Recent Cambelt Change Mechanic Reviews in Cheshire
First Stop Cars Ltd
Garage in Cheshire, 13 years of experience
We have experience Mechanic and Body repairer worked in well-known cooperation as Stagecoach (Mechanic) and Bentley (Body-repairer and painter) for over 13 years. We have challenged many obstacles in our lif...
GARY, MANCHESTER
Nissan Qashqai • Timing belt replacement
J Delaney Automotive
Garage in Cheshire, 19 years of experience
At J Delaney Mobile Mechanic we have 19 years experience working on all makes and models we do everything from a diagnostics inspection to clutch jobs mobile.
RUSSELL, Macclesfield
Vauxhall Zafira • Timing belt replacement
Very impressive.“
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BERTHA, GREATER MANCHESTER
Vauxhall Astra • Diesel particulate filter (DPF) physical clean and regeneration
Aidan Booth
Mobile mechanic in Cheshire, 8 years of experience
I started out as an Apprentice HGV Mechanic, moved onto to be a technician at Citroen for 2 years then moved to become a Qualified service technician at Volkswagen for 4 years where I get regulars training ...
JAKE, Manchester
Skoda Octavia • Timing belt replacement
Aiden was great. He fitted a new drive belt very quickly. He also pointed out a couple of minor issues before he left. I had difficulty moving the car because the handbrake had ceased (the car had not moved for over a month). He explained what to do to free it and it worked. He also pointed out the contacts on the battery were slightly corroded which caused a failure to start the engine on ignition. He cleaned them up. He stuck around until all this was sorted and I am very thankful.
Regards
Patrick“
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PATRICK, Greater Manchester
DLM MOTORS LTD
Mobile mechanic in Cheshire, 20 years of experience
Multi-skilled vehicle technicians, with good all-round technical, mechanical and electrical expertise. Very capable with an ability to diagnose faults on vehicles using specialist diagnostic equipment. We pe...
Honest and trustworthy.
Talked through all the work and extra work that needs doing on my car.”
BONNY, Liverpool
Kia Picanto • Diagnostic Inspection
NICOLA, LIVERPOOL
Mercedes-Benz B-Class • Glow plugs replacement (all)
Avs Servicing
Garage in Cheshire, 25 years of experience
AVS are the on-site servicing and repair experts, we are main dealer trained technicians to ensure quality of work , we come to you at home or work, Avs will protect your warranty by using genuine parts and...
CHRISTOPHER, Cheshire
Volkswagen Scirocco • Timing belt replacement
A1 Auto Repair Center LTD
Garage in Cheshire, 6 years of experience
A1 Auto Repair Centre opened in 2013 and is owned and operated by owner Stephen Swift. The garage operate a 4 ramp workshop along with 1 pit. We have the ability to cater for all makes/models & repairs. We a...
ALISTAIR, Liverpool
Alfa Romeo Giulietta • Timing belt replacement
The mechanic arrived on-time and asked questions about the diagnostic problem I have had with my engine, offered a solution on that my engine was covered in oil and was to steam clean to get rid of excess oil.
Had an MOT and service done with these guys, I must say its really good value for money and I am amazed at the price! Further to this - they even went the extra mile and gave my car a clean which I appreciate very much.
I advise if you need car repairs head down to A1 Auto Repair Centre, they are professionals at what they do and for good value. I will happily go back to them again if I face any more problems with my car.“
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HADYN, St Helens
Volkswagen Golf Plus • MOT with collection & delivery
Write some more so app will accept feedback”
ADRIAN, MACCLESFIELD
Citroen Berlingo • Timing belt replacement
Pit Stop Car Repairs
Garage in Cheshire, 10 years of experience
Your Local One Stop Car Shop has everything you need for your car, from car wash and cleaning to service to freshen your cars engine up, to repair to add life to it and if you are bored of yours or it has co...
GAVIN, Greater Manchester
Volvo S40 • Timing belt replacement
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SAMANTHA, Manchester
Audi A3 • Lower ball joint replacement - front (passenger side)
AF&MM Motors LTD
Garage in Cheshire, 15 years of experience
Our mechanic have 20 years experience on repairs cars and van, diagnostic, engine rebuilding, other mechanic have 10 years experience on cars diagnostic, mechanical repairs, and body work repairs.
SEFTON HIRE LTD
Garage in Cheshire, 11 years of experience
We have been servicing and maintaing vehicles here since 2010. We can assisit in every aspect of vehicle maintenance, from pucture repairs to in depth vehicle diagnostics. We offer a twelve month warranty o...
MARTIN, Liverpool
Vauxhall Astra • Timing belt replacement
BARRY, LIVERPOOL
Ford Focus • Clutch replacement
Want to learn more about Cambelt changes in Cheshire?
Read our short guide with information on costs, symptoms and more.
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.
Can I still drive with a worn cambelt?
Cambelts (also known as a timing belt) normally must be replaced according to manufacturer guidelines. Manufacturers give recommended replacement intervals, both in terms of age and mileage. It is preventative maintenance that should never be overlooked. If you suspect there is any issue with the cambelt or there are concerns about its age or condition, book a diagnostic inspection immediately and do not drive the vehicle. A snapped or broken timing belt can cause catastrophic damage to the engine.
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.
How long does a Cambelt last?
How long a cambelt lasts will depend on a number of factors, generally this can range anywhere from 40,000 miles to 100,000 miles, or indeed a number of years. Manufacturers give recommended replacement intervals, both in terms of age and mileage. It is preventative maintenance that should never be overlooked. Intervals will depend on the vehicle's make and model.
Does changing the Cambelt improve performance?
A new timing belt won't improve engine performance, but can return engine to the correct state of operation and performance. As the belt loosens up and wears away over time, engine performance can reduce as the engine moves out of time to a small extent. Replacing the belt can help address that. Unfortunately in 99% of cases you will only know if there is an issue with the cambelt when it breaks.
Is a faulty cambelt an MOT failure?
No, a faulty cambelt should not lead to an MOT failure, the cambelt or timing belt is not checked as part of an MOT.
What can cause the timing belt or cambelt to break?
There are a few reasons why a timing belt or cambelt may break:
* Timing belt may be old and worn out.
* Timing belt may be damaged due to improper installation or tension.
* Water pump seizure can also cause the timing belt to break.
How much does it cost to replace the timing belt and the water pump together?
On average, the cost for a cambelt or timing belt replacement is £300. A water pump replacement generally costs between £115 and £375.
What does a bad or worn out timing belt sound like?
You may hear a clicking or ticking sound coming from the engine. You may also constantly hear knocking or slapping noises if the timing belt tensioner is unfastened and the timing belt is no longer tensioned correctly. In the worst case scenario you may find that you can't start your car at all if the cambelt has come off or has broken.
What is the difference between a timing belt and a timing chain?
A timing belt is made of rubber, whereas a timing belt is a metal chain. A timing belt is a toothed belt made of reinforced rubber that rides on sprocket wheels. As the belt turns, it spins the crank and cam shafts in sync so the valves open and close at the proper time. A timing chain is a metal chain that does the same thing as a timing belt.
The best thing to do is check your owner's manual as this will specify if your engine has a timing chain or belt.
Can low engine oil cause the cambelt to break?
In most cars, the tensioner is pressurised by the engine oil and in the absense of the oil pressure is lot leading to the belt getting loose or breaking completely. This can also occur when there is an engine oil leak.
Is the timing belt checked in the MOT test?
No, the timing belt is not checked during an MOT test which is why it's essential to get it replaced as per the manufacturer's recommendations. A worn out timing belt can snap and cause expensive damage to the engine.
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Mechanics in and around Cheshire
Recent Cambelt change quotes in Cheshire
These recent quotes were taken from our quote engine which uses third-party industry standard data on repair times, along with a live parts retailer, and a regional labour rate to build an accurate free quote. We are constantly improving our quote engine, so please let us know if a price seems incorrect.