Cambelt & Water Pump Replacement
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£468.89
Average cost for a cambelt & water pump replacement
Cambelt & Water Pump Replacement
How much is a cambelt and water pump replacement?
The average price of a cambelt and water pump replacement on FixMyCar is £468.89. The table below shows the average price for some of the most popular car manufacturers.
| Audi | £490.46 |
| BMW | £539.85 |
| Citroen | £421.21 |
| Ford | £437.95 |
| Honda | £409.26 |
| Hyundai | £419.72 |
| KIA | £385.44 |
| Nissan | £428.12 |
| Mazda | £436.87 |
| Mercedes | £471.26 |
| MINI | £460.02 |
| Peugeot | £428.02 |
| Renault | £456.15 |
| SEAT | £456.17 |
| Toyota | £437.21 |
| Vauxhall | £412.27 |
| Volkswagen | £465.57 |
The cambelt - also known as the timing belt - and water pump are crucial in maintaining the correct engine timing and temperature. Although they don’t have to be replaced together, they have similar lifespans, and the cambelt controls the water pump, so both jobs are often done simultaneously. Find out what happens when your cambelt is replaced in this guide.
Following the correct replacement intervals for these parts is paramount because they can cause significant - and expensive - engine damage when they break. A snapped cambelt can make the engine seize up, meaning your steering and braking systems fail, and a broken water pump will cause the engine to overheat, leading to more engine damage and possibly even a fire.
Cambelt change
The average price of a cambelt change on FixMyCar is £426.76.
A damaged or snapped cambelt will cause damage to the car engine if it’s not replaced.
Can include- Diagnosis
- Cambelt repair
- Cambelt replacement
Water pump repair
The average price of a water pump repair when booked on FixMyCar is £272.67.
A leak of any liquid from your car is a sign that you might have a damaged water pump. A water pump repair is a standard job that doesn't take long to carry out.
Can include- Visual inspection and diagnosis
- Water pump repair
Car diagnostic test
The average price of a car diagnostic booked on FixMyCar is £51.66. Car diagnostic testing involves using special software to detect issues with your car's engine, electrical system, transmission, braking, exhaust system and more.
Can include- Full diagnostic testing
- Recommended repairs
What do the cambelt and water pump do?
The cambelt controls the timing of your car’s engine. It determines when the valves to the cylinders open and close by ensuring the camshaft and crankshaft rotate in sync.
The camshaft controls the valves, allowing air and fuel in and out. At the same time, the crankshaft moves the pistons up and down. Without the correct timing, pistons and other engine components can get damaged.
The water pump has a misleading name because it pushes coolant, rather than water, into the engine and back to the radiator. Coolant can’t move around the system without a functioning water pump, causing the engine to overheat.
How long do the cambelt and water pump last?
Cambelts typically need replacing every 40,000 to 100,000 miles, and the expected lifespan of a water pump is similar, around 60,000 to 90,000 miles.
There are some components - such as brake pads - where you might wait for them to wear out before replacing them. The cambelt should not be one of those components. Instead, you must follow the replacement interval laid out by the car’s manufacturer to avoid total cambelt failure and engine damage.
Symptoms of a worn cambelt
Look out for these signs that your cambelt is worn.
Engine misfiring
When the cambelt wears down, the systems it controls may fall out of sync, sending unburnt fuel to the exhaust. The result is thick black smoke from the exhaust and engine misfires.
Trouble starting the engine
Components operating out of sync can cause problems when you try to start the engine. Similarly, when the cambelt snaps, the car won’t start at all.
Rough idling
The cambelt wraps around gears with metal teeth attached. These teeth make contact with the crankshaft and camshaft to ensure they operate in synchronicity. However, if the belt misses a tooth, the timing won’t be correct, making the engine run rough.
A squealing noise
A high-pitched squeak or squealing noise indicates the rubber belt is slipping on the pulley. Several things can cause this, including contamination from leaking fluids and general wear and tear.
Visible wear on the cambelt
You can often tell when your cambelt is worn by looking at it. Signs of fraying, cracks and a glossy underside all indicate that it might be time for a new belt because the current one is getting less flexible with age.
Symptoms of a worn water pump
Coolant leak
The water pump’s gaskets wear out over time, and when they do, the result is that coolant starts to leak and may drip under the vehicle. This guide provides advice about how to identify and fix various fluid leaks.
Whining noises
High-pitched noises, such as whining, could indicate a water pump problem. Specifically, the noise will likely come from a pulley attached to the pump. Incorrect pulley placement and bearing problems within the pump can cause the pulley to become weak, creating unpleasant noises.
Engine overheating
An overheating engine is one of the most common symptoms of a faulty water pump. When the pump breaks, it can’t transport coolant to keep the engine at the right temperature, making it overheat.
Why do you replace the water pump and cambelt together?
There are a few reasons for this. One is the relationship between the cambelt and the water pump - the latter is driven by the former, which means if the cambelt is in bad condition, the water pump will likely malfunction soon.
Another reason is that if the pump fails first, the timing belt may have to be removed for it to be replaced, so it makes sense to change both to save on labour costs.
Finally, both components have a similar lifespan and need replacing at roughly the same time.
Can a bad water pump affect the cambelt?
In short, the answer is yes. When the pump seizes, fails, or the bearing breaks, the cambelt may also break because the two are connected. Consequently, you could have damaged pistons, bent valves or a completely ruined engine.
What can go wrong with a cambelt?
Cambelts can experience a few issues, including misalignment, an under-tensioned belt, damaged or worn pulleys, a weak drive structure, and debris in the timing pulley.
How long does it take to change a cambelt and water pump?
The process takes three to five hours and varies depending on your car's make, model and age. Since newer cars feature engines that take up as little space as possible, accessing and replacing some components can be challenging, making repairs take longer.
Can I drive with a bad cambelt or water pump?
You should stop driving when you realise your cambelt or water pump is worn. Continuing to use your car could cause severe damage if the cambelt snaps or the engine overheats. Instead, book a repair as soon as possible and avoid driving until then.
