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

Expert Mechanics

200+

Total expert cambelt change mechanics

Number of Ratings

4,716

Total number of cambelt change reviews

Average Rating

Average user rating for cambelt change bookings

Top Mechanics For Cambelt Change, Repair & Replacements

8 Reviews

Garage in Lymm, 8 years of experience

VW AUDI GROUP & TRANSPORTER SPECIALISTS in servicing, maintenance, diagnostics, repairs & upgrades.

18 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in Worthing, 12 years of experience

12 years within the industry both in an independent garage where I qualified through a City & Guilds apprenticeship programme and in main dealerships gaining further qualifications. My aim is to provide a...

72 Reviews

Garage in Nuneaton, 6 years of experience

With over 6 years of experience in diagnostic and repair of a wide range of cars i can to provide services from the basic such diagnostic and oil change up to repair of the brake system, suspension, clutc...

28 Reviews

Garage in Southampton, 20 years of experience

I have been in the motor trade for 25 years, I am Running a Family Business For a While now. I'm able to collect your vehicle if it is drivable or not to be repaired at the garage . Some of the services I of...

32 Reviews

Garage in Wakefield, 30 years of experience

We are a dedicated family-run business that you can trust for all your car repairs. We are a reliable and trustworthy garage in Horbury, with 32 years experience in the motor industry. At JP Auto Services we...

59 Reviews

Garage in Walsall, 25 years of experience

Our experts will ensure that your car is professionally serviced to enable you to enjoy safer driving when you’re on the road.

246 Reviews

Garage in Liverpool, 10 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...

147 Reviews

Garage in Leicestershire , 20 years of experience

20 Years experience as a vehicle technician covering all aspects of vehicle repairs and Electrical diagnostics with dealership experience and Hybrid level 3 qualified Control unit programming also carried...

1 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in Bolton, 6 years of experience

Started my career on fiat, jeep and abarth carried out the basic services brake and suspension replacement and repairs. Then moved on to multi franchise where Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes and Kia pretty muc...

523 Reviews

Garage in Stevenage , 20 years of experience

I began my mechanical career with Peugeot/Citroen where I completed my full apprenticeship and spent 4 years there. I moved to work with Renault for around 3 years before moving to VW/Audi for 4 years. I rel...

143 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in Peterborough, 18 years of experience

Mobile vehicle services across a wide range of vehicles. 18 years experience in the trade and main dealer experience. Everything from brakes and servicing to clutches and vehicle diagnostics

57 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in Manchester, 18 years of experience

Having 16 years of experience and going in servicing and repairing vehicles to the highest standards and achieving all targets on time leaving all customers satisficed. Specializing on Mercedes brand but not...

4 Reviews

Garage in Aylesbury, 15 years of experience

Trm Autocare offer all servces, we specialist mostly in engines and clutches. Always happy to offer advice.

327 Reviews

Garage in Birtley, 15 years of experience

I began my career with Citroen/Peugeot in Newcastle though the apprenticeship scheme and served my time there for 4 years. I moved to Prestige Cars in Gateshead for 18 months before gaining more experienc...

Frequently asked questions about cambelt change, repair & replacements

Read our answers to questions about cambelt change 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.

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!

Check out the ClickMechanic price for a cambelt change. See the averages for different makes below. We consolidate industry standard data with millions of data points to give you the most accurate price.

Estimates on average repair costs, such as the above results for a cambelt change, are based on ClickMechanic's quote data which combines multiple third-party sources. Actual costs may vary. We provide estimates on average repair costs for information only and accept no liability for any inaccuracies or errors. If you think an estimate is incorrect, please contact us to let us know.

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