Part of vehicle maintenance is to replace a timing chain. This is crucial in order to ensure that your vehicle’s timing is in sync. Usually, if your car is still under warranty, it rarely happens that you have to change the timing chain. If ever there is a need for replacement, you no longer have to worry. However, if the warranty has already lapsed then you have to shoulder the personal cost for the timing chain replacement. How much it costs to replace a timing chain?
What’s a Timing Chain?
The car’s engine is comprised of various components moving in sync. This is essential in order for you engine to run. This particular part is responsible in holding the crankshaft and the camshaft. With continuous use, the
Timing Chain
timing chain gets stretched. When this happens, the tendency is you may experience the engine ratting. In worst cases, the engine may not start.
There are common symptoms that will tell you it is time to finally replace the timing chain. Look at the illuminated engine light. There is also a rattle and loss of responsiveness of acceleration. When you start the engine, it does not start. That is why it is important to replace the timing chain. Failure to do so will incur your more costs especially if your car suddenly breaks down.
Timing Chain Cost
The timing chain is considered to be one of the primary components in to ensure the timing of your engine. It is essential to replace it when needed as it is part of vehicle maintenance. Compared to timing belts, timing chains tend to last longer. The price of timing chain replacement may vary depending on the different factors.
When you hire a mechanic, the timing chain cost replacement ranges from $300 to $1,000. The cost would depend on the model and the car make as well as the age. If you purchase the timing chain separately, the timing chain cost is around $50 to $250. It could even cost more considering that car make uses different timing chain. For example, if your vehicle is Ford, the timing chain used for a F-150 may cost $53. But this may be different if you have a different car make and model.
The timing chains are also sold in kits which has other smaller parts that you can use for the repair. The price of timing chainkit ranges from $20 to $1000. There are kits that are much more expensive compared to others since some of these kits use expensive materials. For instance, the Buick High Energy Timing Set sold by Northern Auto Parts costs about $26. On the other hand, there are some timing chains that cost about $400 or even more.
The cost of paying for labor may range from $75 to $120 and this will depend as to whether the work is done in a shop or at a dealership. The timing chain costwould also depend on the model. On the average, it would take about 3 to 5 hours. There are even cases where the cost can go as high as $600 or more. If the timing chain breaks prior to being replaced, you could expect a much higher price.
The timing chain failure rarely occurs within the warranty coverage. What happens is most would have to pay for the needed replacement. If you go for a dealership, the cost is much more. On a positive note, going to a dealership is a better option for some since they have experienced technicians who know the cars and they also use factory parts. If you want to have lower costs, you can go for independent repair shops. The only downside is that you cannot be sure as they may utilize aftermarket parts which are not made by the carmaker.
You also have to factor in the additional costs. For example, aside from replacing the timing chain, there might also be a need to replace the water pump. The cost is about $300. If you will be replacing the timing chain and the pump, the mechanic may not charge you additional cost.
What’s Included?
When you get a kit, you get to have the following: accessories, seals, sprockets and bolts. In replacing a timing chain, your mechanic is expected to remove it and to replace the timing chain as well as the bolts, sprockets, seals and other accessories. Make sure that you request for an estimate of the cost before the mechanic does the work. Aside from asking, how much it costs to replace a timing chain?
Discounts
There are also discounts that you can avail. There are repair shops offering discount for regular customers. Usually, they offer 10% discount. Manufacturers also provide discounts. Carmake Ford provides periodic rebates.
Things to Consider
In replacing a timing chain, there are important things when shopping for a timing chain. For one, you can access the searchable directory of shops provided by National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. This is non-profit organization for technicians and professionals offering automotive services. You can also access the sites of online retailers like RockAuto.com.
Timing chains are used often on vehicles. Timing chains last longer compared to timing belts. With their durability, some manufacturers shifted to the use of timing chains. For car owners, it is important to be at least knowledgeable as to when the timing chain needs to be replaced. In that way, you can avoid having to incur more costs. When you are aware of the signs, you know what to do and you can make sure that your car is well-maintained.