How Long Does It Take to Replace a Car Belt?
2 Answers
Generally, replacing a timing belt takes about 2-3 hours. The method for replacing the timing belt is as follows: 1. Rotate the crankshaft pulley to align the pulley notch with the protrusion on the oil pump housing, adjusting the timing point. 2. Remove the crankshaft pulley bolt and the crankshaft pulley. 3. Remove the lower timing belt cover and the guide pulley. 4. Remove the timing belt tensioner, take off the belt, and then proceed with installation. 5. First, install the tensioner. Adjust it to the loosest position, with the inner angle hole adjustment position mark aligned at 180°. 6. Install the belt and adjust the tensioner. During adjustment, align the lower end of the tensioner notch with the pointer, then tighten the bolt. 7. Assemble the timing belt cover. First install the middle iron cover, then the upper and lower covers, and finally install the generator pulley, tensioner, and belt in order.
Replacing a car belt usually takes 1 to 2 hours at a repair shop. The exact time depends on your vehicle's condition: Cars with compact engine bay layouts may require removing multiple components, like taking off the fan or AC compressor just to access the belt. If the tensioner pulley is rusted and stuck, that'll eat up more time. Experienced mechanics work faster, but they still need to carefully adjust the new belt's tension - too loose causes slipping and noise, too tight damages bearings. Pro tip: When replacing the belt, it's best to change the idler pulley too, as older cars often have both components fail simultaneously. Last time I saw an 8-year-old car getting its timing belt replaced, just removing peripheral parts took an hour, and the whole job lasted two and a half hours.
