On average, the cost of replacing a cambelt runs between £300 and £650.
Labour usually accounts for most of this cost. In some cases, changing the cambelt involves removing other engine parts, which can prolong the process and increase your garage bill.
In this guide, we’ll explain what a cambelt is, how it works – and why it needs to be replaced intermittently. We’ll also cover how to spot the signs that your cambelt is close to worn, replacement costs for popular car models, and the various factors that affect influence costs.
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What is a cambelt?
The cambelt (also known as the ‘timing belt’) is responsible for synchronising the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft in your car’s engine. The camshaft lets fuel and air pass in and out of the engine, whilst the crankshaft moves the pistons.
Cambelts are made from rubber and fortified by fibres to help ensure that the engine’s valves open and close at the correct times, whilst each cylinder completes its intake and exhaust strokes. If these finely tuned components fall out of sync, the engine could sustain severe damage.
Why is cambelt replacement necessary?
Cambelts deteriorate over time when they are exposed to the engine’s high-pressure environment. Other factors that contribute to accelerated cambelt wear include:
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High mileage.
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Exposure to very hot or cold temperatures.
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Oil or engine coolant leaks.
When your cambelt becomes worn, it will eventually lose traction and slip. This can throw the engine’s timing out of sync, resulting in the valves and pistons making contact with the cylinder head, which can cause serious damage to the engine.
What’s more, if you delay replacing a worn cambelt, it may eventually snap. If the cambelt snaps whilst you’re driving, the consequences could be severe: the engine may seize up, causing the brakes and steering to fail.
In short, keeping an eye on your cambelt’s condition today, could help you avoid an eye-watering repair bill tomorrow.
What are the signs that my cambelt needs replacing?
Here are some of the telltale signs that your cambelt is worn and in need of replacement. If you spot any of them, take your car to a local mechanic as soon as possible:
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Unusual engine sounds
Grinding, squeaking, knocking and any other unusual sounds can be indicative of engine issues. They may be caused by a worn or misaligned cambelt or tension issues.
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Difficulty starting the engine
If the engine struggles to start, this may be caused by a worn or damaged cambelt. When the cambelt is not working correctly, the engine timing is compromised, which can cause ignition delays.
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Poor engine performance and misfiring
A worn cambelt affects the co-ordination of the engine’s components. This can cause the engine to misfire whilst hampering its overall performance. If you notice sluggish acceleration or a loss of engine power, you should have your cambelt checked over by an expert at the earliest opportunity.
Average cambelt replacement cost by manufacturer
| Car manufacturer | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Audi | £648 |
| BMW | £1,402 |
| Citroen | £473 |
| Ford | £457 |
| Honda | £458 |
| Hyundai | £465 |
| Kia | £426 |
| Land Rover | £528 |
| Mercedes-Benz | £653 |
| MINI | £400 |
| Nissan | £551 |
| Peugeot | £465 |
| Porsche | £650 |
| Renault | £699 |
| Toyota | £300 |
| Vauxhall | £300 |
| Volkswagen | £350 |
Cambelt replacement costs for popular cars on UK roads
| Car manufacturer | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Ford Fiesta | £300 |
| Renault Clio | £360 |
| VolkswagenPassat | £500 |
| Ford Mondeo | £500 |
What are the key factors influencing cambelt replacement costs?
Your choice of replacement cambelt
Choosing an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) cambelt – or a good quality aftermarket alternative will help ensure that your engine runs reliably in the longer term, whilst reducing the risk of engine failure.
Although opting for a budget cambelt may save you a little cash initially, this is often a false economy, as higher quality cambelts tend to be more durable and longer lasting.
Location and labour fees
The average labour charge for a cambelt replacement is around £380 and this includes:
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Removal of the old cambelt.
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Installing the replacement cambelt.
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Final checks to ensure the vehicle is running correctly.
Labour rates vary across the UK, but urban garages typically charge more than those in rural areas.
Additional parts
The local automotive market and the availability of the required parts can also influence the cost of cambelt replacement. On average, the total cost of materials runs to around £250, although this can vary drastically.
In some cases, the cambelt is not the only component that needs replacing. Some mechanics may replace other components such as water pumps, tensioners and pulleys.
Although the extra parts and labour will increase what you’ll pay, having these parts replaced now may be the most economical choice, as you won’t need to worry about them failing further down the line.
Is it worth replacing the water pump along with the cambelt?
You should have the water pump replaced at the same time as the cambelt if the pump is on the cambelt circuit.
If you don’t and the water pump subsequently breaks, the cambelt may come off, potentially causing severe damage to the engine. As water pumps are prone to seizing up, this could also cause the cambelt to break.
By having both components replaced simultaneously, you’ll save the hassle of extra trips to the mechanic, whilst also minimising the risk of costly engine problems.
The average cost of cambelt and water pump replacement for UK drivers is around £400. However, costs will vary depending on the make and model of your car.
The cambelt replacement process (step-by-step)
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First, remove or loosen any components obstructing access to the cambelt cover. In certain cases, this may involve the removal of a wheel.
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Next, lock the camshafts and crankshaft into place with timing pins before removing the old, worn cambelt, together with the guides and tensioner.
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Drain the cooling system and remove the water pump, if it was driven by the old cambelt.
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After cleaning up, renew the components before installing the new cambelt.
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Put any components that were removed earlier back into place and replenish the cooling system.
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Start and test the engine.
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Bleed the air out from the cooling system and road test the vehicle.
If you are not conversant with cambelt replacement, take your car to a reputable mechanic. This will help ensure that the replacement is carried out correctly and no other components are damaged during the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cambelts usually need replacing every 40,000-100,000 miles. However, if your mileage is low, it is advisable to replace the cambelt every 4-5 years.
Signs such as unusual engine sounds, poor engine performance, oil leaks, and a misfiring engine may indicate that the cambelt needs changing. If you notice any of these signs, take your car to a mechanic for inspection.
The mileage at which cambelts fail can vary significantly from one to another. As a general rule, you should have your cambelt replaced every 40,000-100,000 miles.
However, you should also ask your mechanic to inspect the cambelt at regular intervals to ensure it isn’t wearing thin.
Driving with a worn timing belt always presents a risk. So, if you know that your timing belt is close to worn, you should have it replaced as a matter of urgency.
If your timing belt breaks, you won’t be able to drive at all – and your engine may also be severely damaged.