Repairing Guides

how much does it cost to repair a timing belt

by Nathan Dicki Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Timing Belt Replacement Cost

  • Labor costs are estimated between $309 and $390 while parts are priced between $272 and $356.
  • This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
  • This range is an average across all vehicles on the road. ...

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 often should you replace your timing belt?

When to replace timing belt

  • Overthehill. I have a 2013 Ridgeline with 38,000 miles, but it is 7 years old. ...
  • Jack. As long as you have not abused the vehicle I think you'd be ok to at least the 60k and further. ...
  • Rich M. This is one of those decisions that can drive you crazy. ...
  • eurban. This will ultimately come down to personal choice. ...
  • freddyp. ...
  • zroger73. ...
  • oarnold. ...
  • scarface. ...
  • SeattleR. ...
  • smufguy. ...

More items...

What are the signs of a bad timing belt?

Timing Belt Warning Signs You Need to Look Out For

  • Warning Signs of a Bad Timing Belt. Even though your timing belt is meant to last for at least 60,000 miles, sometimes things happen, or you could be in that.
  • A Distinct Ticking Noise. ...
  • Squealing Sound. ...
  • Your Engine Just Won't Start. ...
  • Engine Misfires. ...
  • Oil Leaks. ...
  • Loss of Oil Pressure. ...
  • Check Engine Light. ...
  • The Cost of Repairing a Bad Timing Belt. ...
  • The Bottom Line. ...

How much does it cost to replace a timing belt?

How Much Does It Cost To Change A Timing Belt? timing belt replacement cost is usually in the neighborhood of $300 to $500…as is the case for larger cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Despite it being only $50 overall, there is a lot more work involved in servicing a timing belt. There will be an indirect cost as well as labor.

Should you change your own timing belt?

Your timing belt should be replaced every 50,000–70,000 miles, depending on your car's make and model. Also, make sure you understand if your engine is an interference engine or a non-interference engine. In an interference engine, the valves and piston share the same airspace and the timing belt keeps them from touching.

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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.

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 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.

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 there any warning before timing belt breaks?

There are some surefire warning signs you should look out for that could indicate that your timing belt is about to fail: this includes ticking noises, car not starting, piston misfires, exhaust smoke, excess vibrations and oil leaks.

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.

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.

How do I know if my timing belt broke?

0:032:35How to Tell if You Have a Broken Timing Belt!! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBecause your engine is going to spin really fast and you're not gonna it's not going to haveMoreBecause your engine is going to spin really fast and you're not gonna it's not going to have compression because your valves are bent.

Can I change 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 happens if you don't replace timing belt?

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.

What causes 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.

What damage is caused by a broken timing belt?

When your timing belt is broken, you won't be able to drive your car at all. Oftentimes, the timing belt will break while the car is in motion. This can cause serious damage to cylinder head hardware like rocker arms, push rods, or valves.

How do I know if I have an interference engine?

When your vehicle's timing belt snaps, the entire engine shuts down. As soon as your vehicle's timing belt breaks while you're traveling with an interference engine, the camshaft will stop rotating. Some of your engine's valves will remain open as a result of this.

What damage can a snapped Cambelt cause?

If the cam belt snaps while you're driving, it could be very dangerous. The engine could seize up, causing steering and brakes to fail. The pistons can hit the valves in the cylinders, damaging the engine. A non-interference or free-wheeling engine won't suffer as much damage, but still might sustain some.

What happens if timing belt snaps?

If the timing belt snaps, there is nothing to stop the pistons and cylinders from colliding. This throws the rods off, and they start to poke holes in the engine block. Eventually, the engine will essentially break in half, and there's no way to repair it. This is complete engine failure, and will require a new engine.

Will it be less expensive to hire a mechanic through Airtasker to do my timing belt?

It can be because you choose to supply the parts and limit the amount of work done. Keep in mind that where you are, when the job is done, and what...

Can a mechanic offer a warranty on parts and labour for a timing belt repair?

Yes! And it is in your best interest to require them to do so. Just be sure to get this in writing and that you ask for it in your task listing.

What is a reasonable amount to pay for a timing belt repair?

Don’t expect a full replacement to cost any less than $300, and if the belt has snapped, you should anticipate a much higher amount, even in the th...

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 ...

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 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 ...

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 ...

How much does a timing belt cost?

The timing belt for a 4-cylinder engine can cost you anywhere between $300 to $750, depending on the place you get the job done. Keep in mind that the timing belt by itself doesn’t cost much. It’s the labor cost that creates a dent in the wallet. Auto Center. Price.

How to replace timing belt?

Timing Belt Replacement Procedure Discussed: 1 A mechanic will begin by disconnecting the cable from the battery. 2 Then, he will remove the drive belts, hoses, or pulleys that may come on the way. 3 Once the mechanic gains access to the belt, he will inspect its condition. 4 If a replacement is needed, a new belt will be fitted in the place of the former timing belt.

How many miles does a timing belt last?

Many modern cars won’t need a replacement timing belt up to 1,00,000 miles. For you to know the exact interval, you will have to check the owner manual that comes with the car. In scenarios where the owner manual is lost, you would have to take the car to a repair shop. A skilled technician will help you figure out the suggested interval ...

Why is timing belt replacement important?

It might simply break in the middle of a road trip, causing you unexpected trouble along the way. Therefore, it’s important that you consider a timing belt replacement as a necessary part of your regular car maintenance schedule.

Why should I not miss my timing belt service?

The key is to not miss the service schedule because they may not provide any indication of when they are about to give up on you. So, don’t wait for a catastrophic engine failure to alarm you of a failing belt. Change the timing belt when the makers suggest, even if your car engine is running absolutely fine.

How long does it take to replace a belt on a car?

For some cars, it’s a fairly quick procedure of two to three hours. But in vehicles that have limited space between the engine and the frame, installation of the new belt won’t be an easy feat.

When should I change my timing belt?

Change the timing belt when the makers suggest, even if your car engine is running absolutely fine. Basically, the best time to change a belt is before it fails. It may not be a cheap job, but it’s worth it to keep your car running smoothly for long.

How Often Should the Timing Belt be Changed?

It’s important to change the timing belt before it brakes to avoid the inconvenience of being left stranded and in some instances, engine damage can result.

How to Know if the Timing Belt Needs Changing?

The easiest way to determine if a timing belt needs changing involves removing the timing belt cover and performing a visual inspection.

How Much does it Cost to Change a Timing Belt

The cost of changing a timing belt will depend on how much the mechanic charges for labor, the amount of time it takes to change the belt, and the cost of a replacement belt. Replacement belts cost about $60, but labor charges can range between $300 and $1,000 (for 2 to 6 hours of work).

How does one Know if a Timing Belt is Broken?

The timing belt is critical, though simply part of the engine. If the car won’t start, a broken timing belt may be the cause. It is responsible for keeping the firing sequence, which ensures that the pistons are in the correct position just when fuel is injected into the cylinder and the spark plugs are firing.

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