Timing belt replacement is something that needs to be done on a scheduled basis, as it can be hard to visually inspect a timing belt. We've compiled the following tips: 1. Find a mechanic before you need one. Do your research and locate a mechanic you trust before you actually need servicing, so you aren't stuck with the first mechanic you find during a time of need. 2. Consult your owner's manual and use that schedule for timing belt replacement. Dealers and service mechanics will often tell you to replace your timing belt every 60,000 miles, but many manufacturers do not recommend changing the timing belt until 80,000 or even 100,000 miles
Typical costs:
We've seen quotes for timing belt replacement between $250-$750, depending on how much labor is involved (based on the make of the car) and the hourly labor rate
Replacing timing belts can take as few as two hours and as many as six hours. We've seen hourly labor quotes from $40 an hour where there is a low cost of living, to over $110-$150 an hour at BMW and Mercedes dealerships in urban areas. In the San Francisco Bay Area, we've seen ordinary repair shops with rates from $55-$80 an hour, and ordinary dealerships with rates of $80-$90.
Additional costs:
When people replace timing belts, sometimes they will do other maintenance work, such as replacing the water pump, since they are doing some maintenance work already. Consult your owner's manual to see whether the manufacturer recommends replacing any other parts at the same time.
Shopping for replacing a timing belt:
If you've lost your owner's manual, which typically specifies your car's maintenance schedule, you can usually find instructions for ordering a replacement at the manufacturer's website.
Timing belt, water pump, Coolant flush, accesory belt, Timing kit
Amount: $200.00
Posted by: Mario Hernandez in columbus, OH.
Posted: February 25th, 2011 11:02AM
Car Make: Ford
Car Model: ZX2 Zetec
Hours of Labor: 2 days
I bought all the parts and did it myself and did it right the first time. I had paid somebody, but didnt do a good job and had to redo everything myself. I follow all the instructions in the repair manual and gained knowledge and piece of mind. I'm a DIY.
My car was at 91,000 miles. Took it in for inspection and oil change. They told me I should get the timing belt replaced and have fluids flushed. Timing belt kit was $400 they gave it to me for $344--Flush fluids and oil change was $529 with 25% Discount(because I told them that's what I could get if I took it to Jiffy Lube where my son works) cost was $397. However-I believe I was charged 6 hrs labor for all this because labor was $594 --don't believe it took that long -this was all done at Merchants
A timing belt and a serpentime (or accessory) belt are NOT the same thing! Sepentine belts are external and drive things like the water pump, power steering pump and anlternator. Simple to change in most cases. A timimg belt is typicly internal and times the cam(s) to the crank. Can be flairly complex to change.
I was glad to find out on the internet that my v6 twin overhead cam engine was a non-interference motor. This makes a big difference when you have your timing belt break. It should have been replaced every 60K but I was not aware like a lot of other people.
Was told at first it is probably a sensor...later they call and say its the timing belt and will cost $760. I ask why so expensive.....they say it has a "kit" and all these other things to change w it? Also...going to take 4 hours to do it. Weird thing is they say my timin belt is broken...car won't start, yet before towing it to the shop...it was starting just not staying on. I asked another mechanic, they say it doesn't sound right. I think I'm being taken for a ride don't you?
Replaced timing chain, tensioner, spark plugs, cleaned throttle body as well as oil + oil filter. Parts totaled 250.15 while labor was 637.79. Tax was 62.16. Car is now leaking oil.
Posted by: Bad Timing ( BELT!!!! in Colorado Springs, CO.
Posted: April 11th, 2011 05:04AM
Car Make: 2002 PT cruiser
Car Model: Chrysler
Hours of Labor: 8
So far on hold in Mechanics garage. Yes I did not know these parts existed. Dealer will get repaired but at higher cost they did not give gaurantee. Will post progress later
I purchased my Elantra new in 2007. When I hit 105,000 miles two weeks ago I decided to replace the timing belt. I purchased a kit that included a belt, idler and tensioner. I also purchased a new water pump and new belts for the AC and alternator/water pump. The old timing belt did not look too bad but the tensioner pulley had a groove warn in it. No special tools require but you need a impact hammer to remove the crank pulley bolt. It has right hand threads. I think the Hyundai engineers did a good job when they designed the engine and engine compartment. When it hits 210,000 miles I will do it again..
Timing Belt, Tensioner, Waterpump, All Acces. drive belts, 2 gallons coolant, 4 sparkplugs and valve cover gasket set and valve adjustment. Not a bad price for a dealer!
Timing belt, drive belt, water pump, tensioner, 3 oil seals, coolant for timing belt replacement, 6 platinum spark plugs, and oil change. Performed at a Honda dealer.
Timing belt, Water pump, Assy belts and bulbs for DRS. Tri-County Toyota. FYI, a tune up at a Lexus Dealer is close to $900 and no major work is done. This was a bargain.
Timing belt, water pump, idler pulley, tensioner & water pump
Amount: $1,188.00
Posted by: Happy Camry Owner, NY in Washington DC, DC.
Posted: November 30th, 2011 07:11AM
Car Make: Toyota
Car Model: 1994 Camry, 290,000 miles
Hours of Labor: 10
Water pump, Timing Belt, Tensioner, all Acces. drive belts(water pump, power steering pump and anlternator), flush cooling system, 6 platinum spark plugs and valve cover gasket set and valve adjustment. Everything Toyota parts