How much does it cost to replace an engine belt?

Question

I know my car has a dried out engine belt. The dealer that fixes my car told me if I don't replace it soon, it will ruin my engine which of course worries me. I asked how much it would cost to replace and he said $375, with a coupon. Does this sound reasonable or am I right that I am getting ripped off?
Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

If you're talking about a timing belt, it is very possible that $375 is a reasonable cost. The belt itself is not expensive, it's the time it takes for a mechanic to get to the belt that typically drives up the cost.

If you have an interference fit engine, it is a definite must to get your timing belt changed at the proper interval. If you don't, you can damage the engine if it breaks, and cost can run upward of $2000 to repair if you let the belt go.

You don't mention type of car, year, engine, or mileage, so it's hard to give you any more advice. I'd definitely recommend changing it out.

Answer 2

Car Belt Replacement Cost

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How much does it cost to replace an engine belt?
I know my car has a dried out engine belt. The dealer that fixes my car told me if I don't replace it soon, it will ruin my engine which of course worries me. I asked how much it would cost to replace and he said $375, with a coupon. Does this sound reasonable or am I right that I am getting...

Answer 4

Is the dealer talking about the TIMING BELT?
That estimate could be accurate some cars.
Other engine belts cost between $10-30; add maybe 1/2 hr for labor.

Answer 5

if your talking about the timing belt that a very reasonable price at a dealer most i do start at 350 and up if its just accessory belts thats very high should run around 150 to 225 dollars tops what type of car most cars have a recomended interval changing the timing belt, from 35 to 60 thousand miles if your belt breaks it can bend valves,bust pistons, crack heads beyond repair if it is considered an interference engine can then cost up to 15oo dollars or more good luck hope this helps [e-mail]

Answer 6

If it is the timing belt he is talking about then $375 dollars is a reasonable price. Reason it cost so much is in a lot of cases you have to unbolt the motor mounts and lift it up after you get down to the engine. Have to remove alternator and power steering belts, a/c belts or poly belt. and in lot of cases remove them before you can jack the engine up. And in some cars you have to remove the drive lines (axles) in order to be able to jack the engine up enough in order to change the belts.

If they are talking about the alternator, power steering, a/c belts, or poly belt then no that is too high.

Timing belts should be changed every fifty to one hundred thousand miles.
alternator, power steering, a/c belts or poly belt should be changed once a year along with radiator hoses and heater hoses. When you are changing the radiator and heater hoses it is always a good idea to change the thermostat as well.

Answer 7

Exterior belt (water pump, alternator, power steering, a/c drive belts) shouldn't cost more than fifty to seventy-five dollars installed. Interior belts (timing belt) may well cost three hundred and seventy-five to four hundred dollars (or more!). If he's charging the higher price for the exterior belts, then no, it doesn't sound reasonable and yes, you're being ripped off. Good luck!

Answer 8

timing belts are expensive.....375 isn't bad for a timing belt job....replace the water pump while you're in there. if it is an interference engine, i would make sure you get it done every 90K miles...... regular belts like alternator, power steering etc. are much cheaper..

Answer 9

Depending on the car that sounds reasonable. If you don't know how to do it yourself, then definitely pay the money. Just think of it as peace of mind. Figure 6 hrs labor at $50/hr. Then $75 for the part give or take...Not too bad.

Answer 10

I think you are referring to the timing belt.
If I am correct that's about an average price..