If you suspect a damaged timing chain, get it replaced ASAP.
A loose or worn-out timing chain can disrupt the engine’s functioning. Worse, it may cause your engine to shut down without warning while driving.
So, how much does a timing chain replacement cost?
Let’s explore the expenses involved, how a timing chain works, and some warning signs that indicate you need a timing chain repair.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Timing Chain Replacement Cost?
- Is It Worth Replacing the Timing Chain?
- Signs You Need a Timing Chain Replacement
- How Long Do Timing Chains Last?
- How Does the Timing Chain Work?
- Can You Replace the Timing Chain Yourself?
- What Else Should You Change While Replacing the Timing Chain?
How Much Does a Timing Chain Replacement Cost?
Let’s find out how much this service can cost:
A. Range
Expect to spend roughly $1600 to $1950 to install a new timing chain.
This includes:
- Cost of parts: $700 to $750
- Cost of labor: $900 to $1200
B. Factors Affecting Cost
The timing chain replacement cost varies depending on your vehicle model and the labor charges in your area.
Other factors influencing the price include:
- Quality of the replacement parts: Buying an OEM timing chain will cost you more than the aftermarket one.
- Warranty: Opting for a timing chain with a longer warranty period will require a higher upfront cost.
- Additional repair: Any extra car repair, like fixing the timing belt idler pulley, timing belt tensioner, or water pump, can increase the overall timing chain replacement cost.
Is It Worth Replacing the Timing Chain?
Yes, replacing a faulty timing chain is essential.
The timing chain coordinates the movement of the engine’s valves and pistons to power your vehicle. A timing chain failure can cause significant engine damage and affect components like the oil pump and water pump.
Timely replacement can prevent costly repairs, ensuring smooth engine performance.
Signs You Need a Timing Chain Replacement
Some tell-tale symptoms of a broken timing chain include:
- Misfiring engine: A worn timing chain can skip a gear on the camshaft or crankshaft, causing the engine to misfire.
- Traces of metal in the oil: Parts of the metal may break off from a damaged timing chain and mix with the engine oil. If you notice metal shavings in your oil pan, replace your timing chain and get an oil change.
- Illuminated check engine light: A faulty timing chain will illuminate the check engine light. It’s a warning to assess your engine’s underlying problems, which might include a bad timing chain.
- Rattling noise: A loose or worn timing chain produces a rattling sound when the engine is running.
- Car refuses to start: If you have a damaged timing chain, your vehicle won’t start.
How Long Do Timing Chains Last?
With good driving habits, a car’s timing chain can last between 80,000 and 100,000 miles.
However, like other engine components, timing chains can degrade over time, necessitating their replacement.
How Does the Timing Chain Work?
The engine timing chain or valve timing chain synchronizes the camshaft and crankshaft rotation.
When the crankshaft rotates, a pulley moves, turning the timing chain. The timing chain then rotates the camshaft(s) to open and close the intake and exhaust valves. This, in turn, allows fuel to enter the engine and exhaust to exit.
This whole system runs like clockwork, producing the exact amount of internal combustion required to drive at the desired speed.
Can You Replace the Timing Chain Yourself?
Replacing the timing chain is complicated and labor-intensive, so it’s best to rely on a professional mechanic for this service.
Here’s how a mechanic would go about replacing the timing chain kit:
- Disconnect the battery, secure the wheels with wedges, and engage the parking brake.
- Drain all engine fluids (oil, coolant, power steering fluid, etc.), collect them, and set them aside for reuse later.
- Remove the air intake and drive belt. Remove the radiator hose and water pump hoses. They’ll also take off the electric radiator fan and shroud.
- Remove any accessories (AC compressor, alternator, etc.) and pulleys in the way of the timing chain cover.
- Remove the water pump if your vehicle model has one driven by the timing chain.
- Remove the timing chain tensioner, guides, and the timing chain itself.
- Compare the new timing chain and gears with the old parts to ensure they’re the correct parts.
- Set the engine to its top dead center position (i.e., the position of a piston in which its head is the farthest away from the crankshaft) on cylinder 1. Align the timing marks as given in the car’s service manual.
- Install the new guides and timing chain tensioner. Then, install the new timing chain, ensuring it aligns with the timing marks, and set the chain tension.
- Pour a gasket sealer on the timing chain cover and reinstall it as per the torque specifications given in the service manual.
- Reinstall all engine components removed earlier to replace the timing chain.
- Refill the engine with oil and coolant and crank the engine to ensure everything works smoothly.
What Else Should You Change While Replacing the Timing Chain?
While replacing the bad timing chain, ask your mechanic to inspect the idler pulleys, accessory belts, timing chain tensioner, and water pump for damage.
Here’s why:
Timing chain replacement involves removing the engine drive belt, timing cover, and other timing components, which increases the labor cost. So, replacing multiple parts simultaneously can be more cost-effective than doing it separately.
Get a Quick Timing Chain Replacement with AutoNation Mobile Service
Unless replaced promptly, a broken timing chain can cause various problems for your car’s engine.
Before matters get out of hand, consider calling AutoNation Mobile Service.
We’re a mobile auto repair and maintenance service available seven days a week. Our mobile mechanics can fix your timing chain issues right from your driveway!
Get a free quote online and book an appointment for an expert timing chain replacement service.