How Much Does A Cambelt Replacement Cost in the UK?

The cambelt, sometimes known as timing belt, is an essential component of a vehicle's engine, synchronising the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft to keep the engine running smoothly. Without a properly functioning cambelt, an engine will not run. The cambelt is located inside the engine and is usually made of rubber and corded fibres. Over time, the cambelt can become worn or damaged, causing the engine to malfunction and will need replacement.

How much does it cost to do a cambelt replacement?

The average cost of replacing a cambelt is £300, with prices ranging from £200 to £500. The major part of the bill will involve the cost of labour as changing the cambelt involves removing various engine parts which can be time-consuming. Hence, the exact price of a cambelt replacement depends largely on your car and the parts your car's manufacturer recommends.

Your location can also be a key factor in determining the price of a cambelt change. For example, average hourly labour rates and demand in cities like London is around £50-£100 while in towns with lower demand, the labour rates can range from £35-£50. The type of mechanic, for example, a mobile mechanic vs a dealership garage technician can also affect the total cost of a cambelt change.

Average cost of a cambelt replacement by location

To avoid having car owners overpaying and get a fair price for a cambelt replacement, we use real-time data of thousands of car makes and model data, local labour prices for cambelt repairs and replacements and cambelt part prices to provide an instant fair quote. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an instant price for a cambelt replacement for your car.

Average cost of a cambelt replacement by manufacturer

Signs your cambelt needs to be replaced

If your car's cambelt is more than five years old, it may need to be replaced. Look for signs of wear, such as cracks or fraying, and check the owner's manual to see how often the cambelt should be replaced.

Here are some common signs and symptoms to look out for:

• Visible cracks on belt
• High-pitched or clicking noise coming from engine
• Difficulty starting the engine
• Engine misfire
• Rough idling
• Sudden loss of power
  
  

Clicking sounds from the engine

When the cambelt wears out or is faulty, it can cause a loud clicking or a tapping sound which is a sign that the timing belt is starting to break up. This signifies that something is wrong and needs attention by a trained technician.

Engine won’t start

If the cambelt snaps, the car will simply not start. The starter motor will engage but the engine will turn over more quickly and not start. A cambelt is a vital part of a car's engine, and it controls the timing of the engine's valves. If a cambelt breaks, the engine will stop running and will most likely need in-depth repairs or replacement.

Frequently asked questions about cambelt replacement cost

Should I replace the water pump along with a cambelt replacement?

The water pump may need replacing at the same time as a cambelt if the water pump is on the timing belt circuit. There is a real risk that, if the water pump breaks, the timing belt will come off that can lead to engine damage. Secondly, water pumps are prone to seizing up, which consequently will lead to the timing belt breaking. So it is generally recommended that the water pump is also replaced during a cambelt replacement.

How much does a cambelt and water pump replacement cost?

On average, a cambelt and water pump replacement can cost around £300. On some cars, it can go up to £500 depending on the make and model. When you get an instant price on ClickMechanic, the upfront quote will generally include the price of the water pump replacement if it is recommended.

How long does a cambelt change take?

On average, cambelt change times can range from 1.5 to over 5 hours with an average of 2.7 hours. Some engines are more intricate and require more disassembly to access the cambelt or timing belt so will take a longer time.

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.

Can I carry out a cambelt change myself?

The cambelt is one of the most important parts of the engine and is connected to several other components such as camshafts and crankshafts. The repair requires in-depth auto repair knowledge and specialised equipment.

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 upfront.

What else could be the problem if my cambelt isn’t broken?

• Water pump failure - in many cars, the water pump is driven by the cambelt so if the water pump fails it can impact other parts of the engine
• Belt tension - if the tensioner is worn or damaged it can cause issues with timing and performance
• Sensors - camshaft and crankshaft position sensors when damaged can lead to poor engine performance
  
• Ignition or fuel system issues - if you are experiencing issues with starting the car or overall engine performance, it’s likely something to do with the ignition or fuel components such as spark plugs or fuel filters. A closer inspection by a mechanic will help narrow down the exact cause.

What happens during a cambelt change?

• 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.