How much is a timing belt?

In most cases, a timing belt kit will run between $100.00-350.00. Labor on most timing belts is between 3-5 hours, putting your total cost between $400.00-1,000.00. Remember, do not opt for a “just the belt” replacement. While the cost is cheaper, the chances of further failure increase significantly.

How much should it cost to replace a timing belt?

Depending on your vehicle, a timing belt service could turn into a big deal and it's going to be costly. Having a timing belt replaced before it breaks will cost between $500 and $1,000 on average while waiting for it to break before replacing can cost upward of $2,000 or more.

Why is timing belt replacement so expensive?

The timing belt itself isn't an expensive part. The time and labor are what make it so expensive. To get to the timing belt, the engine needs to be disassembled. Doing so takes significant time and effort.

How do you know if your timing belt is bad?

Can I drive with a bad timing belt?

Can you drive with a broken timing belt? Your car cannot run with a broken timing belt. By the time the belt snaps, the damage is already done, and you will not be able to drive at all. You will need to have the vehicle towed to an auto repair workshop.

How to Tell if Your Car Needs a New Timing Belt

What happens if a timing belt breaks while driving?

If a timing belt breaks, the engine will no longer work. If a timing belt breaks while driving in an interference engine, the camshaft stops turning leaving some of the engine valves in the open position. The heavier crankshaft will continue rotating by inertia, moving pistons up and down.

Is it worth fixing a timing belt?

Although timing belts are critical, there's no need to replace them regularly –unless explicitly recommended in your owner's manual. Some automakers recommend changing a timing belt between 60,000 and 100,000, others don't. Many of today's timing belts can go 100,000 miles or more without needing to be replaced.

Is the timing belt an expensive job?

A cambelt, also called a timing belt, regulates your engine's timing. It controls combustion and can cause very expensive damage when it fails. A timing belt replacement will usually cost around £350 in the UK, but labour rates and the car you drive can increase/decrease this.

How long should timing belt last?

Depending on what schedule you may read, including information distributed by the manufacturers themselves, the average life span of a timing belt is between 60,000 and 105,000 miles or after 7 to 10 years regardless of mileage.

How long does a timing belt job take?

Replacing the timing belt is an expensive service. It is an intricate, labor-intensive process that can take 4–8 hours, depending on the vehicle. But replacing the timing belt before it breaks will prevent engine damage and save you money in the long run.

Can I replace timing belt myself?

But if you are and you enjoy doing your own repairs or restorations then it's something you can do yourself, and save on some big repair bills in the process. We'll walk you through the process of replacing a timing belt and water pump step by step, starting with the tools you'll need.

Will my car run better with a new timing belt?

No timing belt will give an increase in performance - it's just not possible. Its main job is to keep the timing in check. Having your timing belt replaced and noticing an increase in performance is just a mix of the engine operating at peak efficiency and a good hit of placebo effect thrown in for good measure!

Can a timing belt last $200 000 miles?

Can a timing belt last 200 000 miles or more? No, it can't. And frankly, you really shouldn't test this out in person, unless you have a jalopy that you won't mind sacrificing. If you keep your car running with a worn-out, poorly, or faulty timing belt, then expect catastrophic engine damage.

Do I need to replace water pump with timing belt?

Generally, the idler pulleys, tensioner and water pump should always be replaced when the timing belt is replaced. In most cases, the timing belt drives the water pump, so it is the right time to replace the water pump. It is also recommended by the manufacturer.

How do you know you need a new timing belt?

What noise does a timing belt make?

Generally, a timing belt that goes bad makes a noticeable ticking or clicking timing belt sound that is unusual. When the timing belt starts falling the ticking or clicking sound becomes pretty audible.

What causes a timing belt to break?

The tensioner that keeps the belt taut is pressurized by the engine oil. If the tensioner has no oil pressure, the belt will become loose and possibly disengage from the pulleys and/or break. If the camshafts don't have enough oil pressure to operate properly, they will also lock up, causing the timing belt to break.

Can low oil cause timing belt to break?

If there is no oil pressure on the tensioner, the belt will become loose and disengage from the pulleys. The timing belt can break if the camshafts don't have enough to operate properly.

How long will a cracked timing belt last?

In most cases, the need for a timing belt replacement will not be made clear until it breaks. As a general rule of thumb, mechanics recommend replacing it every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. You also can look in your owner's manual to verify manufacturer recommendations as well.

What happens when you replace a timing belt?

In the best-case scenario, when a timing belt breaks, your engine will simply stop running. There is no longer a connection between the camshaft and crankshaft. This is what occurs in a non-interference engine. The overall impact of a broken timing belt does depend on the type of engine installed in your vehicle.

How long does it take to fix a timing chain?

Overall, replacing the timing chain and its associated hardware should take a qualified mechanic 5 to 8 hours to complete.

How long does it take to replace a timing belt and water pump?

How long does a timing belt and water pump replacement take? The average time taken for a water pump and timing belt change is between 3 to 6 hours.

How much does it cost to fix a timing chain?

Timing chain replacement can cost between $600 and $800 for a DIY repair, or between $1,600 and $1,800 with a mechanic. The cost is high due to the complicated nature of replacing this part.