Cambelt change, repair & replacement in Reading made easy

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Cambelts are also called camshaft belts, timing belts or timing chains.

Expert Local Mechanics

120+

Total expert cambelt change mechanics operating in Reading

Number of Ratings

779

Total number of cambelt change reviews in Reading

Average Rating

Average user rating for cambelt change bookings in Reading

Top Mechanics For Cambelt Change, Repair & Replacements in Reading

9 Reviews

Garage in Reading, 11 years of experience

11 years experience no job to big or small Car Servicing Batteries & Exhausts Brakes Cambelts Clutches Gearboxes Air Conditioning Servicing/Repairs/Re-Gas Engine management faults ...

254 Reviews

Garage in Reading, 15 years of experience

Reading auto independent garage, we offer MOT repairs, wiring, clutches, gearbox, timing chains, timing belts water pumps, diagnosing checks services, tyres, ac filling and much more, with years of experienc...

98 Reviews

Garage in Reading, 15 years of experience

YOU MAY NEED A NEW BULB, FULL ENGINE CHANGE, BRAKES, CLUTCHES, EXHAUSTS, OR NEW TYRES. WE CAN HELP WITH ALL MECHANICAL REPAIRS AND SERVICES. WE OFFER EXCEPTIONALLY COMPETITIVE PRICES FOR OUR SERVICE PLANS AN...

12 Reviews

Garage in Reading, 7 years of experience

The business has a 2 bay workshop which caters for all makes/models & repairs. We are based in Reading and we offer full garage services and additionally offer collection/delivery or mobile services within ...

50 Reviews

Garage in Reading, 10 years of experience

The Servicing Master has been created by a dedicated group of people with a desire to offer a one stop shop for all your vehicle needs. Whether it’s a service, mechanical repair or a bodywork repair our tech...

2 Reviews

Garage serving Reading, 12 years of experience

12 years+ experience in motor vehicle repair. Main dealer trained. I am able to carry out a wide range of repairs on most makes and models. I'm always happy to help

119 Reviews

Garage serving Reading, 24 years of experience

PopesWood Garage 1998-2003 Mechanical Training TCD cars (self employed) 2004-2012 - Car Repair, maintenance. LACC Country cars 2012-2016 Car repair, maintenance and mechanical prep Japonica Cars 2016-date...

31 Reviews

Mobile mechanic serving Reading, 22 years of experience

We understand how necessary your means of transport is for your day to day ventures and appreciate that being without your vehicle is an inconvenience. At R-Tech Automotive we offer a wide range of vehicle s...

69 Reviews

Garage serving Reading, 16 years of experience

Whilde Automotive Ltd was founded in 2020 with the aim to provide a premium vehicle repair service that comes to the home or work address. The owner John Whilde has 16 years experience in the automotive ...

Sms

1138 Reviews

Garage serving Reading, 20 years of experience

Jon owns and operates SMS Autocare and has been running the business for over 15 years in the Slough area. Prior to setting up SMS Autocare Jon completed his apprenticeship and was then a mobile mechanic for...

94 Reviews

Mobile mechanic serving Reading, 23 years of experience

I started out my mechanic career with TVR for 2 years working on my apprenticeship before moving to and independent garage in North Camp to complete the apprenticeship and subsequently spent 3 years before g...

51 Reviews

Mobile mechanic serving Reading, 10 years of experience

I began my mechanic career with MotorWorx in Marlow who are BMW specialists I worked there for around 6 years before moving to Tower Garage in Marlow for 2 years. Prior to setting-up my own business I worked...

48 Reviews

Mobile mechanic serving Reading, 19 years of experience

After finishing my college education I then did my apprenticeship for 4 years at a local independent garage. Proceeded then to a local Mercedes 1 year learning on the trade and Peugeot main dealership for 1 ...

642 Reviews

Garage serving Reading, 12 years of experience

I started my career with Kwik-Fit when I was 16 for a number of years understanding the trade. I moved to work for a few independent garages for around 4 years before working with Vauxhall for 3 years and su...

371 Reviews

Mobile mechanic serving Reading, 12 years of experience

I'm a fully qualified mechanic in a family ran business with the top of the range equipment and knowledge with over 12 years experience, I cover all makes and models over a 30 miles radius

Frequently asked questions about cambelt change, repair & replacements in Reading

Read our answers to questions about cambelt change costs, symptoms and more.

What does a timing belt (cambelt) replacement in Reading 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.

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 in Reading?

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.

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!

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.

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.

How much does it cost to replace the timing belt and the water pump together in Reading?

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.

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.

Can Reading garages offer home collection and delivery for cambelt change?

Yes, many garages in Reading are able to offer collection and delivery for a cambelt change. With ClickMechanic collection & delivery is free if your vehicle is drivable. Once booked a mechanic will pick up the vehicle on the day and time of your choice, do the work, and return the vehicle at a time convenient to you. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an upfront price for a cambelt change in Reading.

Can Reading mobile mechanics do cambelt change at my home or office?

Typically no, Reading mobile mechanics cannot do a cambelt or timing belt change at your home or office, because the repair may need to be carried out on a ramp, and may need specialist equipment. Also, the time involved to carry out the work may make it more practical to carry out the work at a garage. However, if there are still some doubts as to what repair is needed, mobile mechanics may be able to carry out a diagnostic inspection at your home or office and then take the car to a garage to carry out the cambelt change.

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