prevent leaks), then it is quite likely fitted with a timing chain. To determine whether your car has a timing belt or a chain, you can also consult your car's owner's manual which will provide you with detailed information about the engine system.

Why does Honda use timing belts instead of chains? ›

The setup used in most Honda models, the timing belt was introduced in the mid-1960s as a much quieter alternative to a timing chain. Belts also use tension pulleys that aren't dependent on engine oil levels to stay in place.

What happens if timing belt breaks on Honda CR-V? ›

A malfunctioning timing belt may cause a variety of symptoms, such as decreased engine performance, strange noises coming from under the hood, and engine misfires. In most cases, if a timing belt breaks, the engine will no longer run, and the car will not restart without a timing belt replacement service.

At what mileage should the timing belt be replaced in a Honda CR-V? ›

The 45,000-Mile Appointment and Beyond

Other maintenance items required for your Honda CR-V include: Transmission fluid replacement – Every 90,000 miles. Idle speed and water pump inspection – Every 105,000 miles. Timing belt replacement – Every 105,000 miles.

Can a timing chain last 200 000 miles? ›

Timing chains can last anywhere between 150,000 and 200,000 miles before they require repair or sustain damage.

Do timing chains last longer than belts? ›

Timing chains generally have a longer lifespan than timing belts. The reason for this is quite simple: chains are made from metal, whilst timing belts are made from rubber, which simply isn't as strong.

How much does a Honda timing chain cost? ›

Honda Shine Timing Chain at Rs 550/piece in New Delhi | ID: 26038296533.

Does a 2024 Honda CRV have a timing belt or chain? ›

The current-model CR-V with its 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine (the L15B7) also uses a timing chain.

Does the 2016 CRV have a timing belt or chain? ›

The 2016 Honda CR-V comes equipped with a timing chain instead of a timing belt. The chain is designed to last the life of the vehicle, and as a metal part, by default, is more durable. Also because it operates from inside rather than outside the engine, it doesn't suffer from cracking or drying out like belts do.

Does a 2002 Honda CRV have a timing belt or chain? ›

Your 2002 Honda CRV came with one engine choice, the 2.4 liter four cylinder and it has a timing chain which normally lasts the life of the vehicle without being serviced or replaced.

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