It does need some engine knowledge to replace a timing belt and water pump, so if you don’t have much expertise working under the hood, we advise leaving it to the experts. However, if you prefer making your own repairs and restorations, you can do it yourself and avoid paying hefty repair expenses in the process.
Starting with the tools you’ll need, we’ll walk you through the replacement of a timing belt and water pump step by step.
In This Article...
What You’ll Need to Replace the Water Pump and Timing Belt
- a fresh timing belt
- new antifreeze/coolant
- a fresh water pump
- tools for driving screws, such as Philips and slot drive
- leather gloves
- Set of Allen keys
- bags made of plastic and a permanent marker (for labelling nuts, bolts and parts you remove from the engine)
- jar or bucket (for collecting coolant)
- Tip-Ex, white chalk, and white paint (for marking the cogs for simpler reassembly)
- Wrench socket set
Step 1: Preparation
Get your car and work area ready first. Depending on your degree of experience, changing a timing belt and water pump can take anywhere from one to three hours, so make sure you have the time and space necessary. Before you begin, carry out the following:
- To stop the engine from spinning while you’re removing the timing belt, put the engine in drive and use the handbrake.
- Prepare all of your tools, and have bags and a pen on available to name and store the engine parts you remove.
- To reach the undercarriage beneath the engine, jack up the front of the automobile.
- Before starting, make sure the engine is entirely cool.
- Since coolant will spill out when you remove the water pump, place a bucket underneath it. To find the pump, see your car’s manual.
Step 2: Removing the Belts
You must first remove the fan belt and power steering belt because they are located next to the cover that protects the timing belt and water pump. To remove the belts, take the following actions:
- Crankshaft pulley: Loosen. To access the engine and remove the bolt, you’ll need a long wrench arm.
- The fasteners holding the alternator in place should be loosened. The fan belt can then be removed by lightly tapping it.
- To access the timing case and crankshaft pulley, do the same with the power steering belt by moving it aside.
How much does a Toyota timing belt replacement cost?
Belts don’t cost a much by themselves. Since many pieces must be removed in order to reach the belt, labor is where the true expense lies. Your best chance is to shop about and compare prices, but be prepared to pay anything between $409 and $919. (including parts and labor).
When should a Toyota timing belt be changed?
You understand the significance of routine scheduled maintenance for your car as a car owner. The inner workings of your car must therefore be understood, as must the frequency of replacement for each component, such as the timing belt in your car.
What is a timing belt?
You may want to start by wondering what a timing belt is and what it does. The timing belt in your car regulates the crankshaft and camshaft rotation of the engine as well as the opening and closing of the engine valves that let gasoline and air in and out. In essence, the timing belt synchronizes the engine’s operations, igniting the fuel in the combustion chamber.
When to replace your vehicle’s timing belt
It’s critical to get the timing belt updated on a regular basis because it performs such a crucial function. Most of the time, there are no warning signs that a timing belt is being worn. It frequently just breaks. Because of this, the majority of manufacturers advise replacing your vehicle’s timing belt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. To find out what is advised for your particular model, consult your owner’s manual.
Instead of waiting until your automobile breaks, it is more cost-effective and secure to replace the timing belt. In fact, replacing your timing belt after it breaks can cost more than twice as much. It goes without saying that it’s preferable to prevent problems with your vehicle.
Will my engine be destroyed if my timing belt breaks?
Your car cannot function at all without a timing belt, which is really fairly basic. The automobile will quickly break down if the belt breaks while you’re driving, and your engine could sustain extremely catastrophic damage.
Is a timing belt change difficult?
Timing belt replacement is a pricey service. Depending on the vehicle, it is a complex, time-consuming process that can take 48 hours. However, repairing the timing belt before it breaks will avoid engine damage and ultimately cost you less money.
Before a timing belt breaks, is there a warning?
You should keep an eye out for certain telltale warning indications that your timing belt is likely to fail, such as ticking noises, difficulty starting the vehicle, piston misfires, exhaust smoke, excessive vibrations, and oil leaks.
A timing belt’s lifespan is 200 000 miles.
That concludes our examination of the timing belt’s nature, operation, and significance. Can a timing belt travel more than 200 000 miles? Not at all. And to be honest, unless you have a junker that you don’t mind giving up, you really shouldn’t try this out in person. Expect severe engine damage if you continue to drive your automobile with a timing belt that is worn out, installed incorrectly, or otherwise flawed.
The cost of replacing your timing belt is by no means a cheap one. You’ll have to pay several hundred dollars, or in some cases nearly or more than a thousand. But this is little compared to the $2,000, $3,000, or even higher needed to rebuild a broken timing belt-related engine that has failed. Who would have thought that this tiny piece of rubber could fail and give you such heartache?
How can I tell if my timing belt needs to be replaced?
Your timing belt may be significantly damaged if you hear a ticking sound emanating from the engine of your car. Your car’s timing belt is connected to the crankshaft and camshaft of the engine through a number of pulleys. The connecting rods of the engine, which are connected to the pistons inside the combustion chamber, provide power. The rocker arm assembly and cylinder head valves are controlled by the camshaft, which delivers gasoline to the combustion chamber. The exhaust manifold is the next point of exit for the released gases. Your car’s timing belt may start to twitch inside the engine when it begins to wear out. This can potentially be a symptom of low oil pressure.
How long does a timing belt last?
When to change your cam belt is not a fixed rule. Your car’s make, model, and how frequently you drive it are all factors. Over the course of a vehicle’s lifetime, it will typically need to be replaced more than once.
Timing belt replacement is typically advised by manufacturers after a certain number of years or miles. This might take between 40,000 and 100,000 kilometers or more than four years.
Why are timing belts so costly?
The timing belt is not a pricey component by itself. It is so expensive because of the time and labor involved. The engine must be disassembled in order to access the timing belt. It takes a lot of time and effort to do it.
How durable are Toyota drive belts?
A serpentine belt can endure between 50,000 and 100,000 miles since it is made of sturdy rubber. Learn more about serpentine belt replacement timing from Westbrook Toyota’s service department.
How much does a timing belt repair cost?
The engine of your car cannot function without a timing belt. Timing belt preventative maintenance is far less expensive than waiting for it to break. O’Leary’s Automotive provides skilled mechanics who can assist if you need high-quality timing belt repair in Wilmington, North Carolina.
The camshaft and the crankshaft are two different types of shafts found in your engine. These shafts are made to start the engine cycle and deliver torque while controlling the pistons in the engines. The camshaft and crankshaft are controlled by grooves or teeth on the timing belt. This makes it possible for the engine valves to open and close precisely when necessary for efficient operation.
Timing belts comprised of chains and gears are used in some automobiles. Although these timing belts are more resilient, they need lubrication to function. The timing belts in many modern automobiles are comprised of a rubber composition. These timing belts tend to wear out more quickly but are quieter and more energy-efficient.
Warning Signs a Timing Belt Replacement is Needed
The majority of timing belts require replacement every 60,000 to 90,000 miles. Because it is crucial to the engine’s functionality, the timing belt acts inside the engine. Don’t put off changing the belt until it breaks. Your engine won’t start if your timing belt breaks.
You might observe one or more of the following if your timing belt is broken or worn out:
- lower oil pressure
- the engine’s smoke
- engine stalls
- Rumbling or rough idling coming from the engine
- damaged pistons or valves
Timing Belt Repair & Quality Auto Repair in Wilmington, NC
It is best to have a qualified, quality auto repair technician evaluate your car as soon as possible if you have encountered one or more of the aforementioned symptoms. Expect to pay between $300 and $500 for the service if your timing belt needs to be replaced. Many automobiles’ timing belts require some disassembly and reassembly since they are not always easily accessible. Smaller engines in economy cars result in less work. However, larger trucks, SUVs, or premium cars can take a lot longer.
Is it worthwhile to mend a damaged timing belt?
Explain what occurs when a timing belt breaks to help a consumer appreciate the value of a preventative timing belt repair. Basically:
The camshaft halts turning when a timing belt ruptures. Some of the engine valves are now stuck open as a result. The pistons, however, will continue to move. They will strike the trapped open valves in an interference engine. This may harm the piston and cylinder head, as well as bend or shatter valves. In essence, a damaged timing belt causes significant engine damage. In certain cases, replacing the entire engine is less expensive than repairing it.
Timing belt replacement is substantially less expensive in the long run than timing belt damage repair.