Timing belt replacement cost
Most shops charge $360–$960 in labor, plus $120–$350 for the timing belt kit.
Updated November 2026
Where good SwaxFix bids tend to land: the low end, because shops compete for the job.
See what shops near you will actually charge.
Free to post. Shops bid blind: they see your car, never you. Buy the part yourself, shops bid on labor only. Already have a quote? Check if it’s fair.What the job involves
A scheduled job: the shop removes the accessory belts, covers and often an engine mount, sets the engine to its timing marks and installs a new belt, tensioner, idlers and usually the water pump.
Signs you need it
- You are at the interval in your manual (often 60,000 to 105,000 miles)
- Ticking from the timing cover
- No sign at all, which is why the interval matters
What changes the price
- V6 engines usually take longer than four-cylinders
- A kit with water pump adds little labor if done together
- Many engines use a timing chain instead, which is not a scheduled part
Shop or do it yourself?
Advanced. Getting the timing wrong can destroy the engine.
Questions drivers ask
How much does timing belt replacement cost?
At a typical shop, labor runs $360 to $960 (about 3 hr to 6 hr of work), and the timing belt kit costs about $120 to $350. That puts most jobs between $480 and $1,310 total. With SwaxFix you can buy the part yourself and have local shops bid on the labor only.
Does my car have a timing belt or chain?
Check your owner manual maintenance schedule. If it lists a timing belt interval, you have a belt.
What happens if a timing belt breaks?
The engine stops. On interference engines it also bends valves, often a repair costing thousands.
Should I replace the water pump with the timing belt?
Usually yes, when the belt drives the pump. The extra labor is minimal.
Find a shop
Want to compare shops first? Browse auto repair near me, or post your job and let them come to you.