The national cost for a timing cover replacement with CarAdvise in 2024 is between $69 and $4135 with an average of $908.

Get expert advice, find shops, schedule, approve, & pay for any service - guaranteed to be lower than in-store retail.

Drive with Confidence.

Save with Assurance.

Get expert advice, compare prices, schedule, approve, & pay for any service at your favorite shops - guaranteed to be lower than in-store retail. The preferred auto maintenance solution for gig drivers - now available for everyone.

HOW IT WORKS

What is a timing cover and how does it work?

Your engine has a lot of moving parts inside. In order for all of those parts to move in concert with one another, they need to be synchronized. Like a conductor directing the instruments in an orchestra, the timing belt (or timing chain in some engines) synchronizes the movement of the crankshaft, camshaft(s), valves and more to make sure that each part is where it belongs at any given moment when your engine is running.

The timing components - timing belt or chain, pulleys or sprockets, tensioners, and the like - are located at the front of an engine. The timing cover essentially serves as the front panel of the engine and protects those timing components from dirt and debris. In the case of an engine with a timing chain (rather than a belt), the cover also seals in the engine oil that keeps the timing chain lubricated.

HOW IS THIS SERVICE PERFORMED?

How is a a Timing Cover Replacement done?

The procedure to replace a timing cover can differ from one vehicle to the next for a number of reasons, including whether the engine features a timing belt or a timing chain, or whether the engine is front-facing or transverse (as is the case with most front-wheel-drive vehicles). The service is also fairly involved, since a significant amount of labor is required to remove all of the necessary components for access.

In general, a technician will need to lift and support your vehicle in the air, remove shields, guards, covers, ducts, and the serpentine drive belt. The radiator might also need to be removed, depending on the orientation of your engine.

With those items out of the way, the technician will:



  • Remove the water pump (on some models)
  • Detach the drive pulley on the crankshaft
  • Remove any engine accessories (AC compressor, alternator, power steering pump, etc.) that are in the way of the timing cover
  • Remove the valve cover(s) (on some models)
  • Unbolt and remove the timing cover from the front of the engine, taking care to avoid damage to the mating surface on the engine while breaking its seal
  • Note the condition of the timing components - belt/chain, pulleys/sprockets, tensioners, etc.
  • Replace any timing components as needed (and/or the water pump if it is driven by the timing belt/chain)
  • Clean the mating surface on the engine and prep for new gasket/sealant
  • Install new gasket or apply fresh sealant
  • Install new timing cover and torque fasteners to manufacturer’s specifications
  • Reinstall all engine components and other parts that were removed for access
  • Install new engine coolant and bleed the system of air
  • Top off the engine oil It is advised that timing components (and possibly the water pump) be replaced at the same time as the timing cover, since replacement of those items require many of the same steps as timing cover replacement.

We're resetting car care standards.

One service at a time.

80%

of car owners feel that they have been overcharged for car repairs.

70%

of car owners don't trust their mechanic.

Your Car Care, Refined & Redefined

Transparent Pricing

Never overpay for car maintenance. Compare and select from discounted prices across 26,000+ trusted shops nationwide.

Empowerment

Ignite your auto knowledge. Gain invaluable insights into maintenance schedules, service clarity, and obtain expert advice.

Peace of Mind

Rest easy knowing you're getting quality service at the right price, without any hidden costs or surprises.

Hassle-Free

Bypass the stress of negotiations. CarAdvise simplifies your car care journey for an effortless experience.

POPULAR VEHICLES

National average cost of a a Timing Cover Replacement
for popular vehicles:

Car Model

Avg. cost

$50

Compare discounted prices at over 32k shops nationwide.

Finding a trusted shop has never been easier. We've partnered with the largest brands in auto maintenance to give our customers the biggest network to choose from.

Your word, not ours.

After 5 years, people have a lot to say about us - here's a few.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

How do I know if my vehicle needs a new timing cover?

Signs that a timing cover needs to be replaced are usually related to a failed gasket or seal that allows dirt to get to the timing components or allows oil to leak out. It is possible that a timing cover could become damaged, cracked or warped, but those instances are uncommon. Still, a timing cover needs to be replaced occasionally, and it might need replacement if you notice any of the following:

Oil is leaking from the front of your engine (the right side of the engine compartment on a vehicle with front-wheel drive)

The oil level in the engine keeps coming up low

Your engine runs roughly or misfires (due to timing issues stemming from contaminated or worn timing components)

Your low oil light comes on

This text is only for demo

Other questions customers ask

Is a timing cover leak serious?
There are several reasons that a leak coming from the timing cover could cause serious problems. Any oil leak is a problem for your engine. But, besides the fact that your engine is losing oil, that oil leaking from the timing cover can contaminate the serpentine drive belt and lead to issues with the power steering, AC, electrical system, and more. It can even leave you stranded. Oil leaking from the timing cover can also cause premature wear to the timing chain and other timing components. In the case of a timing belt, while there is no oil to leak from the area, dirt and debris can get into the front of your engine and degrade the belt and other parts.
What happens if you don't fix a timing cover leak?
Vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing your timing belt or chain somewhere between 60K and 120K miles, depending on the vehicle make and model. Failure to do so, at the least, can cause your engine to stall unexpectedly, and, in the worst case, cause catastrophic engine failure. If your timing cover is leaking, the belt or chain could fail prematurely, before you have had the chance to replace it at the recommended interval.
Can you drive with a broken timing cover?
Since the results of a broken timing belt or timing chain can be catastrophic for your engine (or at least cause your engine to stall unexpectedly), it can be dangerous to drive with a broken timing cover. Problems with timing components can cause your engine to run roughly, misfire, stall, or fail to start. A belt or chain that breaks while the engine is running can also - on some engines - allow the valves and pistons to collide violently, leading to thousands of dollars in repairs.

This is demo Question

This is demo Answer

Your word, not ours.

After 5 years, people have a lot to say about us - here's a few.

Trusted & partnered with leading companies.

We've earned a reputation as the go-to choice for quality car care, with some of the biggest names in business reaping the benefits and improving their customer's car care experience.

Honda
doordash
ebay
Allstate
carvana
buckle

Need to talk about something?

Call us at (844) 923-8473 or email [email protected]

Join the world's largest consumer fleet.

Over 1.8 Million already have.