Repairing Guides

how much does a timing belt cost to repair

by Prof. Dameon Bradtke Jr. Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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If your timing belt is in need of replacement, you can expect that service to cost anywhere from $300 up to $500. Because the timing belt is not easily reachable on many vehicles there is a good bit of disassembly and reassembly needed to get to the belt. Economy cars with smaller engines require less labor.

Full Answer

How much should I pay to replace the timing belt?

If the timing belt requires replacing, our mechanics will:

  • Remove accessories to gain access to the timing belt covers
  • Remove and clean the covers, remove the timing belt, tensioner and idler pulleys
  • Inspect and replace the water pump (if required, additional costs may apply)
  • Replace the timing belt, tensioner and idler pulleys (if required, additional costs may apply)
  • Reinstall all removed components

More items...

What is the avarage cost to repair the timing belt?

Timing Belt Replacement Costs

  • For a 2002 Toyota Tacoma with a 3.4-liter engine, the estimated labor time is around 3.3 hours. ...
  • For a 2005 Volkswagen Passat with a 2.8-liter engine, the estimated labor time is around 4.6 hours. ...
  • For a 2005 Dodge Neon with a 2.0-liter engine, the estimated labor time is around 2.7 hours. ...

Is it hard to replace a timing belt?

Timing belt replacement should be left to the pros. It can be complicated to replace the timing belt on most engines, especially those with dual camshafts or lots of drive accessories that need to be removed. In many cases, special tools are needed to correctly install a timing belt. Plus, other parts may need replacing.

Do I really need to replace the timing belt?

Unfortunately, in most cases, there are no obvious signs the timing belt is near death; it will just break. That’s why highly rated auto mechanics recommend replacing it every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Always check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations.

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Is a timing belt worth fixing?

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 it so expensive to replace timing belt?

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.

Is timing belt a big deal?

You might not think that a belt sounds like a big deal—but the timing belt is a big deal because it can cause catastrophic engine damage if it fails. It's helpful to understand how the timing belt works and when it should be replaced. That way, you can avoid potential problems down the road.

How much does it cost to fix a timing?

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.

What are the signs of a timing belt going bad?

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Timing BeltYou Hear A Ticking Noise Coming From The Engine. ... Your Car's Engine Won't Turn Over. ... You Notice An Oil Leak Near The Motor. ... You Experience Exhaust Issues. ... Your Revs Start Acting Up.

Does timing belt give warning?

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 long does it take to fix a timing belt?

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.

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 and can in some instances strike the valves.

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.

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 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 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 is the average life of a timing belt?

between 60,000 and 105,000 milesDepending 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.

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.

How many miles can you go on a timing belt?

That's why most manufacturers recommend you have your vehicle's timing belt replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

Timing Belt Replacement Cost Comparison Chart

The cost of replacing a timing belt may vary greatly from location to location. We highly recommend that you call around to get a few quotes before...

Average Timing Belt Cost by Vehicle

The cost to replace a timing belt will vary based on how much labor is required to access the components. Passenger cars are generally less expensi...

When to Replace Your Timing Belt

Every vehicle will differ, so be sure to check the recommended schedule for your car year and model. A good guideline to follow would be to replace...

What Happens If A Timing Belt Breaks?

The last thing that you want to deal with in your internal combustion engine is a broken timing belt. If this happens that valves and pistons will...

How to Replace A Timing Belt

Replacing a timing belt requires an advanced knowledge of mechanical systems as you will need to remove many parts and put them back correctly. If...

Extra Thoughts and Considerations

With the amount of labor required to access the timing belt, it is always a good idea to replace other components simultaneously as they will alrea...

What a Timing Belt Does

If you have heard of the term “ Timing Chain ” before, both a timing belt and chain perform the same duty. Their job is to keep the mechanical timing of the engine – the intake and exhaust valves opening and closing at the exact precise time needed.

When to Replace Your Timing Belt

As stated before, timing belts are composed of rubber, no different than a regular drive serpentine belt. Over years and constant heat cycling, the rubber begins to degrade, to the point where the belt finally fails. In most cases, a faulty timing belt will provide no warning of an impending break.

Can You Tell When the Timing Belt is Going Bad?

Unfortunately, timing belts rarely give any warning of impending doom. While there are other things that can speed up a timing belt’s decay, like oil or antifreeze leaking into the timing belt area (and often seen as an oil leak or water pump leak), in most cases, the belt is simply old, brittle, and breaks.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Timing Belt

A timing belt service is more than just the belt itself. While traditionally, everyone thinks of this change as “just the belt,” it is not. A timing belt is tensioned and held in the proper track by a series of tensioners and idler pulleys, all of which have bearings and the ability to fail.

What to Do Next

If you suspect your vehicle is up for a new timing belt, come see the folks at AutoZone for all the parts, tools and advice you’ll need. If you need additional help with the job, check out our list of Preferred Shops in your area that can help you get the job done quickly!

How much does it cost to replace a timing belt?

The fact is that timing belt replacement expenses can be a few thousand dollars, though they generally sit anywhere between $500 and $2000 depending upon your automobile.

What is a timing belt?

The timing belt is made from rubber and integrates the rotation of both the crankshaft and the camshaft. It likewise manages the timing of the engine’s valves which let fuel and air into the cylinders. The fuel is sparked in the combustion chamber by the firing of your spark plugs, and throughout this combustion, the valves press the pistons down.

What is the role of timing belts in a car?

The timing belt manages the timing of the crankshaft and camshafts (thus it in some cases being described as a cambelt). You must keep in mind that not all automobiles will use a timing belt.

How does a timing belt work?

Timing belts work to keep your engine in sync. There are numerous moving parts in your vehicle’s engine, and it’s essential that they all operate in sync. The timing belt manages the timing of the crankshaft and camshafts (thus it in some cases being described as a cambelt).

Why is timing belt important?

As you can see, the timing belt system is important to lots of functions inside your engine, so routine upkeep is very much crucial. If your air-con belt snaps, then you’ll most likely only lose the ability to turn on your Air Conditioning system.

What is the purpose of a timing belt?

Among the timing belt’s tasks is to spin the gears of the camshaft. In severe cases where the timing is off, it can skip some of the gears and break pieces off of the camshaft. These can get in the oil pan and lead to a drop in oil pressure at the bottom of the engine. This is a quite severe problem, as it can make the motor stop ...

What belts keep a car running?

You have most likely become aware of fan belts, camera belts, air con belts, generator belts, power steering belts, drive belts, and serpentine belts. That’s a whole lot of belts. It also results in a great deal of confusion, when your last belt replacement has cost you ...

How much does it cost to replace a timing belt?

The labor cost to replace a timing belt can range from $200 – $900. Timing belt replacement should be conducted by a professional mechanic as it is an advanced project that requires one to disassemble the engine to be able to remove the old belt.

What is timing belt?

What Is A Timing Belt? A timing belt keeps your engine in sync by allowing the crankshaft and camshafts to fire perfectly on time. The valves and cylinder heads are located on the top section of the engine while the pistons are towards the bottom.

Why replace timing belt with tensioner?

Pulleys and Tensioner: These parts should be replaced with the timing belt because if they fails, the same damage as a timing belt failure can occur. They provide the force required to keep the belt tight and operating without any slack, also preventing it from falling off of the track.

What happens if a timing belt breaks?

If the timing belt does break, it will cause a very large sound in the engine as components will be breaking forcefully. The engine will also shut off and not be able to restart.

Why do automobiles have timing belts?

Automobiles with an overhead cam design implement a belt to orchestrate a perfectly timed sequence of engine operation. This is why it is referred to as the timing belt, and is subject to wear and tear over time, so it will need to be replaced. The timing belt is located inside of a protective housing on your engine and should be replaced at ...

Do 1995 cars have timing belts?

If your car was manufactured prior to 1995, you should expect to have a timing belt. Otherwise, you will need to consult your owners manual to see if there is a specified interval for replacing this piece of equipment. This is similar to a serpentine belt, but not exactly the same.

How long does a timing belt last?

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. Belt failure can cause extensive damage to the valves, pistons and other internal parts of the engine.

What is a timing belt?

Critical to the operation of your vehicle, the timing belt synchs the operations of the camshaft and the crankshaft so that the valves operate efficiently and safely. 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 ...

Cost guide of timing belt replacement

Servicing a vehicle will always extend the life of that car or truck and keep the risk of major repairs and their costs as low as possible. Regular maintenance is a pre-emptive and/or proactive form of ownership.

What is a timing belt?

A timing belt is used in almost all modern internal combustion engines. It “synchronizes” the engine and its functions, essentially controlling the turning of the parts known as the crankshaft and camshaft. The timing belt is also tasked with operating the different valves, closing and opening them to allow fuel and air in or out of the valves.

What are the signs of a bad timing belt?

The experts advise that any vehicle owner have their timing belt checked between every 25,000 – 93,000 miles (or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations). And even if you do not drive a vehicle often, the timing belt must still be checked periodically and replaced based on the overall age of the part.

What happens if your timing belt breaks?

Maybe you’re worried about your Honda Odyssey timing belt replacement cost. However, you do not want the belt to break.

Is there anything not included in a timing belt replacement that you should know about?

It is important to note that there are no universal prices or methods for making this repair. It may be necessary to lower the engine or even remove enormous areas of the front end of a vehicle to make this repair. And there are many possible additional costs beyond the belt and the hours required for the repair.

Are there any factors that affect the cost of a timing belt service?

As you can see from our price guides above, the cost of different vehicles can sometimes vary by hundreds. Here are the factors that might increase or decrease Subaru Forester or Honda Accord timing belt replacement costs:

What is the average life of a timing belt?

Though technologies have improved, it is best to check your timing belt according to the standard recommendation of 25,000 - 93,000 miles. Though manufacturers have pushed that lifespan to the 93,000-mile mark, using the “better safe than sorry” model is better.

How much does it cost to replace a timing belt?

The average cost for a Timing Belt Replacement is between $576 and $659 but can vary from car to car.

What is a timing belt?

The timing belt connects the engine's camshaft and crankshaft, and ensures that they maintain proper timing to keep the engine running smoothly. When you have it replaced, it might be smart to have related work done to help save on labor.

How does a timing belt work?

How does the timing belt work? The teeth on the belt mesh with the crankshaft timing gear and camshaft timing gear. The belt is held tight by a tensioner to ensure the belt doesn't skip a tooth, or “jump time.”. The timing belt may turn an additional gear for the water pump.

What happens if your timing belt goes bad?

If the timing belt is starting to go bad, the engine will run poorly and the check engine light will likely come on. If the belt breaks, the engine will stall immediately, and internal engine damage can occur.

Can timing belts fail?

Timing belts can fail before that interval is reached, but most vehicles will never have a problem with this part. If a technician notices signs of premature wear during an earlier inspection, the timing belt should be replaced early.

How many miles does it take to change a timing belt?

Toyota recommends changing the timing belt at 60,000 miles on some of their engines, and 90,000 miles on other engines. Volkswagen recommends replacing the timing belt between 60,000 and 120,000 miles.

What is a timing belt?

A timing belt has a tensioner and often, one or more idler pulleys. Very often, these are replaced with the belt as if the bearings in either fail before the next scheduled service and the timing belt can fail. In many cases, the timing belt also runs the water pump.

What happens if you don't replace timing belt seals?

If replacing the seals is recommended due to a leak, it’s a good idea to have it done, even if it increases the cost and the time the job takes.

Can you replace timing belt seals before they are removed?

Sometimes, it also requires special holding tools, seal installation tools, and more labor. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to see a leaking seal before the timing covers and belt are removed.

Does it cost more to repair a timing belt than to replace it?

This can , depending on the engine and the amount of damage, it cost more to repair than it does to replace the engine . Therefore, on an interference engine, the timing belt maintenance schedule and the other parts involved in a timing belt service are generally taken very seriously.

Is timing belt replacement critical?

One of the things that makes timing belt replacement more critical or not is whether an engine is an “interference” type. When a valve is fully-open (when it extends into the combustion chamber) and the piston can come fully up without hitting the valve, then, it is a non-interference engine. If the piston can’t come fully up without hitting ...

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