Recent Cambelt Change Mechanic Reviews in the Scottish Highlands and Islands
Unicar Autos
Garage in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, 25 years of experience
The very latest in diagnostic equipment is available in our workshop and using innovative technology, fault finding has become our specialty. Experienced technicians assure that clients’ vehicles are service...
MARSHALL, ABERDEENSHIRE
Peugeot Partner • Timing belt replacement
Muir Motors
Garage in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, 20 years of experience
We are approachable, honest, knowledgeable and very experienced in diagnosing, problem solving and repairing all types of cars and light commercial vehicles. As a qualified mechanical engineer and MOT tester...
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FILIPPO, Aberdeen
Alfa Romeo Giulietta • Timing belt replacement
ALAN, Aberdeen
MINI Mini Clubman • Handbrake centre/main cable replacement
Spannerz Elgin Ltd
Garage in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, 30 years of experience
Automotive Service and on site repairs to most makes of vehicles with fixed priced servicing and no hidden costs we come to you for all your automotive needs with a low cost call out fee on non starters & br...
GORDON, BUCKIE
Ford Fiesta • Timing belt replacement
Overall he was very impressive but approachable and helpful.“
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CHRIS, GLENLIVET
Land Rover 110 Defender • Premium Pre-purchase Inspection
Platinum Auto Services
Mobile mechanic in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, 15 years of experience
I began my career with a local engineering firm where I worked to gain an engineering certificate before getting into the Motor Industry. During my 15 years in the trade I qualified as a HGV/LGV technician a...
ELAINE, ABERDEEN CITY
Great job, well done.
Excellent communication skills”
PATRICK, Aberdeen
MINI Mini • Rear brake pads (all) replacement
Peterhead Terraclean & Auto Services
Garage in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, 18 years of experience
I started my career in a Fiat/Hyundai dealership for 2 years and completed my apprenticeship with a VW/Audi garage and was there 3 years. I moved to work in auto electrics for 4 years to gain more experie...
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STEVEN, Aberdeen
Alfa Romeo MiTo • Coil spring (road spring) replacement - front
PETER, Inverurie
Kia Sportage • Full Service
A. S. Services
Garage in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, 31 years of experience
We have over 30yrs experience in vehicle repairs, we cover Breakdowns, Services, All Vehicle Repairs, Remapping, MOT's, Mobile Mechanics, Vehicle Recoveries. We're here to help you get your vehicle back o...
STEPHEN, BUCKIE
Kia Sportage • Clutch replacement
STEVEN, Forres
Vauxhall Calibra • Premium Pre-purchase Inspection
DM MOTORS
Garage in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, 13 years of experience
Here are DM Motors we do anything from; Vehicle serving and repairs MOT, MOT repairs and MOT prep work Diagnostic work with the latest diagnostic software Working on All makes and models With over 10 ...
EDWARD, Inverurie
Hyundai Santa Fe • Clutch replacement
Good job - many thanks Danny - 5 stars * * * * *”
RICHARD, WESTHILL
Ford Fiesta • Lower ball joint replacement - front (driver side)
D3 Motors
Garage in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, 23 years of experience
We are a small independent garage based in the Woodside area of Aberdeen.
Would use and recommend to others”
KEITH, Aberdeen
Ford Fiesta • Brake pads replacement - front (all)
DAVID, KEITH
Santana PS10 • Premium Pre-purchase Inspection
Edgar Road Garage
Garage in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, 15 years of experience
15 years experience in the trade gaining experience across a vast range of vehicles, makes and models, working up from apprentice to workshop manager and now business owner.
KATRINA, Elgin
Kia Sportage • MOT with collection & delivery
JOHN, BUCKIE
Renault Trafic • Full Service
CJ Auto's
Garage in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, 20 years of experience
Hi i have been in the Motor trade since I left school. I've always had a keen interest in cars I see it as hobby not a job! I started as a apprentice in a family run garage that bought and sold prestige cars...
CHRIS, ABERDEEN
BMW 3 Series • Standard Pre-purchase Inspection
Want to learn more about Cambelt changes in the Scottish Highlands and Islands?
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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Recent Cambelt change quotes in the Scottish Highlands and Islands
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.