Every car will eventually need repairs at some point. As your car ages, certain repairs are recommended or bound to happen. One of the most common repairs for a car with over 60,000 miles is replacing the timing belt. The timing belt is connected to the engine’s camshaft and crankshaft.
The timing belt is an integral part of your vehicle’s engine. Without this belt, you wouldn’t be able to start your car, and you won’t be able to get the car in motion. It is recommended to replace the timing belt once your car is between 60,000 and 100,000 miles.
The cost of replacing a Hyundai Accent’s timing belt will typically cost around $375. The price for parts will range from $20 to $60.If you decide to let a professional do the work, you can expect to pay between $245 to $325 for labor costs alone. The labor cost will vary depending on the mechanic you choose and their hourly rate. In addition, prices will vary depending on where you buy the parts and whether you use OEM or aftermarket parts.
If your timing belt needs to be replaced or you think it is time to get a new one, continue reading to help with your decision.
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What Does A Timing Belt Do?
A timing belt is a large belt that connects the engine’s crankshaft to the camshaft. This belt synchronizes the rotation of the intake and exhaust valves with respect to the engine’s pistons. When this happens, it allows for your vehicle’s engine to run smoothly.
Your engine’s valves are opening and closing thousands of times every minute. If the timing belt fails to work, it will cause your vehicle’s pistons to not synchronize with the opening and closing of your engine valves. When this happens, your car will misfire or not run at all.
Timing belts can last between 50,000 to 100,000 miles in a well-maintained car. If your Accent has around 80,000 to 90,000 miles and hasn’t had its timing belt changed or inspected, it is recommended that you start thinking about getting this done soon.
When To Change Your Timing Belt
Your vehicle’s owner manual will describe when you should change your timing belts. The manufacturer of your car may have a recommended timing belt replacement interval. For your Hyundai Accent, it is a recommended service when your vehicle hits 60,000 miles.
If you notice any problems with the timing belt, like noise or abnormal vibrations when your vehicle is running, it is time to get this checked right away.
Sometimes the timing belt will emit a rattling sound when it starts to fail. You can also check for other signs like leaks in the engine and coolant and oil mixing.
What Can Happen When Your Timing Belt Breaks
When the engine’s valves stop timing with the cylinders and pistons, the engine won’t run, and your car will be undrivable. Depending on where you are and how soon your timing belt breaks, this can cause damage to different parts of your vehicle’s engine.
One of the essential pieces of advice we can give is to get your timing belt inspected as early as possible if you notice any abnormal sounds or vibrations.
When you need to replace your timing belt, it would be best to let a certified mechanic do this for you. This is because of the risk that exists if the repair isn’t done correctly.
Repairs like these can damage other engine components or your entire engine if not done at the recommended time and mileage interval.
Cost To Repair Hyundai Accent Timing Belt
The cost to repair your Hyundai Accent’s timing belt will average $375. This does not include replacing other parts like pulleys, tensioners, and the water pump. You may also need to repair or inspect these components when replacing your timing belt.
Hyundai Accent Timing Belt Cost
The cost for the timing belt will range from $20 to $60. This price is for the belt alone and no other parts and will vary depending on where you buy them.
Some familiar places and prices for purchasing a timing belt for your Hyundai Accent
Autozone – $20 to $40
Advanced Autoparts – $20 to $88
eBay – $19 to $55
Amazon – $20 to $60
Walmart – $16 to $75
These are just some stores that carry timing belts for your Hyundai Accent.
Mechanic Cost to Repair Timing Belt
Now that you understand how much the timing belt cost, let’s take a look at how much it would cost to get your timing belt fixed by a professional mechanic.
The average price to replace the timing belt is $375. This cost includes the price of labor and the timing belt itself. Labor can range from $245 to $325, depending on the hourly rate of your mechanic.
How long it takes will depend on the year of your Accent and if your mechanic is completing other repairs on your vehicle. It usually takes anywhere from 3 to 5 hours to replace a timing belt.
Some popular places to have your repair done
Hyundai Dealership – $290 to $325
Walmart Repair Center – $235 to $275
Pep Boys – $260 to $300
Local Mechanic – $220 to $260
Meinke – $240 to $286
Many local shops can also do this for you and may offer a better price. It’s always good to get several estimates for different repair costs, so don’t be afraid to shop around and ask for quotes.
Other Parts To Replace During Timing Belt Replacement
In addition to the timing belt itself, there are usually other parts a mechanic will recommend having replaced at the same time. In order of least expensive to most expensive,
These parts are
Tensioner Pulley – $17 to $65
Water Pump – $50 to $97
Serpentine Belt – $30 to $87
These will add a couple of hundred dollars to the cost of your labor and parts if you decide to replace them at the same time. These parts are usually recommended because they are easy to replace while the timing belt is off.
If you had all these replaced with the timing belt at a dealership, it would be around $725. This could be a much better option depending on your budget as it helps to reduce the risk of your engine having other issues in the future.
What To Avoid When Replacing Your Hyundai Accent’s Timing Belt
Some common mistakes happen when a timing belt is being replaced. Some of these mistakes can cause more significant problems in the future with your engine. Here is what you want to avoid when having this repair done:
Not Replacing The Tensioner Pulley
This part helps keep tension on the timing belt while running for it to function correctly. If it isn’t replaced, the belt could fail prematurely. This would cause the vehicle not to run at all.
Not Replacing The Water Pump
The water pump circulates coolant through the engine block to help keep it cool. If this isn’t replaced, it could cause damage to other components in your engine, especially if they are aluminum.
This repair would be much more costly than the timing belt replacement itself.
Not Replacing The Serpentine Belt
This belt is what helps to power accessories in your engine. If it isn’t replaced, the vehicle will have difficulty starting up again when you are done with the repair.
This is also an easy part to replace, so there isn’t any reason why this shouldn’t be replaced while the timing belt is off.
Incorrect Tightening of Timing Belt
The mechanic will need to ensure the timing belt is tightened correctly. If it isn’t, you risk having issues with your vehicle and may not pass state inspection.
Low-Quality Parts
There are a lot of companies out there that sell cheap parts for this repair. Some of these parts don’t even last as long as the original timing belt. If you use these, it increases the risk of having other engine issues in the future.
These are just some of the common mistakes to avoid with this repair. Do your homework and ask around to learn more about the timing belt replacement process. This will help you know what to expect when your vehicle needs this repair.
Conclusion
The timing belt replacement is a common expense for Hyundai Accent owners. The cost can range from $320 to $425 for this repair. One of the most typical mistakes is not replacing the belt and other components simultaneously. You should know what you are getting into before having any repair done. It is essential to ask questions and get multiple quotes on the cost of this repair.
