A rubber belt synchronizing the actions in the camshaft and the crankshaft to allow the valves to move safely and to keep your engine running is termed as a timing belt. In the older versions of vehicles, the timing belt is a chain even though they serve the same purpose and it’s the most significant in the functioning of the vehicle.
It loops around the end of various shafts to provide rotational energy moving in one direction to drive the wheels. In other words, the timing belt acts as a link between the camshaft and the crankshaft, the crankshaft helps in changing the vertical energy produced through the pistons and the camshaft helps in opening and closing of the valves for air circulation.
With time your timing belt may wear out and it will need to be replaced, generally sew cars will need to go for up to 100,000miles and older ones at a distance of 60,000 miles to be replaced.
How much does it cost to change a timing belt?
The cost of changing a timing belt depends on the model of your car, car make, and the manufacturer of your car. This cost is split into labor that an expert needs to separate several parts of your car engine to access the belt and the cost should strictly be after every four years, another cost is of purchasing new pieces of kits that are the belt itself, tensioners, pulleys, drive belts and seals.
Discussed below is the timing belt charging cost of different vehicles.
1. Ford Fiesta 1.6 TDCI
In companion with 1.6D C30, S40. S80 and the water pump together with the timing belt, the vehicle Ford Fiesta 1.6 TCDI will then get the best replacement for its operation. The named components go for £534.53 in the current market and it can range up to £429.10.
2. Ford Fiesta 2.0 TDCI
At £379.99 then your vehicle will be good to go. The price can go up to as low as £304.34. With this cost, you will be provided with the locking tool kit that will be used in setting the timing when replacing the timing belt.
3. Ford C Max 1.8 TDCI
This kind of car will require a cost of up to £490.78 and it goes to as low as £405.60 with a replacement interval of 125,000 miles or 10 years, also the service history of the vehicle must be considered.
4. Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 petrol
For you to change the timing belt of this model, then you will have to spend up to £459.68 and it runs up to £393.90, it’s also recommended that you should change the water pump and timing tensioner at the same time as the belt itself.
5. Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI
For your Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI model then it will cost you £514.37 and you can pay for it in installments of £40 per month for 12 months with the lowest price being £425.10 Also you are provided with a cambelt kit and water pump at the agreed cost.
6. Nissan Qashqai 1.5 DCI
At a replacing interval of 10 years which adds up to 50,000 miles advance conditions then you will change your timing belt at £495.30 to as low as £401.70 when new.
7. Toyota Auris
A timing belt for Toyota Auris will cost a total of £322.87 to a range of up to £274.09 depending on your area. The given cost also includes the timing chain, and the labor time is between 3 to 4 hours.
8. Citroen Berlingo 1.6 Litres multi space
To secure a timing belt for your Citroen Berlingo 1.6 multispace you will be forced to have a budget of about £384.48 ranging to £328.90 depending on your area.
What are the possible signals that alerts you to change your timing belt
As recommended early, replacing the timing belt of your car should be after every 60,000 miles mark distance but at some times you may notice some symptoms of a worn timing belt. Some of the red flags which alert you to change your timing belt are:
- Your engine failing to turn over will be a clear indication that your timing breaks are broken making your engine not to turn over, also you will hear the sound of the starter motor engaging when you are turning the key.
- The engine misfiring- When your belt is worn, it will be sleeping hence causing the engine cylinders to open or close out of sync. Also, you will hear a banging noise from the engine and possibly feeling a jerking motion.
- A visual check should be part of your routine service purposely to check the oil leaks or any belt contamination which may contribute to earlier belt failure.
FAQs About Change Timing Belt:
- What does a timing chain do?
Given that a timing belt is to synchronize the rotation of a crankshaft and a camshaft, then the chain allows proper timing and allows the engine valves to open and close during each cylinder’s misfiring process.
- What causes a timing belt to break or wear?
As a result of internal component wear, then with time, your timing belts will stretch. Due to this, the chain tensions that are connected to the chain may wear out, hence leading to the timing belt breaking.
- Why is a timing chain making noise?
During a start-up, the timing belt makes the noise that is, when the oil pressure and flow are at their lowest level. Also when there is excess slack on the timing belt then these will cause a rattling noise and at times a clunking noise. When the timing belt extends the wear, then the noise will continue after starting up.
- Why is it expensive to replace a timing belt?
Because they are not easily accessible hence demanding intensive labor jobs and when replacing the timing belt you will also have to change other parts like tensioner, water pump, and idler arm, then this requirement will have to cost you a lot more.
Conclusion
In our discussion over the timing belt, we have seen the possible cost of the timing belt for all vehicle types, therefore before you get off your journey to look for a spare, it’s important to know the price for your vehicle model’s timing belt. Given the minimum amount is £300 ranging to £600 then you should prepare your budget within the limit.
To avoid spending for the unplanned cost, you better consider observing the possible alerts as discussed in our article and you should give the alerts the attention that is required. Finally, worn timing belts must always be replaced.
Doing your own car maintenance can help you save money. In this video, Bruce Bonebrake shows you how the timing belt makes all the parts in your car’s engine work together.