Timing Belt Replacement.

Timing belts, also known as cambelts, are an essential element of all modern vehicles. They take the form of a reinforced rubber ‘band’ with a set of grooves or teeth on the inner edge. This small, yet significant part links the engine’s crankshaft to the camshaft, allowing for correct air intake and output through the valves, at the correct time. In essence, timing belts ensure the engine’s moving parts function to the correct ‘timing’, as the name suggests.

The timing belt is integral to the functioning of the engine and vehicle, if it fails, the vehicle will be rendered immobile, and significant damage may be caused to the engine. For this reason, it is hugely important to act upon any signs of timing belt failure and have it replaced prior to this.

Bosch auto service are proud to offer a prompt and high-quality timing belt repair service, specialising in German vehicles. If you believe your timing belt is significantly worn, contact our team over the phone, or book your vehicle in for a timing belt replacement online using our simple online booking service.

The exact interval at which a timing belt will require replacement is highly dependent on the vehicle/part manufacturer, and on the way in which your vehicle is used. The approximate ‘lifespan’ of your vehicle model’s timing belt under average use may be found in your car’s manual, or, in some cases, on the manufacturer’s website.

With this being said, the average timing belt will last between 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Though some timing belts have been known to last longer than this, it is highly recommended to replace your timing belt at the end of its approximate shelf life, in order to avoid unexpected failure and increased costs.

Though the symptoms of a failing timing belt vary from vehicle to vehicle, the most common include;

An audible ticking noise - ticking noises originating from the engine are often a sign of a worn timing belt, though, this may also be an indicator of low oil pressure or a lack of lubrication.

Difficulty turning over - difficulty in engine turnover is a common indicator of timing belt failure. Without an intact timing belt, the camshaft and crankshaft cannot operate properly, meaning, in most cases, the engine will not start.

Misfiring - worn of broken timing belts can have a significant impact on engine firing rates. A worn timing bel is more subject to slipping, causing values to open or close ‘out of synch’, and resulting in a misfire.

Oil leaks - Timing belt covers subject to significant wear may become loose, resulting in an oil leak, which can cause further wear or damage to the timing belt itself.

The average lifespan of a timing belt depends on your vehicle’s manufacturer and the way in which it is maintained. Though for the majority of manufacturers, timing belts are said to last for between 60,000 to 100,000 miles, they may last for a period of time beyond this.

Regardless, it is important to replace your timing belt around the end of its approximate shelf life in order to avoid failure and increased costs.

Timing belt replacements are commonly coupled with water pump replacements, as both parts are situated in the same area of the vehicle, and tend to reach the end of their functional shelf life at around the same time. Performing a replacement of both parts at the same time can greatly reduce labour costs.

Though the average cost of a cambelt and water pump replacement in the UK is approximately £400, this cost can vary according to the vehicle manufacturer. In addition to this, if your vehicle has been subject to timing belt failure, reparation and repair costs may further add to this cost.