How much does it cost to replace a timing belt on a 2005 Acura TL?
For a timing belt replacement on a 2005 Acura TL, you can expect roughly $600–$900 at an independent shop and about $900–$1,200 at a dealership. The exact price depends on your location, the shop’s labor rate, and whether the water pump and other wear items are included in the service.
The 2005 Acura TL uses a 3.2-liter V6 engine that requires a timing belt replacement as a major service. Most customers will also replace the water pump, tensioner, and idler pulleys at the same time to reduce the risk of a future failure and to minimize labor charges by combining services.
What a timing belt replacement typically includes
Here is a standard checklist of components and services you should expect to be included in a full timing belt replacement for this model. The list helps you compare quotes from different shops and ensures you don’t miss critical items.
- Timing belt (new belt)
- Timing belt kit components (tensioner and idler pulleys)
- Water pump (often recommended or required by mechanics)
- Coolant flush and refill
- Maintenance seals and gaskets as needed
- Thermostat replacement (optional but commonly included)
- Re-timing procedure and engine timing verification
Many shops recommend replacing the water pump and related seals during a belt change to prevent leaks and avoid paying labor twice if the belt is replaced again in the future.
Cost estimates by service provider and region
Prices can vary by region and by whether the work is performed by a general independent shop, a specialty shop, or a dealership. The ranges below reflect typical U.S. pricing for a belt replacement with the water pump and related components included.
- Independent auto repair shop: $600–$900
- Specialty shop or ASE-certified shop: $700–$1,000
- Dealership (Acura): $900–$1,200
In high-cost areas—such as major metro regions—prices may trend toward the upper end of these ranges. If you opt for a belt-only replacement (without water pump or other components), some shops will charge less, but many technicians recommend replacing the pump and tensioners at the same time to maximize reliability and avoid revisiting the job soon after.
Ways to save money and ensure quality
To get the best value and peace of mind, consider these practical tips before authorizing the service.
- Shop around and obtain quotes from three or more shops to compare labor rates and included components.
- Ask for a detailed parts list and confirm that the price includes the timing belt kit, water pump, coolant, and any required gaskets or seals.
- Request OEM or high-quality aftermarket parts and confirm a warranty on both parts and labor (commonly 2–3 years or 24,000–36,000 miles).
- Check if additional items (thermostat, radiator hose, seals) are suggested and whether they’re bundled into the quoted price.
- Book with a shop that uses proper timing equipment and confirms the engine timing after installation.
Questions to ask your repair shop
Before agreeing to service, consider asking these questions to ensure you’re getting a complete and reliable job.
- Does the price include the water pump, belt kit (tensioner and idlers), thermostat, and coolant?
- What is the warranty on parts and labor?
- How long will the job take, and can you provide a written estimate?
- Will they perform a timing check and verify proper alignment after installation?
Summary
Replacing the timing belt on a 2005 Acura TL is a major service that typically costs between $600 and $1,200, depending on where you have the work done and what components are included. Including the water pump and related parts is common and often recommended to improve reliability. By getting multiple quotes, confirming included items, and checking warranties, you can balance cost with long-term peace of mind.
