Is it expensive to replace a timing belt?

Generally, it costs a few hundred to about a thousand dollars, depending on your car and what parts are replaced. DIY enthusiasts can save significantly, but professional service is common because timing belt work carries a risk of serious engine damage if done incorrectly.

What a timing belt does and why replacement matters

The timing belt coordinates the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft(s) to ensure the engine’s valves open and close at the right moments. If the belt fails, it can cause severe engine damage, especially in interference engines where pistons and valves share space. Replacing the belt at the manufacturer-recommended interval helps prevent costly breakdowns.

Interference vs. non-interference engines

In interference engines, a belt failure can cause valves to bend or collide with pistons, leading to expensive repairs. In non-interference engines, the risk of valve damage after a belt failure is lower, but a failure still leads to a breakdown. Most modern cars with timing belts are interference engines, so replacement is typically treated as a critical maintenance item.

Cost outlook: what you can expect to pay

Below are rough ranges you might encounter for timing belt replacement in the United States. Prices vary by region, shop, and vehicle, and some quotes include additional components or services. The figures below are intended to give a sense of scale rather than a guaranteed price.

• Common, non-luxury cars (belt kit plus labor, belt only or with basic components): about $500–$900 total.


• Vehicles where the water pump, tensioners, and seals are replaced as part of the kit: typically $600–$1,100.


• Luxury or European models with complex timing covers or specialty parts: often $900–$1,500 or more.


• Do-it-yourself approach (parts only, no labor): roughly $60–$250 for the belt kit and related components.

In short, most drivers will encounter a few hundred to near a thousand dollars for a standard job, with higher costs if additional components are replaced or if the vehicle is harder to service.

What affects the price

Several factors can push the price up or down. Being aware of them helps you compare quotes and plan appropriately.

• Whether the water pump and tensioners are included in the kit


• Labor rates in your region and the shop’s level of expertise


• Engine design and accessibility (how easy the belt is to reach)


• Vehicle make, model, and engine complexity


• Whether other components (seals, pulleys, thermostat housing) are replaced during the service


• Warranty and service type (independent shop vs. dealership)

Understanding these factors can help you set realistic expectations and avoid surprises when you receive quotes.

DIY vs. professional service

Performing a timing belt replacement yourself can save on labor, but it carries significant risk if you’re not experienced. The job requires precise timing marks, torque specs, and sometimes special tools. If done incorrectly, the engine can be damaged when you start it again. Factory service or a reputable independent shop is usually recommended for most drivers.

• Pros of DIY: lower out-of-pocket cost, learning experience, immediate scheduling.


• Cons of DIY: potential for catastrophic engine damage, voided warranties, tool cost, time investment.


• Pros of professional service: proper timing alignment, guaranteed labor, potential inclusion of warranty or follow-up checks.


• Cons of professional service: higher upfront price, scheduling and shop hours to consider.

Whether you choose to DIY or go with a pro, ensure the vehicle’s timing marks are set correctly and all related components are inspected for wear.

Maintenance tips and warnings

- Check your owner’s manual for the exact replacement interval, which often ranges from 60,000 to 100,000 miles (96,000–160,000 km) depending on the model.

- If you hear squealing, rattling, or signs of belt wear (cracks, fraying, glazing), don’t delay service. A belt failure can strand you and cause costly damage.

- When replacing the belt, consider replacing the water pump, tensioners, and seals at the same time to save on future labor costs and reduce the chance of additional disruptions.

Summary

Timing belt replacement is not typically a routine, inexpensive maintenance item, but it isn’t universally exorbitant either. Most drivers should expect a total cost in the hundreds to low thousands, depending on the vehicle and whether additional components are included. DIY can cut costs but carries risk; professional service offers peace of mind and a warranty. Planning ahead and obtaining multiple quotes helps you balance cost, reliability, and timing.

How long does it take to replace a timing belt?

Replacing a timing belt typically takes 3 to 5 hours for a professional mechanic, but the time can vary significantly depending on the vehicle's make and model, as well as the mechanic's experience. For a first-time DIYer, the job can take 6 to 12 hours or even more, as it requires careful work and can have unexpected delays. 
For experienced mechanics

• Average time: 3 to 5 hours. 
• Faster times: Some experienced technicians can complete the job in as little as 2.5 hours, especially if they have a lot of experience with that specific engine. 
• Longer times: Some complex engines, like diesel models, can take longer even for experienced professionals. 

For DIYers

• Initial attempts: Expect the process to take 6 to 12 hours or more. 
• Factors that increase time:
  • Lack of experience with the process. 
  • The need to be extra careful and double-check every step. 
  • Replacing additional components like the water pump, tensioner, and idler pulleys, which is highly recommended. 
  • Encountering unforeseen issues, which is common with a job like this. 

What influences the time required

• Vehicle design: The accessibility of the timing belt varies from car to car. Some models have very straightforward access, while others may require removing the bumper, radiator, and other components to get to the belt. 
• Experience level: A mechanic who has performed the job many times on a specific engine will be much faster than one doing it for the first time or a DIYer. 
• Scope of the job: Replacing just the belt is faster, but it's highly recommended to replace the belt, tensioner, and water pump at the same time to prevent future failures and extra labor costs. 

Can I drive my car with a bad timing belt?

No, you cannot and should not drive your car with a bad timing belt. A failing belt could break at any moment, which will immediately stop your engine and can cause catastrophic internal engine damage, requiring a tow to a repair shop. If your car is running with a bad timing belt, it's a risk to stop driving and have it replaced as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs. 
You can watch this video to learn about the symptoms of a bad timing belt and what happens if it breaks: 54sEasyAutoFixYouTube · Aug 24, 2022
What happens if you drive with a bad timing belt
This video explains what happens when a timing belt breaks: 58sHumbleMechanicYouTube · May 5, 2021

• Immediate engine stall: A broken timing belt will cause your engine to stop running immediately. 
• Severe engine damage: In many modern cars (interference engines), the pistons and valves occupy the same space at different times. If the belt breaks, the pistons can collide with the valves, leading to bent valves, damaged cylinder heads, and other severe, expensive internal engine damage. 
• Costly repairs: The damage from a broken timing belt can result in a much larger repair bill than replacing the belt itself. 

Signs of a bad timing belt

• Clicking or ticking sounds from the engine
• Oil leaks near the motor
• High RPMs
• The engine won't turn over
• Visible cracks or fraying on the belt (if you can safely inspect it) 

What to do

• Do not drive the car: If you suspect your timing belt is bad, do not drive it. 
• Call a tow truck: Have your car towed to a trusted mechanic for a proper diagnosis and replacement. 
• Get it replaced immediately: Have the timing belt replaced as soon as you can, along with any other recommended parts like the tensioners and pulleys. 

How much should I pay for a timing belt replacement?

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. 

Is it worth fixing the timing belt on a car?

Even a slight issue with your cambelt can be catastrophic for your car engine, so it's important to get it looked at regularly. If your cambelt belt does break, the engine will stop which may mean that systems that rely on it could feel different.