Cambelt change, repair & replacement made easy

What does a timing belt (cambelt) do?

The timing belt (or cambelt) is a toothed, strengthened rubber belt used to rotate the camshafts at the correct time with the pistons, hence “timing belt”.

What does a timing belt (cambelt) replacement involve?

• Mechanic will remove or loosen the components required to gain access to the cover. This may also involve removing a wheel as well, so do not be alarmed!
• Mechanic will then lock the camshafts and crankshaft in place with timing pins, before removing the old belt and associated guides and tensioner.
• Mechanic will also drain the cooling system and remove the water pump if it is driven by the belt
• Once a cleanup has been done, the mechanic will renew the components and finally fit the new belt.
• Any components removed will be put back in place, the cooling system replenished and the engine started and tested.
• The cooling system will then be bled of air and the vehicle road tested.

Can I replace the cambelt myself?

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a cambelt change is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

What are the signs of a bad timing belt?

Sadly in 99% of cases you will only know if there is an issue with the cambelt when it breaks! This can occur at any time, at any speed and usually at the most inconvenient time and place. This is why manufacturers give recommended replacement intervals, both in terms of age and mileage. It is preventative maintenance that should never be overlooked.

How long will a cambelt replacement take?

On average, cambelt change times can range from 1.5 to over 5 hours with an average of 2.7 hours. The time that the job takes will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

How often should a Cambelt be changed?

The lifespan of a cambelt is generally between 5 to 8 years, depending on the manufacturer. Every vehicle which has an engine that uses a timing belt, needs to have this done as part of the scheduled maintenance. Therefore always remember to replace the timing belt when stipulated in the car manufacturer's service schedule.

If your car is around the age of normally needing a scheduled cambelt change, and you have no record of the job ever having been done, it would be wise to get the belt replaced rather than chancing it.

When should you change your Cambelt?

Each manufacturer will give a recommended replacement interval for the timing belt on its vehicles. This information is usually available in the Owner Handbook, however if you do not have this in your possession, we are happy to advise accordingly.

If you have purchased a second hand vehicle and it has no timing belt change history, such as a garage invoice, then it is important to err on the side of caution and have it replaced as soon as possible,

Do I need to change the water pump when I change the timing belt?

On many engines, the water pump is driven by the belt as well. If this is the case, it is imperative to have it replaced at the same time. There are two reasons for this, firstly, the water pump is a pulley and bearing that forms part of the circuit the belt travels around and should it fail, then the belt will come off and that is the same as it breaking. Also, water pumps are prone to seizing, which again will break the belt.

The second reason is that should the water pump fail (and not damage the belt etc) and require replacing, then the timing belt would have to be renewed at the same time, so its best to have a new one fitted as a preventative course of maintenance.

Most mechanics will not carry out the work unless the pump is replaced in the situation as they know the consequences!

At what mileage should the Cambelt be changed?

If your car is fitted with a timing belt (and not a chain), then the replacement needs to be carried out at the time stipulated by the manufacturer. This could be between 5 - 7 years or 60,000 to 100,000 miles. So in reality, it is a very common jobs as all cars equipped as such need to have this done.

What happens if you don't change a Cambelt?

If the cambelt has not been replaced as per the maintenance schedule stipulated by the manufacturer the belt will be at risk of failure.

What happens if Cambelt breaks while driving?

If the cambelt should break, then the pistons will continue to rotate momentarily and collide with the valves in the cylinder head as they are no longer in the correct position as the camshaft will have stopped turning. The result of this collision can result in severe damage to the engine, from bent valves, to broken engine internals. It can even destroy an engine completely.

Unfortunately there are very few engines where you will get away with it breaking and just require a new belt although a few manufacturers have intentionally engineered weak points in the rocker arms to reduce the damage should it occur.

How do I know if my Cambelt is worn out?

You cannot generally check to see if a belt has been replaced recently or not as not only is access difficult, what you can see doesn’t give clear indication of its age.

How much does it cost to replace timing belt?

Cost for a cambelt or timing belt replacement is on average £300, with prices ranging from £200 to over £500. Ultimately, the cost of a timing belt replacement depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having your timing belt replaced by ClickMechanic by selecting your car at the top of this page!