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Quick Answer: What Does It Cost To Replace A Timing Belt

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. The cost of the labor will be anywhere from $250 to $450 or more.

What is the average cost of replacing a timing belt?

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. Especially, if there’s other damage that occurred in the process.

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.

What are the symptoms of a bad timing belt?

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Timing Belt You 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.

How many hours does it take to replace 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.

Why is replacing a timing belt so expensive?

Why Is a Timing Belt Change Such an Expensive Service? 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.

Can a timing belt last 200 000 miles?

Of course the timing belt itself has to be replaced at, whichever comes first, the time or the mileage in the owner’s manual. There’s no way that these various components are going to last through two timing belts – they’re not going to last for 200,000 miles in most cases.

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.

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 happens if a timing belt breaks while driving?

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. This may result in a heavy damage to the engine with broken or bent valves, damaged pistons and, possibly, destroyed cylinder head and block.

Is it safe to drive with a loose timing belt?

Losing power can cause a loss of fuel economy, and also not allow your engine to run if the timing is off completely. There is a high risk of engine damage if your timing belt is not working properly. In some cases, the belt can slip off entirely. This would not be a good situation for you when driving.

How many miles can you go on a timing belt?

Timing belt replacement is generally recommended every 60,000 to more than 100,000 miles, depending on the vehicle manufacturer. Check ChiltonDIY’s maintenance schedules or the owner’s manual to determine the recommended service interval for your vehicle.

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’s better timing chain or belt?

Most automakers recommend replacing the timing belt every 60,000 to 105,000 miles. Timing chains are heavier and more complex than timing belts, but they also last much longer. Really, unless there’s a problem, timing chains don’t have a replacement interval.

Can a timing belt last 300 000 miles?

No. Not likely at all. Timing belt replacement varies from car to car. It can vary from 50,000 to 70,000 miles.

What causes timing belt to break?

With the heat and friction inside the engine, the rubber material will become worn with age and miles. Rubber teeth may wear down and no longer be able to grip the gears. This often results in a slip of the timing belt and potential damage to the engine. The timing belt may also begin to crack under stress.

How do you check timing belt?

Look for any contaminants that could eat away at the belt or cause it to slip. Also, look for cracks in the belt. If the belt has many cracks in it, this can indicate that the belt is old or has dried out. Next, inspect the underside of the belt and verify that all the teeth are in good condition.