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.

Is replacing a timing belt worth it?

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.

Why is replacing a timing belt 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.

What is the average life of a timing belt?

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 do I know if my timing belt is going bad?

The CAR WIZARD shows why it costs and arm and a leg for a Timing Belt replacement

What happens if a timing belt breaks while driving?

When the timing belt breaks, the crankshaft will continue to spin at 1000 rotations per minute, while the camshaft will stop turning. As a result, the pistons will continue to rise and fall in their cylinders, but they will strike closed valves.

Can I drive with a bad timing belt?

A bad timing belt is just one of the many reasons your engine might not start. You can't exactly ignore this problem if your car won't start then you can't drive it. However, if the timing belt breaks while you are driving you will definitely notice and there will almost certainly be additional damage to your engine.

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.

How long does it take to change a timing belt?

We recommend you replace your timing belt every four years, or at around the 60,000 mile mark. However, you might have noticed some symptoms of a worn timing belt. Here are the main red flags that indicate it's time to change it up: Your engine won't turn over.

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.

What will happen if the timing belt is not replaced?

If the timing belt were to slip away from the gears and fall onto the camshaft, one of the cylinders will open and close too soon. If that happens, an engine misfire could occur which means the belt needs to be replaced right away. If you don't replace the belt soon, the engine could be permanently damaged.

Is replacing a timing belt a big job?

The big thing here is that replacing your own timing belt is a time consuming and highly skilled repair job that we won't encourage you to do. It's best to get your vehicle to a shop as soon as possible.

Do you need to change water pump when changing 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 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.

Will check engine light come on for timing belt?

A loose or worn belt will cause ticking or rattling noises, poor engine performance and overheating, usually triggering the check engine light. If the timing belt breaks, the engine can't run — and on some engines that break can cause internal damage.

Is there any warning before timing belt breaks?

The timing belt can fail without any prior symptoms, so if you're within the mileage window, you should go ahead and have it replaced regardless. That being said, sometimes your car will give you a bit of warning that the belt is wearing out.

Which is better timing belt or chain?

A: Timing chains are stronger than timing belts. Timing chains also last longer. Timing belts are quieter than timing chains and are cheaper and easier to replace.

What is the average cost of a timing chain replacement?

The average cost for timing chain replacement is between $1,624 and $1,879. Labor costs are estimated between $957 and $1,207 while parts are priced between $667 and $672. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location.

What causes the 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.

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.

Will a car start if the timing chain is broken?

Engine won't start or fails

A broken timing chain will cause an engine to not start or fail while driving. If the belt is already broken, the engine won't have enough compression to start. If it breaks or jumps while driving, the pistons will be damaged from contact with the valves.

How long does it take to remove and replace timing belt?

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. If you're unsure about your belt needs to be replaced, stop by Virginia Tire & Auto today.

What is timing chain noise?

There is a rattling sound. A lax timing chain, or worse, a broken timing chain with loose parts within the engine, will produce a rattling sound when your car is idling. This rattling sound is typically most prominent while the engine heats up and disappears after some time.