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How much does a timing belt cost to get replaced at a shop?

R

Reel

Diamond Member
Last night, my car lost steering and brakes and all the lights came on. I was lucky I was on campus with the slow speed limit and came to a stop soon and threw it in park to finish off the momentum. I thought maybe I just stalled but it wouldn't kick on when I turned the key. The various police officers and I looked at it and it was nothing we could figure out. Eventually the tow truck guy got in and took a quick look. He decided it was the timing belt. Assuming he was right, about how much does that cost to replace at a mechanic? The car is a 92 Camry 4 cylinder if that helps.

Update: It turns out my distributor died on me not the timing belt. The belt however is due to break as the car has a recommended change date of 90000 miles and it is almost 20000 past that. Given that it is a $400 repair looming, this repair is about $600 to do it right, $400 to do it cheaply (as I am doing), I am selling the car. (Who knows how many other repairs have been neglected?) Now my new dilemma will be given its own thread for suggestions: What car to get.
 
What was your RPM when it quit working...I hope it's not a zero-clearance engine. If it is, your going to be replacing alot more than just a belt. However, it shouldln't be more than a few hundred if your pistons didn't slap into your valves.
 
RPM was low. I'd say definitely under 3000. I was coasting down a hill with a 20mph limit. I was probably in the 1800-2500 range.
 
I'm going to say in the neighborhood of $350, add $75 if they talk you into changing the water pump at the same time. This might not be a bad thing with a '92.

 
A quick google search makes it look like there are two types of engines: interference and non-interference. If you have non, it is merely a replacement issue. If you have interference, it becomes a pistons thing like DaTT was suggesting. A quick google search turned up that it seems my car is interference. I have to wait on the estimate from the shop on the damage... I may be getting a new car.
 
I got it at 80000 from my grandfather. I'd guess that he probably didn't get it done if it is breaking now. From what I read it is every 60k miles. I am at 108k now so if he had it done, it wasn't due yet. If he didn't, it lasted a while... I think it was slipping about a year ago and they tightened it for me. It may have been another belt but it could be this one. They did it for free though so I have no receipt to check.
 
Originally posted by: Reel
A quick google search makes it look like there are two types of engines: interference and non-interference. If you have non, it is merely a replacement issue. If you have interference, it becomes a pistons thing like DaTT was suggesting. A quick google search turned up that it seems my car is interference. I have to wait on the estimate from the shop on the damage... I may be getting a new car.
Click to expand...

I think you are screwed. The damage could be pretty bad since it's interference. Good luck, though.
 
Originally posted by: Dedpuhl
Originally posted by: Reel
A quick google search makes it look like there are two types of engines: interference and non-interference. If you have non, it is merely a replacement issue. If you have interference, it becomes a pistons thing like DaTT was suggesting. A quick google search turned up that it seems my car is interference. I have to wait on the estimate from the shop on the damage... I may be getting a new car.
Click to expand...

I think you are screwed. The damage could be pretty bad since it's interference. Good luck, though.
Click to expand...
They just called and they said that there is compression so it might not be the timing belt. I just hope it isn't that middle ground where it isn't clear cut if you go ahead with the repair or you get a new car.
 
For a smaller car (civic/integra/corolla) that are 4 cylinder it is $200 labor and $100-200 parts (t belt, water pump, accessory belt) , so it is about $500 for a Camry I guess. If the mech said you need timing belts then it is obviously a non-interference engine, or else your engine is already totaled.

You were lucky, if you drive a honda, that thing is probably already gone.
 
I was stopped at a light. Light turns green, I give gas, timing chain breaks. 56k miles on the 3 year old car. $1600 and several valves later the car gets traded in.
 
150 from my family mech thats lived across the street for like 10 years. 350 from the local mechanic here that I trust and has shown dependability and ability, and 250 from one that I've gotten recommendations from.

93 Camry 4 banger.

There might be more wrong with your car though, blowing the timing while running is kinda bad. Which is why you do preventative maint.
 
if you broke timing belt,
you're looking at ~2K to fix it.

You'll need a new head + valve train, replace head gasket, new timing belt + all the labor.

^^ Thats assuming that the pistons plowed into the valves
 
Could have just called a couple local shops and got actual answers in about 5 minutes. No one here can tlel you how much any shop in your area will charge since they are all different.

Just do it yourself and save some cash.
 
Originally posted by: Gibson486
I don't wan this happen to me...so...how do I know I have to change it (or if i have too?)?
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Should replace the timing belt every 90k or so on most vehicles, check your manual.
 
Originally posted by: sjetexas
Originally posted by: Gibson486
I don't wan this happen to me...so...how do I know I have to change it (or if i have too?)?
Click to expand...

Should replace the timing belt every 90k or so on most vehicles, check your manual.
Click to expand...

I think its 60-80 on most vehicles. But oh well, if it is the timing, its too late for him now.

Considering the questions he's asking and the way he's talking, theres no damn way he could do it himself.
 
Alright, due to the forums being down and an exam I have not been able to update until now. See the OP for the update.
 
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