The timing chain is a component of machinery that joins the camshaft and crankshaft of an engine. The placement of the piston can be used to control the engine valves’ opening and closing. A damaged timing chain might lead to problems with your car. So, how much does a timing chain cost to replace individuals who suspect this problem?
Well, we’ll get to address that in this article. Be that as it may, you’ll get to know how often to replace the timing chain, bad symptoms, and if you can drive with it.
Ok, let’s get to it!
Contents
Timing Chain Replacement Cost
Unfortunately, repairing a timing chain is not practicable. It’s a crucial part that wears out too quickly to be fixed. The timing chain must be changed if something is wrong. You should be aware of the cost to replace a timing chain rather than the cost to fix one. It’s a simpler, more understandable number.
In the automotive market, timing chains can be difficult to find. The cost of replacing a timing chain typically ranges between $1,600 and $1,800 if it is done by a professional. If you choose to replace it, it will cost between $600 and $800. By no means is it a cheap repair. Due to this cost, it’s essential to have money saved up for timing chain replacement.
Maintaining your car in a safe driving condition is essential. It can appear that an automobile won’t need a timing chain. After all, in relation to other automotive parts, it is a minor component. What kind of damage could occur? Timing chain problems may lead to serious engine damage if ignored.
If the problem persists long enough, it may be necessary to replace the engine entirely, which might cost thousands of dollars in repairs. A broken timing chain may even result in an abrupt stop, which is hazardous for any driver. Avoid taking chances. If you see any of the signs, take them right away to a store. They can assist you with the following actions.
Read: Timing Belt Vs. Timing Chain: Differences and Which is Better
How Often Should You Replace a Timing Chain?
Unless there is a specific issue, the timing chain typically needs to be replaced between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. In automobiles with higher mileage, chain problems are frequent. When operating an older vehicle or one with nearly 100,000 miles on the odometer, it is advised to watch out for timing chain failure or bad-chain symptoms. The ability to identify the symptoms and get the timing chain fixed before it completely fails is crucial since the timing chain can break down and need to be replaced.
Read: Everything you need to know about chain drive
Bad Timing Chain Symptoms
We have a number of signs if you fear your timing chain is about to fail but are unsure of what to look for. These symptoms indicate that your timing chain is nearing the end of its useful life and that you should consider a replacement. The following are clear indications of a timing chain issue:
- Engine Misfires.
- Check Engine Light.
- Rattling Noise.
- Metal Shavings in Oil.
Engine Misfires
The first sign of a timing chain issue is a misfiring engine. When the fuel-to-air ratio is out of equilibrium, this problem arises. This imbalance may result in an abrupt loss of power in the engine since the timing chain controls the opening and closing of valves. It’ll malfunction.
You’ll notice that the engine’s acceleration has decreased. It might jerk as a result. It can interfere with your drive. Your automobile might start, but it will malfunction and cause problems. As soon as you become aware of this issue, check it for timing chain problems.
Check Engine Light
While the check engine light can be inconvenient, it comes on for a reason. A timing chain error may be one of the causes. Don’t disregard this light if you see it. Bring your car to a mechanic, and ask them to check the engine for problems. Failure to do so could lead to costly engine damage in the future. If nothing is wrong, you can have a malfunctioning engine light. With the timing chain replacement, you avoid spending a ton of money if there is a problem.
Rattling Noise
A rattling noise coming from the engine is another sign of timing chain failure. When you apply the brakes, typically in a harder-than-normal stop, the rattling could also start up. Your engine will make a strange noise. Alternatively, before you pull out of your driveway, the engine can seem to be stuck in idle mode.
The timing chain becomes loose and strained, which causes this issue. Because it isn’t stable in its place, it sways while the engine is running. It might eventually cause all of the traffic to stop on the road. An important warning for a driver is a rattle.
Metal Shavings in Oil
Another sign of a timing chain problem is contaminated oil. As if someone had used a sander to sand some metal, you may detect tiny metal flakes in the oil. As the issue intensifies, these portions can grow over time. The metal fragments are from a broken timing chain. They may separate and fall into the oil, thereby disrupting the system. Check the timing chain immediately if you see metal shavings in your car’s oil.
Read: Everything you need to know about timing belt or chain
Can You Drive with A Bad Timing Chain?
The answer is no if the timing chain is broken! With a damaged timing chain, you cannot operate a vehicle. Timing chain performance is crucial for effective and correct engine running. The automobile won’t start at all if the timing chain malfunctions, which could leave you stranded by the side of the road. No matter what kind of engine your car has, a defective timing chain will cause it to turn off and stop running right away.
You will need to pull over right away if your timing chain breaks while you are driving since it stops your engine instantly regardless of the type of engine in your car. The timing chain prevents the valve and the piston stroke from lining up in an interference engine.
If it snaps, the piston and valve will collide, damaging the cylinder and camshaft and costing a lot of money to fix. A broken timing chain won’t seriously harm a non-interference engine. Simply shutting off the engine will do. This is why it’s important to routinely maintain your timing chain.
Read: Difference between drive belt and timing belt
FAQs
Is it worth replacing a timing chain?
Timing chains do not require routine replacement, but timing belts do. The timing chain shouldn’t need to be changed unless it has been harmed, overworked, or otherwise compromised. Your car will most likely experience one or more faults if there is a timing chain issue.
How much does it cost to get a full-timing chain replaced?
Timing chain replacements typically cost between $1,648 and $1,908. The cost of labor is expected to be between $950 and $1,198, and the cost of parts is between $697 and $709.
Is replacing a timing chain a big job?
The proper equipment, a repair handbook tailored to the engine’s model, and some mechanical expertise are needed for timing chain installation. Since it’s a big job, there’s a chance that getting it wrong could have long-lasting effects on the engine.
Will a car still run with a bad timing chain?
An engine with a broken timing chain will either not start or fail while being driven. The engine won’t start if the belt is already broken since there won’t be adequate compression. The pistons will sustain damage by coming into touch with the valves if they break or leap while being driven. The actual valves will bend, possibly ruining the engine.
Is there a warning before a timing chain breaks?
This diagnostic is frequently the initial step in replacing the timing chain outside of routine maintenance. The check engine light is frequently the only indication that something is wrong before the chain breaks.
How long can I drive with a noisy timing chain?
Driving with a damaged timing chain puts you at risk for catastrophic engine damage and puts you in danger by increasing the likelihood that your car will suddenly stop. Usually, a timing chain needs to be replaced after 40,000 to 150,000 miles.
How many hours does it take to replace a timing chain?
The entire timing chain replacement process, including all associated parts, ought to take a skilled mechanic between 5 and 8 hours.
Why are timing chains so expensive?
Due to labor costs, timing-chain replacement is frequently highly expensive, but engine repair when a timing belt fails is also costly.
Conclusion
Your system’s timing chain is an essential component. Everything may go forward because it enables valves to open and close in sync with the engine. Even though it might appear that the cost of a timing chain repair should be your next priority, replacement is better. This essential component is more difficult to repair than to replace.
