Timing belt replacement cost, just like any other type of auto repair, largely depends on the type of vehicle, the location of the repair shop and any other issues that might crop up during the process. This belt is also known as the cam belt,and its role is to ensure that a vehicle’s engine functions well through proper valve timing. Up until the ‘70s and ‘80s, most cars had timing chains instead of belts. The latter replaced the former in the ‘90s.
If your car uses a timing chain rather than a belt, you might like to check out our timing chain replacement cost article here.
The mechanical integrity of any car on the street can only be preserved through excellent synchronization of all the engine parts. Wrong adjustment could potentially lead to poor engine performance due to the skipping of a tooth, and the consequences of this could be piston and valve damage, both of which could potentially lead to a road accident and are expensive to repair. Motoring experts concur that it is important to have your cam belt in good working condition.
Dealers, mechanics and manufacturers usually differ on the exact distance that a car should be driven before its timing belt is replaced. While most manufacturers recommend that it should be replaced after every 80,000 to 100,000 miles, mechanics and dealers are of the opinion that the best time to carry out the replacement would be after every 50,000 or 60,000 miles clocked.
Failure to replace it on a regular basis could lead to an unraveled or delaminated fiber core and stripped teeth all of which lead to its failure. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the timing belt rarely snaps. However, in order for the belt to function properly, it has to have the requisite tension which is affected by the stripped teeth and unraveled fiber core. However, if the belt were to snap, the engine would automatically stop running.
Symptoms Of Impending Timing Belt Failure
There are several symptoms that you should look out for that can indicate a problem with your belt. These tell-tale signs include:
- The production of excess exhaust gases than is the norm.
- Excessive engine vibrations leading to the shaking of the entire car.
- Difficulties in igniting the car.
- Strange engine noises.
What Would A Timing Belt Replacement Entail?
The repair usually involves the replacement of the tensioner as well. The failure of the tensioner, gear bearings or relevant idler can all lead to cam belt derailing. Tune-up appointments almost always involve the mechanic examining the state of these three vital engine components. There are aftermarket timing belts that are capable of altering the engine performance.
They however have a downside to them since they stretch at very high RPMs which mean that they tend to retard the ignition and the cam. Part of the reason why belt replacement process takes a considerable amount of time is the fact that the entire front part of the car’s engine has to be disassembled. The pulleys and the fan belts also have to removed to make it easier for the mechanic to access the timing belt.
The damage arising from a damaged timing chain is far much costly than replacing a faulty belt. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national average timing belt replacement cost varies between $250 and $750. This will depend on the hourly labor pricing as well as the model and make of your car. Depending on the extent of the problem and the proficiency of the mechanic carrying out the repair, timing belt replacement might take anywhere between 2 to 6 hours.
How To Save On Timing Belt Replacement Costs And Other Associated Costs
The $250 to $750 time chain replacement cost is quite steep, for most people. The process of replacing the belt usually involves the removal of the water pump in part. Since 90 percent of the water pump removal job is already done, mechanics certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (NIASE) recommend that you have it replaced together with the belt. This will ultimately save you cash that you would have used to replace the water pump separately later on.
ASE-certified mechanics would also recommend that you change the idlers, drive belt and front engine seals during the belt replacement process. This will definitely add on some extra cost, however, it will save you lots of money that you could have spent on maintenance in the long haul. Timing belt replacement cost should be negotiated beforehand so that you do not get a shocker when your mechanic issues you with the invoice.