How Much Does a Timing Chain Replacement Cost?
Over the past few years, many of the major auto manufacturers have slowly switched from a timing belt to a timing chain. According to these manufacturers, although more expensive to produce, is known to be a more reliable solution.
While this part is known to last longer than a belt, it is still subject to wear and tear as most car parts, and unfortunately, if it needs to be replaced, it needs to be done so immediately to avoid serious damage from happening to your car’s engine.
How much does a timing chain replacement cost?
The cost of replacing your vehicle’s timing chain belt, as with almost any car repair, will depend on the vehicle you drive, your geographical location and the professional mechanic you hire. From our research, the total replacement costs, when hiring a professional, can range anywhere from $550 to more than $2,100+. These costs could be much higher if the belt already broke as it could have caused damage to the water pump, pistons and/or valves.
As for just the parts, again, depending on the car you drive, can range anywhere from $75 to $250. Typically, if you were to purchase a timing chain part at a local auto parts store, it will often be sold in a kit, including all of the necessary smaller parts to perform the repair. Being a tricky repair, most people bypass the DIY route and leave it up to a local auto garage/car dealership.
With hundreds of makes and models out there, we scoured the Internet and included the quotes other people received for their timing chain replacement. All of the costs included below were for both parts and labor.
| Car Make/Model | Price Quoted |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet Cobalt | $880 |
| Chevrolet Equinox | $1,025 |
| Ford Escape | $1,100 |
| Ford Expedition | $1,150 |
| Ford Explorer | $2,500 due to the engine being removed in order to access |
| Ford F-150 | $833 |
| Ford Focus | $795 |
| Honda Civic | $775 |
| Land Rover Range Rover | $1,200 |
| Mazda 3 | $2,200 |
| Mini Cooper | $1,800 |
| Nissan Maxima | $2,200 |
| Toyota Camry | $1,450 |
| Toyota Corolla | $1,150 |
Angie’s List recommends budgeting at least $500 to $900 if you’re simply replacing the timing chain for preventative purposes or more than $2,000 if the chain already broke.
What exactly is a timing chain?
The timing chain will work as the connection between the crankshaft and the camshaft, and its main responsibility is to operate the inlet and outlet valve gear during the piston’s stroke cycle. This chain, essentially, is responsible for keeping these values opened and closed at specific times, helping the engine function properly and keeping everything in sync. While cars used to be manufactured with a timing belt, the timing chain is found much more often in today’s car as it is replaced far less often when compared to a belt. When this timing belt breaks, the valves will open at the wrong time while hitting the larger pistons, eventually causing some serious damage.
The repair process
Before the chain is removed, the engine will first be cleaned thoroughly with a de-greaser and the mechanic will confirm the timing chain is, indeed, the culprit.
The battery cables will be disconnected, followed by draining the coolant once the radiator hose is removed.
Next, all of the radiator hoses, all drive belts, the heater hoses, water pump, fan and timing chain cover will all be removed.
Once the timing chain is exposed, the engine is then rotated until the marks on the teeth of the timing chain are aligned. Loosening the tension gear, the chain will be removed with a screwdriver so that the mechanic will be able to remove the timing chain correctly.
When the teeth are aligned and the existing timing chain is removed, the gear will be lubricated before the new chain is installed.
Once lubricated, the new timing chain is placed on the gears, carefully making sure it aligns as it should.
The camshaft sprocket bolts will then be reinstalled, using a hammer to drink out the crankshaft seal. A new crankshaft seal will then be tapped into the timing cover and the new seal will be covered with oil.
The mechanic will then replace all of the parts noted in step one, two and three in reverse order.
When the battery is finally connected, the mechanic will start the car up to ensure the timing chain is moving as it should and they will take it for a test drive to make sure no other problems persist.
How to tell if timing chain is bad
Engine rattling – If you hear any unusual sound underneath the hood, it could be a sign the timing chain is bad. If the chain were loose, for example, it could cause a slight vibration in the engine
Metal shavings in the oil – An oil change, as you probably know, is recommended every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, but as the timing chain begins to wear out, small metal pieces will break off the chain and find its way into the oil. When you have your oil changed and the mechanic does notice these shavings, then it’s a very good indication your chain is about to fail.
Misfire – As time goes on, a timing chain can stretch, causing it to skip a gear either on the crankshaft or the cam, and if this were to happen, the engine’s timing won’t calibrate the way it should, resulting in an engine misfire. Like the rattling, this may mean your timing chain is going bad, but it isn’t guaranteed.
Loss of Power – If your vehicle were to lose power without warning, it may mean the timing chain is faulty and/or loose.
Tips to know
Most experts will recommend replacing your timing chain every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. In most cases, there will be no signs if a timing belt were going bad as mechanics will tell you it will just break. That’s way if your car is between 60,000 to 100,000 miles, a mechanic will recommend replacing the part, but it’s best to refer to your owner’s manual for more information. For example, the Toyota timing chain replacement schedule, according to some of its owners, state the manual doesn’t have a special schedule.
Curious as to which cars have timing chains? This HonestJohn.co.uk article created a very helpful article titled, “Which Engines Have Timing Chains or Gear Trains instead of Timing Belts?”
Check with your dealer to see if there are any recalls. While it could be possible, we did read some reports online, such as Mini Cooper and Chevy Traverse owners, who were able to get the entire repair covered.
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