It is convenient to know that changing the timing belt is a fairly complex operation, although it is much more common than users think. That is why this change must be made at the right time, always thinking about saving a lot of money due to subsequent major engine problems.
In the event that the belt breaks, the engine synchronization will be lost and the operation of the pistons and valves will be completely irregular and random, making it necessary to also replace the valves to get the engine working again.
We will explain below the procedure to change the timing belt, although it is not a simple operation and it is necessary to have some mechanical knowledge and have some specific tools.
Reasons to change the timing belt
The timing belt is a fundamental element for the correct functioning of the engine since it synchronizes its operation globally and its possible failure will make it impossible for the engine to work.
The timing belt must be changed preventively to prevent it from breaking due to wear, since if it breaks it can damage other parts of the engine and even destroy it completely and render it completely inoperative.
It must be remembered that changing the timing belt is one of the most expensive operations to perform, but it must be taken into account that, if it is not done and it breaks, the news will be much worse, even requiring a complete engine change. .
Tools needed
At a minimum you need:
- Kickstand: to keep the car elevated while changing the timing belt.
- Tool box: cross wrench, open-end wrenches, sockets, ratchet, screwdriver and Allen keys.
- Hydraulic jack: to lift the car and remove one of the wheels.
- Gloves: to protect hands from engine fluids.
Steps to change the belt
The steps to follow in chronological order are as follows:
- Raise the car with the hydraulic jack and remove one wheel (whichever corresponds to the position of the belt), using the stand to keep the car in position.
- Remove, if necessary, the accessory belt and distribution protections.
- Block the pulleys, propping up the motor.
- Synchronize the engine by turning the engine with the crankshaft bolt until it is completely aligned.
- Loosen the tensioner roller and remove the timing belt.
- Dismantle the tension rollers and the water pump. It is advisable to take advantage of changing the belt to also change the water pump.
- Install the new timing belt: remount the rollers and ensure that it is well aligned and that the tension adjustment is correct with the tension roller and turning the engine several times.
- Replace the accessory strap and protection if they were removed.
- Drain the coolant.
- Start the car and check the operation of the belt: Accelerate sharply several times to check if the belt has correct tension (if the belt is not very tight, it will vibrate and make a humming sound when decelerating, while if it is very tight it will whistle when you decelerate. idle and when accelerating).
- After this check, replace the wheel that was removed at the beginning of the process.
How much does it cost to change the timing belt?
On average, the cost of this operation in the workshop ranges between €300 and €1,000, depending on the car model and the damage that the belt may have caused due to its repeated malfunction.
If the belt breaks the cost can be much higher, although it is impossible to estimate an exact price since more or fewer parts of the engine may be damaged, although statistically it is normal for the operation to cost around €1,500 at least.
The big question is when the timing belt should be changed, and the answer is that it always depends on the maximum mileage of the car marked by the manufacturer. In general, it is usually changed between 60,000 and 160,000 kilometers, this margin being very wide because there are many factors that determine it and brands operate in very different ways for this change.