Determining if a Timing Belt is Broken and Repair Costs

A broken timing belt can cause a vehicle to suddenly stop running and cause serious engine damage. Here is how to determine if the timing belt is broken.

Timing belts are used to transfer power from the crankshaft to the camshaft and keep the firing sequence of the engine perfectly synchronized. Some vehicles use a timing chain for the same job, but manufacturers often forgo the use of more durable timing chains for timing belts because rubber belts create less engine noise.

How Often Should the Timing Belt be Changed?

It’s important to change the timing belt before it brakes to avoid the inconvenience of being left stranded and in some instances, engine damage can result.

Timing belts have a recommended service interval, after which they should be changed. Typically, this would be every 50,000 to 100,000 miles, but it is always a good idea to have the belt changed before they are due to be replaced. This will lessen the chances that a belt will break at an inopportune moment.

How to Know if the Timing Belt Needs Changing?

The easiest way to determine if a timing belt needs changing involves removing the timing belt cover and performing a visual inspection.

Look for cracks in the rubber or general deterioration of the belt itself. If there is any doubt that the belt is in good condition, it is best to simply replace it so drivers can avoid the other problems that may result if the timing belt fails.

How Much does it Cost to Change a Timing Belt

The cost of changing a timing belt will depend on how much the mechanic charges for labor, the amount of time it takes to change the belt, and the cost of a replacement belt. Replacement belts cost about $60, but labor charges can range between $300 and $1,000 (for 2 to 6 hours of work).

The price of a new timing belt will also depend on whether the vehicle is a high-end model.

How does one Know if a Timing Belt is Broken?

The timing belt is critical, though simply part of the engine. If the car won’t start, a broken timing belt may be the cause. It is responsible for keeping the firing sequence, which ensures that the pistons are in the correct position just when fuel is injected into the cylinder and the spark plugs are firing. If the belt breaks, the engine will not start or keep running. If it slips or somehow loses the timing, the engine will start to misfire and sputter.

Mechanics have specialized equipment to figure out if the timing belt is broken. One such piece of equipment is a vacuum gauge. In the normal course of operating, an engine will act as a pump as it pulls in and expels air. If the engine’s timing is okay, a vacuum gauge should be able to detect some negative pressure by connecting it to the intake manifold.

Another way of checking if the belt is broken is to determine whether the camshaft is turning. In some cases, this can be determined by peeping through the engine oil pour hole or by removing the valve over. Regardless, the best way of telling if the belt is broken is to remove the timing belt cover and have a look-see, if it is convenient to do so.

It is very important that the timing belt is changed before it is due for service to prevent the inconvenience of being left stranded or the expense of making costly repairs. This is especially true for vehicles that have an interference engine. In an interference engine, the valves protrude into the path of the piston. If the timing is off this will cause both to collide, often causing irreparable damage to the engine.