How much is a timing belt package?
Prices for a timing belt package vary widely by vehicle, contents, and brand. For parts alone, you’ll typically see about 40 to 350 dollars, while kits that include a water pump usually run about 120 to 500 dollars. Labor costs are extra and can add several hundred dollars to the total. The exact price depends on your car’s make and model, the kit’s contents, and where you shop.
Cost overview: what you’re paying for
Below is a breakdown of typical price levels you may encounter across aftermarket suppliers and OEM options. A short list helps distinguish what’s included at each price point.
- Basic timing belt kit (belt + tensioner): commonly 40–120 USD; higher-end brands or specialty belts may push toward 150 USD.
- Timing belt kit with water pump: commonly 120–350 USD; premium brands or OEM-equivalent pumps can reach 400–500 USD.
- OEM/dealer-level kits or high-end brands: commonly 200–500+ USD, depending on vehicle and included components.
In practice, most drivers shopping aftermarket will fall into the middle ranges: a belt-only kit for basic maintenance, or a pump-inclusive kit for vehicles that require a new water pump during the timing belt service.
What’s included in a timing belt package?
A typical timing belt package includes essential components to replace the belt and maintain proper timing, with additional parts offered in pump-inclusive kits. The exact contents depend on the vehicle and the kit you purchase.
Basic kit components
A basic kit usually contains the timing belt itself in addition to one or more tensioners and idler pulleys that keep the belt aligned and under proper tension.
Full kit with water pump
Many buyers opt for a full kit that adds a water pump, plus seals, gaskets, and sometimes a thermostat. Replacing the water pump during a timing belt service is common, since both components often fail around the same interval and share labor.
- Water pump (in pump-inclusive kits)
- Seals and gaskets
- Thermostat (occasionally included)
- Timing belt tensioner and idlers
These contents are designed to minimize the chance of a future failure related to the timing system and to streamline installation for a mechanic.
Brand, vehicle type, and regional differences
Prices vary not only by kit content but also by the brand (OEM vs aftermarket), the vehicle’s make and model, and where you’re shopping. European and some Asian imports often command higher prices due to part availability and the complexity of certain engines. Common aftermarket brands include Gates, Dayco, Continental, and Aisin, each offering belt-only and pump-inclusive kits at different price points. Always verify compatibility with your exact vehicle year, make, model, and engine code before purchase.
Labor costs and total project price
Installation labor is a major component of the total cost. Shops typically charge by the hour, and timing belt jobs are labor-intensive. Here’s what to expect on labor costs:
- Typical time: 3–6 hours for many vehicles; some cars require more time due to engine layout or auxiliary work.
- Labor rate: commonly 75–150 USD per hour in many regions, though higher in urban or dealer settings.
- Estimated labor total: roughly 225–900 USD, depending on the vehicle and local rates.
When you add parts plus labor, total project prices commonly range from about 300 to 1,000 USD for many mid-range vehicles. Luxury or complex engines can exceed that range, especially if a dealer-level kit or expensive OEM parts are used.
Tips for saving money and choosing the right kit
- Compare reputable brands (Gates, Dayco, Continental, Aisin) and read vehicle-specific compatibility notes.
- Consider a pump-inclusive kit if your vehicle’s water pump is near the end of its life or if labor costs are high, to avoid a second service later.
- Ask the shop to provide a parts warranty and to confirm whether the price includes seals, gaskets, and a thermostat.
- Get a written estimate that separates parts and labor, and inquire about potential additional costs if extra components are found to be worn during the service.
Be mindful that very low-price quotes can reflect cheaper or non-OEM parts; for a critical engine timing system, investing in quality parts and a professional installation is often the safer choice.
Summary
Today’s timing belt package prices range from roughly 40–120 USD for a belt-only kit to 120–350 USD for a pump-inclusive aftermarket kit, with OEM and premium options rising to 500 USD or more. Labor adds roughly 225–900 USD depending on the car and local rates. By understanding what’s included in a kit, confirming compatibility, and weighing pump vs non-pump options, you can estimate the total project cost more accurately and choose the best value for your vehicle.
Is changing a timing belt a big job?
Changing the belt is relatively easy, only half the car has to come apart, but to do it properly, there are so many checks and replacements caused by debris from the belt that it costs a fortune.
Is it worth fixing a timing belt on a car?
Whether it's worth fixing a broken timing belt depends on the extent of the damage caused and the value of the vehicle. If the break has led to severe engine damage in an older car, the repair cost might outweigh the car's value.
What is included in a timing belt package?
In most cases, a timing belt kit will consist of the belt itself, 2-3 idler pulleys, and a tensioner. When the job is done, all these components will be changed out. In most cases, a timing belt kit will run between $100 -350.
How much should a timing belt job cost?
The average cost to replace a timing belt is between $500 and $1,000, but can range from $300 up to $1,700 or more depending on the vehicle. This price typically includes parts and labor, but the total varies based on your car's make and model, labor rates in your area, and whether additional components like the water pump, tensioners, and pulleys are replaced at the same time. Replacing the water pump simultaneously is often recommended as it's a similar cost to replace both at once, and is more economical than paying for the same labor twice later.
Factors that influence the cost
- Parts: The cost of the belt, water pump, tensioner, and other related parts varies by vehicle.
- Labor: Labor is the biggest expense due to the amount of disassembly required to access the belt, which can take three to five hours or more.
- Vehicle complexity: Smaller cars with smaller engines are generally less expensive to service than larger vehicles, trucks, or luxury cars.
- Additional repairs: Many mechanics recommend replacing the water pump and other parts, like tensioners and pulleys, at the same time. This adds to the total cost but is often a good value to avoid future repairs.
- Location: Labor rates can be higher in metropolitan areas.
- Shop type: Dealerships tend to have higher rates than independent mechanics.
Why timing belt replacement is important
- Timing belts are crucial for engine timing. If a belt breaks while the engine is running, it can cause severe internal engine damage, potentially requiring an engine replacement which is significantly more expensive than a new timing belt.
- Belts should be replaced at manufacturer-recommended intervals, usually every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or every 7-10 years, whichever comes first.
- It is best to replace the timing belt preventatively, as there are often no warning signs before it fails.
