Replacing a Timing Belt Cost

• Having a mechanic or repair shop replace the timing belt (and possibly the serpentine belt and accessory belt at the same time) can cost $150 -$1,000 or more, depending on the make, model and type of vehicle. Accessibility varies, so the work can take two to eight hours or more, with labor charges of $50 -$120 an hour. A single-overhead-cam 4-cylinder engine is easier to work on and therefore less expensive; replacing the timing belt in a double-overhead-cam vehicle with two cams in each head will be more difficult, take longer and cost more. For a passenger car, CostHelper readers report paying $179 -$942 to replace the timing belt, at an average cost of $449. For an SUV or minivan, CostHelper readers report paying $502 -$950, with an average of $736.
• Because accessing the timing belt and its related hardware can be labor intensive, and because it can be difficult to evaluate the condition of these parts without opening everything up, vehicle manufacturers typically recommend replacing items like the tensioner, idler arm, water pump, serpentine belt, accessory belt, drive belts, seals or gaskets at the same time as the timing belt, as preventive maintenance. Depending on exactly what is included, a complete "timing belt package" can cost $300 -$1,600 or more. For example, Clutch & Brake Doctors in Beaverton, OR advertises a timing belt replacement starting at $169 and a complete package with a timing belt, tensioner, water pump, drive belts, crankshaft seals and cam seals starting from $388. For a passenger car, CostHelper readers report costs of $300 -$1,570 for a timing belt package, with an average of $750. For an SUV, minivan or pickup, readers report paying $610 -$1,565, with an average cost of $1,048.
• Do-it-yourself replacement of a timing belt is a complex project that requires relatively strong mechanical skills, but it can save a significant amount of money. Parts typically cost $25 -$80 or more for just the timing belt, depending on vehicle make and model; or $100 -$800 or more for a kit that also includes other recommended replacement parts like seals, the tensioner or a water pump. CostHelper readers report

• The timing belt is located behind a protective shield, making it difficult to inspect, and it does slowly wear out. Vehicle manufacturers typically recommend replacing it every 60,000-105,000 miles, or after six to seven years. The vehicle's manual will include a recommended service schedule listing when the timing belt (and related hardware, like the water pump) should be replaced. If the vehicle's manual isn't available, a mechanic can look up the information, or instructions for a replacement manual will be available on the manufacturer's website.
• Addison Auto Repair and Body Shop in Denver, CO, has a video illustration of replacing a timing belt on a Toyota Camry, and AutoMD.com lists the general steps for replacing a timing belt, rating this as a hard project and estimating it takes an average of 5.6 hours.

• Some repair shops offer discounts for AAA members.
• CostHelper readers report paying a total of $350 -$725 to the parts themselves and then hire a local shop or mechanic to do the work, with an average cost of $508.

• In deciding whether to replace a timing belt (and possibly related hardware) as preventive maintenance, it's important to know if the vehicle has an interference engine, which means a broken timing belt can cause catastrophic engine damage. The Car Scope repair shop in Chesapeake, VA has a list of engines by manufacturer, indicating which are interference engines.
• Search for local repair shops through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence or the International Automotive Technicians Network.
• Check for any complaints with the Better Business Bureau.

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