Why are timing belts 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 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.

Are timing belts expensive?

The average cost to replace a timing belt will be anywhere from $300 to $500 in total (more for larger cars, trucks, and SUVs). The timing belt itself will usually only cost less than $50 but the majority of a timing belt job is spent on labor.

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.

Do timing belts really need to be replaced?

It's important to replace your timing belt at the mileage intervals your vehicle manufacturer recommends. Every manufacturer is different, but typically, it needs to be replaced every 60,000–100,000 miles. The recommended interval for your specific vehicle can be found in your car's owner's manual.

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

How do I know if my timing belt is going bad?

How long does a timing belt take to replace?

Due to the intricacy involved in getting such an operation done, a typical timing belt replacement will usually take between 4 and 6 hours to complete. This might change depending on your car and your mechanic, but it's a safe bet to expect the job to take quite a while.

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.

Will a broken timing belt destroy my engine?

As your vehicle gets older and accumulates miles, its timing belt wears out and becomes compromised. While timing belt replacement is a simple service to perform, if a worn out timing belt snaps, it can seriously damage your engine and cost you thousands.

What happens if 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.

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.

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.

How often do you replace timing belt?

Since the timing belt has such an important job, it's crucial to have it replaced regularly. In most cases, there is no indication that a timing belt is becoming worn. Often times, it just breaks. That's why most manufacturers recommend you have your vehicle's timing belt replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

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.

Why do timing belts 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.

Should I replace timing chain or engine?

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.

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.

What does a worn timing belt sound like?

A failing bad timing belt sounds like a ticking noise in front of your car when it starts wearing out. If the belt eventually breaks, it will give a whining noise when trying to start the engine. A whining noise sounds like no compression in the engine.

What cars dont have timing belts?

Do timing chains last longer than timing 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.

Do timing chains last forever?

A: As a general rule, if an engine has a timing chain and the oil was changed on a regular basis, the timing chain should last the lifetime of the engine.

Will a car run if timing is off?

If the engine timing of the cam is off, your car will either be running rough or not at all. If the ignition timing is the problem, it isn't as easy to notice because it has four cycles: Intake valve sucks in air while fuel is delivered by the injectors.

Can low oil cause timing chain to break?

In addition to oil change neglect and improper oil usage, using the wrong or low-quality oil filter can also cause accelerated timing chain wear.

How much does a new timing chain cost?

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. If you want to DIY a timing chain replacement, the parts will cost around $650.