Timing belt and water pump replacement
It is not necessary to replace both at the same time, however, it is highly recommended due to a high risk of engine damage. All parts of the synchronous drive have the same mileage and wear. If one of the parts is not replaced and loaded again by the timing belt adjustment, this can lead to a failure after a short time. Also, this could save money in the long run as the mechanic only has to do the work to get to the synchronous drive once.
2023-01-16
When should I replace the timing belt and water pump?
Should I replace the water pump with the timing belt?
How often should you change the timing belt and water pump?
Each car model has its own maintenance times. It is recommended to follow the official maintenance calendar of the car to be sure the engine is in good shape. A timing belt and water pump may last longer than the time specified by the car's manual, but if we wait past the recommend time, there is risk of critical failure. If the timing belt breaks or the water pump fails, the damage to the engine can be extreme. Timing belts are known by the mechanics to be long-lasting and resistant.
What are the costs?
What are the costs of a timing belt and water pump replacement?
There are several items that we will need to buy to perform a proper maintenance to the car: it involves some costs that will be included regardless of what the mechanic charges for his time.
- Timing belt kit – 200€
- Water pump – 70€
- Coolant – 20€
To make this easier, SKF provides timing belt and water pump kits, in which you will have all the necessary items for the replacement.
How long does a timing belt and water pump replacement take?
It depends on how the engine is designed. Generally, the newer the car, the longer it will take to replace any parts. Why is that? It all comes from the need to make the engines take up as little space as possible in order to fit all the electronics and anti-pollution systems. This makes it more difficult for the mechanic to access the part to replace. On many older cars, timing belts can even be replaced without having to remove any plastic covers, so don't be surprised if your new car takes several hours to replace. The main time spent on the process is between 2 to 3 hours, but some cases can easily reach 4 to 5 hours or even more.
Timing belt and water pump kit
At SKF, we offer high-end precise timing belt kits for most of the car models in the market. By using one of our kits, you are assured of a high-quality product to be fitted to your car, thereby increasing the life of your engine, and you can live with the peace of mind of having top of the line products. Our kits include everything needed to perform a complete engine timing belt kit and water pump replacement. The same kit usually fits several models of a brand, or even several brands, which means that you should take a look at the available kits and check beforehand for proper fitment. If it doesn't, you can always contact us to ask for information https://vehicleaftermarket.skf.com/uk/en/product-assortment/timing-system
FAQs
Can I replace the timing belt myself?
As with any other parts for maintaining your car, yes, you can. If you do not have advanced knowledge, our recommendation is to have a professional mechanic install. They will have the proper tools and the experience to ensure accurate installation and warranty of work.
Can you change the water pump without changing the timing belt?
In principle, this is possible, but we do not recommend it. As already mentioned, all components are subject to the same mileage and wear. Therefore, all components in the synchronous drive should always be replaced at the same time. The timing belt drives the water pump, both systems work together and if one of them fails, the risk of serious damage to the engine is higher.
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