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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.
Is it worth fixing a timing belt?
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.
How much should a timing belt cost to replace?
The average UK timing belt replacement cost is £350. However, the price can range between £200 and £1,200! Two reasons affect your timing belt cost: The garage you choose.
What are the signs 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.
Can you drive with a bad timing belt?
Can you drive with a broken timing belt? Your car cannot run with a broken timing belt. By the time the belt snaps, the damage is already done, and you will not be able to drive at all. You will need to have the vehicle towed to an auto repair workshop.
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 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.
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 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.
Will car start if timing is off?
Engine Won’t Start: If the engine timing belt has broken, it won’t be able to start. You may hear it “engage” as it is trying to start as you turn the key, but because the engine timing belt is what operates the camshaft and crank that turns the engine, it isn’t able to start.
How long will a bad timing belt last?
Based upon all these factors we can safely assume that your timing belt will last on average for 60,000-105,000 miles. Or, will require a change every 8-10 years regardless of mileage.
How long does it take to change 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.
At what mileage do you change 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.
How long does it take to replace a timing belt and water pump?
How long does a timing belt and water pump replacement take? The average time taken for a water pump and timing belt change is between 3 to 6 hours.
Can you tell if a Cambelt needs changing?
If it is becoming worn, the belt will appear to look glazed or glossy on the underside. This means the rubber is getting hard and will not provide the flexibility the belt needs. Some signs are much more obvious, such as cracking or fraying. Belts with that kind of damage should be replaced immediately.
What happens when timing belt fails?
What happens if the timing belt breaks? If a timing belt breaks, the engine will no longer work. This may result in a heavy damage to the engine with broken or bent valves, damaged pistons and, possibly, destroyed cylinder head and block.
Do timing belts snap?
They get old and brittle, which is what causes them to snap. Check your timing belt, have a close look at it and look for cracks, wear or fraying of the fibres that form its construction. And take no chances, don’t put it off. On an older car a snapped belt is a write off.
How often do timing belts snap?
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.
