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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.
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.
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.
You cannot drive a car if the timing belt is broken, it’s as simple as that. The timing belt looks just like a rubber belt with teeth on the inside. … The most common thing that’s going to happen if your timing belt fails while you’re driving is that the valves are going to get bent.
Depending on what schedule you may read, including information distributed by the manufacturers themselves, the average life span of a timing belt is between 60,000 and 105,000 miles or after 7 to 10 years regardless of mileage.
Typical costs: Hiring a mechanic to replace a timing chain typically costs $300-$1,000, depending on the make and model of the vehicle, its age and whether the work is performed at a dealership or an independent shop. Purchased separately, a timing chain typically costs $50-$250 or more.
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.
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.
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.
Engine Misfires or Runs Roughly
When your timing belt has worn down it will begin to affect your engines timing, causing misfires. Since the timing belt controls the action of the pistons within the engine if the belt is worn or lose they will move erratically if they move at all.
Misalignment is one of the main causes of the timing belt drive failure and can cause a broken timing belt. Excessive or uneven tooth wear on the timing belt, the belt tracking and tensile failure, and tensile damage can all be attributed to misalignment of the timing belt.
Unless there is a specific problem, the timing chain normally needs to be replaced between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. If you drive an older vehicle, or one close to 100,000 miles, you should have it replaced or at least become aware of the symptoms of a failing timing chain.
Listen for a metallic sound that resembles a rattling or scrapping noise. The sound can be intermittent or constant, but it will be a metal to metal contact. … If you hear a rattle, metal to metal slapping or scraping coming from inside the cover, it indicates a timing chain noise.
A timing chain can break with either too much or not enough tension. If the chain does not have enough tension, it can develop slack. … A chain with too much tension can also fail, as it is placed under excessive stress. Tension increases friction and heat in the chain, which can result in failure.
The timing chain normally needs to be replaced between 80,000 and 120,000 miles unless there is a specific problem.
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.
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.
When the timing chain is loose, it can cause a vibration in the motor resulting in a rattling noise as the engine idles or when starting. If you hear a rattle, it means something is loose and needs to be fixed before it breaks.
If the timing is off, damage can occur. In some engines, called “interference engines,” the consequences can be especially bad. … You could end up having to have your engine rebuilt, or even replaced. If your cam timing is off, chances are you’ll know because your car will not be running well, if it’s running at all.
They can be anywhere from $500 to $2000+ plus, depending on a few key factors: Vehicle make and model. Labor costs. Parts replaced.
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