Timing Belt Replacement Cost

A vehicle is a machine. Rather, it can be described as a complex mechanism that has many parts in it, which work simultaneously for the proper functioning and hassle-free driving. Every part of the vehicle needs to be in optimum working condition, otherwise one bad part can spread damage to the other parts of the car too, and increase repair costs considerably. One such important part of your vehicle is the timing belt. But what is a timing belt? Certainly, beginners might ask this question, as from the name, this part does not apparently sound to be a vehicle part! But let me tell you that the timing belt is one of the most important parts of the vehicle's engine, and it is mainly responsible for controlling the timing of the engine valves.

The timing belt is a significant part because it actually connects the camshaft to the crankshaft, and thus controls and monitors the opening and closing activities of the valves of the engine. For proper and smooth working of the engine, four-stroke engines are designed in such a way that the engine valves open and close at every revolution of the crankshaft. The timing belt therefore plays an important role over here, by turning the camshaft in synchronization with the crankshaft. Apart from this, timing belts also play an important role in the mechanism and working of other engine parts such as the oil pump and water pump. Repairs or replacement of these parts have a lot to do with the timing belt replacement cost.

Faulty Timing Belt Symptoms

Generally, a timing belt works well for a very long period. However, over a period of time, you need to replace them. Now you may ask, how do I know my vehicle needs a timing belt replacement? More often than not, the belt needs to be replaced anywhere between 75,000 to 100,000 miles. But besides this, there are actual symptoms that you can see when the working of timing belt goes wrong. These are very easily recognizable. Though, it is not necessary that your vehicle will show all the following symptoms. One symptom seen for a prolonged time should be sufficient enough to get the timing belt checked and replaced by a professional mechanic. Mentioned below are some of the timing belt symptoms.

• Difficult Ignition: Most cars that render a very good mileage suffer from the problem of ignition when the timing belt is damaged. The car does not start quickly and you have to hold the key for a long time to start the vehicle.
• Shaking Experience: You can feel your vehicle shaking! Well, not due to an earthquake, but very much because the timing of the timing belt has gone wrong! The timing with the pistons and valves is set very properly and accurately. However, if there's an internal or external damage to the timing belt, then the timing might go wrong and the car might tremble when in operation.
• Excessive Firing: Excessive firing, exceeding the quantity of exhaust, can cause problems to your car. Look for any damage to the timing belt. This might be the probable reason behind it.
• Engine Overheating and Leaking: Hot weather can sometimes damage timing belts that are made of rubber. As a result, your car engine might overheat and also start leaking. In such cases, you are left with no option other than replacing the timing belt.

Cost for Timing Belt Replacement

Now once you have confirmed that the timing belt needs a replacement, you can take it to a professional mechanic and get it done from him. But what is the cost of a timing belt replacement? It generally depends upon the local labor charges, purchase cost, and also the time required to remove the old timing belt and replace it with a new one, which can vary from 2 to 5 hours depending on your car model. Mostly, the average timing belt replacement cost is somewhere around US $250 - $750. Some mechanics will change you at an hourly rate, while others will charge you for the job the be done as a whole. Sometimes, vehicles also require the maintenance of other parts, therefore this aspect also influences and increases the cost incurred in replacing the timing belt.

Be it any part of your vehicle, it needs proper maintenance, prompt repair, and if conditions arise, immediate replacement. The timing belt is not an exception to this rule. Hope the above discussion proves useful to know about the timing belt replacement cost, and also when to replace it.