You can expect an average total replacement cost of $746 for a timing cover replacement, with $243 for parts and $503 for mechanic labor. The exact price will depend on your vehicle.

How long does it take to replace a timing cover? In general, it takes around 4.3 hours for a certified mechanic to complete the job. Your mechanic will perform a preliminary inspection to determine if a replacement is necessary, then follow through with the full replacement.

Here’s an overview of timing cover replacement costs for different vehicles:

Timing cover replacement cost for various vehicles

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
April 22, 2024	Caleb, 26 Bloomington, IL	Audi A4	$341	$77	$264	3.3 Hours
April 17, 2024	Lydia, 34 Elizabeth, PA	Porsche Macan	$646	$238	$408	3.3 Hours
April 12, 2024	Charlotte, 43 Virginia Beach, VA	Volvo XC90	$659	$238	$420	3.3 Hours
April 12, 2024	Clifford, 42 Salem, MA	Tesla Model Y	$400	$69	$331	3.3 Hours
April 11, 2024	Lettie, 44 Homestead, FL	Ram ProMaster	$457	$77	$380	3.3 Hours

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

Get a free fair cost estimate for my car

See fair price estimates for popular cars

What parts do I need for my timing cover replacement?

You can check your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic for precise parts, but here’s a general rundown:

Timing cover: The timing cover is the main component in the replacement. It protects the timing mechanism—a timing belt or timing chain—in your car and costs anywhere from $15 to over $600.

Crankshaft and camshaft

seals: These seals prevent oil leaks from the crankshaft and camshaft, so it's a good idea to replace them during a timing cover replacement. Crankshaft seals generally cost $10 to $60, while camshaft seals range from $5 to $35.

Some reputable brands we recommend include Fel-Pro, ACDelco, and Timken for reliable and quality timing cover part replacements. You can typically purchase these brands from retailers such as RockAuto, Amazon, and O'Reilly Auto Parts, both online and in-store. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle's specific year, make, and model.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

When it comes to your timing cover, you should consider aftermarket parts before OEM covers. Aftermarket timing covers are more affordable, and they can provide increased sealing and protection.

Where can I buy parts for my timing cover replacement?

You can purchase a replacement timing cover at auto body shops and auto parts shops like RockAuto and O'Reilly Auto Parts. You can also find kits online through Amazon.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my timing cover replaced?

With the rundown on 2,500+ vetted repair shops nationwide, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

can make the search for a mechanic to replace your timing cover a lot easier.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates from local shops using actual hourly rates. You’ll be able to budget for diagnostic fees and see reviews from previous customers to make sure you’ll be happy with your service.

Here’s a look at some of our partner shops below—and you can download the app to compare car repair quotes in your area.

154 Reviews

61 Auto Center

1226 Centre Ave, Reading, PA

Timing Cover Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$388

(Parts - $240, Labor - $148)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$70

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (610) 370-7224

119 Reviews

Fairway Tire Lube and Auto

5221 Sunset Rd, Charlotte, NC

Timing Cover Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$491

(Parts - $240, Labor - $251)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$99.99

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (704) 596-0043

127 Reviews

Ingleside Auto & Tire Care

34811 N Wilson Rd, Ingleside, IL

Timing Cover Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$697

(Parts - $240, Labor - $457)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry

101 Reviews

Smith's Auto Repair LLC

520 Finch St, Troy, OH

Timing Cover Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$579

(Parts - $240, Labor - $339)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$75

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (419) 624-0900

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my timing cover?

A timing cover replacement is no easy task, so it’s best to take your car to a professional for the job. If your car needs a timing cover replacement, your mechanic will follow these steps:

Preparation: Your mechanic will hoist or jack up your car to reach the engine’s undercarriage and prepare their tools while they wait for the engine to cool off.

Remove the coolant: Some cars run coolant through the timing cover, so your mechanic will drain it before it can be removed.

Parts removal: Your mechanic will likely have to remove parts of your engine to reach the timing cover. Most vehicles will require the mechanic to take out the radiator, drive belt(s), water pump, drive pulley, and valve cover before the timing cover can be removed.

Remove the timing cover bolts: Your mechanic will unscrew the bolts holding the timing cover in place.

Remove the timing cover: Depending on your vehicle’s camshaft, your mechanic may need to pry the timing cover off

Reassembly: After removing all the necessary parts, your mechanic will work in reverse order to replace your timing cover, gaskets and sealant, and bolts, and reinstall the water pump, pulleys, drive belt(s), and any other removed parts.

What happens if I don’t replace my timing cover?

Your vehicle’s timing cover is essential to protecting the parts of your engine, so you should get it replaced immediately if there’s an issue with it. A faulty timing cover can lead to the following issues:

Timing belt slippage or damage

Lower engine power, especially when driving at an incline

Overheating engine, engine misalignment, misfires, or complete engine failure

Other engine damage, including bent engine valves and piston (or timing chain) damage

Your check engine light may also light up

What is a timing cover?

Your timing cover—sometimes referred to as a timing belt cover or timing chain cover—protects your timing belt, timing chain, or cam belt from road debris, grime, and gravel by creating a tight seal to the engine block.

The

timing belt

or chain is an essential part of your car, located toward the front of the engine, that controls the rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft in the internal combustion engine. Without the protection of the timing cover, the belt can face major damage, so your timing cover is an important part of your car’s engine.

When should I replace the timing cover on my car?

You’ll need to replace your timing cover sooner rather than later if you notice the following symptoms:

Engine oil or coolant is leaking

Rasping or grating sound coming from the front of your engine

Sharp decrease in power when you are driving at an incline

If your timing cover is not operating properly, debris will damage the timing components of your car’s engine. Driving without the protection of a timing cover will lead to the timing belt slipping off the pulleys, which can cause severe damage to your engine.

How often should a timing cover be replaced?

Timing covers should last as long as your vehicle, so they aren’t part of your typical car maintenance schedule. If you start noticing symptoms of a bad timing cover, take your vehicle to a mechanic to officially diagnose the issue.

Can I replace my timing cover myself?

You can do a timing cover replacement at home if you’re confident in your DIY auto repair skills, but the process requires specialized parts and involves working around your engine. For most car owners, it’s best to let a professional handle your timing cover replacement.

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FAQs

How serious is a timing cover leak?

A leak in your car’s timing cover can get engine oil on your timing belt, causing the belt to slip—leaving you with expensive engine damage. It’s best to take your vehicle to a mechanic before you’re faced with steep repair costs.

How do I know if my timing cover is bad?

The following are signs of a bad timing cover:

Engine oil or coolant is leaking

Rasping or grating sound coming from the front of your engine

Sharp decrease in power when you are driving at an incline

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to take your vehicle to a mechanic to determine if you need a timing cover replacement.

When should I replace my timing cover?

Timing covers should last as long as your vehicle, so they aren’t part of your typical car maintenance schedule.

However, you’ll need to replace your timing cover sooner rather than later if you notice the following symptoms:

Engine oil or coolant is leaking

Rasping or grating sound coming from the front of your engine

Sharp decrease in power when you are driving at an incline

How much does it cost to replace engine timing cover gasket?

The timing cover gaskets are often included with timing covers, but they can also be purchased for around $15 to $100, depending on your vehicle and where you buy from.

Can you drive with a cracked timing cover?

While you can drive with a cracked timing cover, it could result in some serious engine damage. If oil leaks onto your timing belt or if your timing belt isn’t protected from debris, you could be looking at costly repairs. So, it’s best to avoid driving your car—except for the trip to the mechanic.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.