Chuck's Garage Lansing is your timing belt replacement shop in Lansing MI. Our ASE certified auto repair technicians have the training, experience, and equipment to correctly do timing belt change in Lansing MI.
How much does Timing Belt Replacement cost?
We specialize in timing belt replacement so we can provide the best timing belt replacement price in Lansing MI.
When you compare timing belt replacement prices make sure the quote includes ALL required parts. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing timing belt, timing belt tensioner roller, timing belt idler roller, and the water pump at the same time to save on future repair costs. Some vehicle manufacturers also recommend the timing belt pulleys be replaced at same time as the timing belt. It is also best practice to replace the engine thermostat and accessory or serpentine drive belt at same time as the timing belt. The timing belt system parts are all designed with the same life span as the belt so should be replaced at the same time. If they are not replaced with the belt they may fail and require the whole whole job to be done again.
The largest cost of timing belt replacement is the large amount of labor involved.
What We Do
- Remove engine parts needed to gain access to engine timing cover.
- Remove engine timing cover, inspect timing belt and pulleys for needed parts.
- Inspect timing belt area for oil and coolant leaks. Leaks must be repaired before the new timing belt is installed.
- Remove and replace timing belt, water pump, belt tensioner, pulleys if required.
- Start engine and check for proper engine operation, check/adjust ignition timing (if required), and check for cooling system leaks.
Notes
- The timing belt, belt tensioner, and water pump should be replaced as a set.
- If the timing belt tensioner should fail after only replacing the belt, it can cause serious engine damage.
- If the water pump fails before the next timing belt replacement is due you will have to pay the labor to remove the timing belt in order to replace the water pump.
- For vehicles where the water pump is driven by the timing belt (true for 60% of vehicles), replacing the water pump at the time of the timing belt replacement is good value and can save you a significant future repair bill. Labor cost is usually the larger part of timing belt replacement cost.
What is a Timing Belt?
The timing belt is a toothed rubber belt that turns the camshaft which opens and closes the engine valves. Timing belts have replaced the metal timing chain which was used in the past. The advantage is a quieter engine and lower manufacturing cost. Timing belts are also usually much cheaper to replace than a timing chain.
When To Replace Your Timing Belt
There is no visual timing belt inspection required. Timing belts have a scheduled replacement life specified by your vehicle manufacturer (check your vehicle user manual). Recommended timing belt replacement interval is usually 60,000 to 100,000 miles depending on the vehicle and engine. Just contact us and we will look up the recommended timing belt replacement life for your vehicle.
How Important is Timing Belt Replacement?
Timing belts become worn over time, cracking, delaminating, and eventually breaking if not replaced. Distance driven, age, and oil contamination all contribute to timing belt breakdown and failure. If your engine has timing belt noise don't ignore it!
Timing belt replacement is a critical service requirement. There is no way to measure or judge the remaining life of a timing belt. If the belt breaks the engine will not run and usually results in serious engine damage. We highly recommend a timing belt replacement according to your vehicle’s factory recommended maintenance schedule.
Avoid Timing Belt Failure
Don’t risk a roadside breakdown. There are no warning signs before a timing belt fails. When a timing belt breaks your vehicle will immediately quit running. The only remedy for timing belt failure is a tow truck and replacement. With many vehicles it means an unexpected repair bill for a total engine replacement.
Do your wallet a favor and let our auto repair technicians replace your timing belt. We will confirm the recommended replacement interval and correctly install a new timing belt.
Common Timing Belt Problems
- timing belt failure
- worn timing belt pulleys
- timing belt tensioner bearing noise
Timing Belt FAQ
Must timing belts be replaced?
Yes. Timing belts are a routine maintenance procedure that is required by most vehicle manufacturers. Timing belts are like tires and simply wear out and need to be periodically replaced.
How much does a timing belt replacement cost?
Timing belt replacement cost can vary greatly with vehicle make, model, and options. You will need to contact us to get an estimate for your vehicle.
Timing belt replacement price will be different for every vehicle make, model, engine size, engine type, and vehicle options. All these variables affect the labor cost to change a timing belt. Domestic vehicles usually have lower timing belt replacement cost. Some import autos and high performance engines having the highest cost.
Timing belt replacement price can range from $500 to $2000 or more depending on your vehicle make and model. The labor costs are far greater than the parts cost.
How much does it cost to fix a broken timing belt?
If you wait until the timing belt breaks it can result in a very expensive repair.
The added expensive of a broken timing belt results from repairing the damage a broken timing belt can cause. Most engines do not survive a broken timing belt. The whole engine must be replaced! And that is expensive.
There are a few vehicle engines where a broken timing belt does not damage the engine, but they are rare.
How long should it take to replace a timing belt?
It depends on the vehicle. Some are quick and easy. Some are a complex, labor-intensive procedure. The average is 4 to 8 hours. Some high performance engines or import vehicles can take 15 hours or more.
What are the signs of a bad timing belt?
Usually there are no signs of a bad timing belt until the belt breaks. On almost all vehicles the timing belt can not be inspected without significant engine disassembly. It is best to follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommended mileage and age limits for replacement.
Should I replace my water pump at the same time as the timing belt?
The timing belt, belt idler pulleys, belt tensioner, and water pump are all designed to last the same amount of mileage or time. They should always be replaced as a set when the timing belt is replaced. Your vehicle's service manual will tell you what part replacement is recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer.
Can you change the water pump without changing the timing belt?
Technically yes, but you risk the used timing belt breaking after it is removed and reinstalled. The cost of a new timing belt is very low compared to repairing the damage caused by a broken timing belt. Knowledgeable repair shops will not install a used timing belt regardless of its age and mileage.
How long will a timing belt last?
Every vehicle is different. A general rule of thumb is timing belts require replacement every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Your vehicle owner's manual will specify the mileage driven and age that the manufacturer recommends for timing belt replacement. Even if your vehicle has low mileage timing belts deteriorate with age.
Why is replacing a timing belt so expensive?
High labor cost. Timing belt replacement takes a lot of time. Parts are usually a small part of the total price.
Do timing belts go bad with age?
Yes. Age is perhaps more important than miles in the life of a timing belt. More timing belts break due to age than mileage driven.
What is the maximum age for timing belts?
Seven years is the maximum life of the timing belt recommended by most vehicle manufacturers. High under-hood temperatures and oil contamination cause synthetic rubber timing belts to deteriorate with age.
If you need timing belt replacement near Lansing, MI please contact us for a free estimate or appointment.
Chuck's Garage Lansing
3503 W. St. Joseph Street
Lansing, MI 48917
517-267-9900
