The Average Cost for a Timing Cover Gasket Is Between $85 and $1,040, Depending on if You Go to the Mechanic or DIY
The price range for replacing a timing cover gasket is based on the national average for all vehicle types. It does not consider your particular vehicle’s make or model, nor include any taxes or fees. For a more accurate estimate based on your make, model, and location, check out the FIXD Sensor and free app!
Get a more accurate estimate
For a more accurate cost estimate based on your make, model, and location, use the FIXD Sensor and free app.
TRY FIXD FOR $19.99Cost to Replace a Timing Cover Gasket at the Mechanic: $400 to $1,040
- Parts: $85 to $100
- Labor: $300 to $1,000
This cost depends on the make and model of your vehicle. The labor involved in replacing a timing gasket cover is higher than average, which means it can be pricey to have the part replaced by a mechanic. For most cars, this service should be performed every 100,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual or use the FIXD Sensor and free app to see your car’s recommended maintenance schedule and get automated alerts when it’s time for important maintenance, such as replacing your timing cover gasket.
Cost to DIY: $85
- Difficulty Level: Moderate. It should take less than a day if you DIY.
- Parts Needed:
- Belt tensioner tool
- Breaker bar
- Combination wrenches
- Impact wrench
- Jack and jack stands
- Crankshaft holding tool
- Dead blow hammer
- Gear puller or harmonic balancer puller
- RTV silicone gasket sealer
- Screwdrivers
- Socket wrench set
- Torque wrench
- Timing cover gasket
A mechanic will typically charge upwards of $400 to $1,040 to replace a leaking timing cover gasket; if the gasket is being replaced as part of a timing belt/chain replacement, you will just be charged for the price of the gasket. The majority of this cost comes from the labor itself. You can save money by replacing your timing cover gasket yourself as a DIY.
Keep in mind that there are many different types of timing cover gaskets available depending on your vehicle’s make and model. If you plan to replace your timing cover gasket yourself, choose the correct parts for your vehicle. Refer to your owners manual for proper direction if you’re ever in doubt, or call our FIXD Mechanic Hotline for expert advice you can trust and DIY walkthroughs. You get access to our Hotline free for 14 days when you purchase a FIXD Sensor. Click here to get yours for only $19.99!
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TRY FIXD FOR $19.99What Is Timing Cover Gasket Replacement?
A timing cover is in place to protect your vehicle’s timing chain, timing belt, or cam belt from grime and road debris. The timing chain controls the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft in an internal combustion engine. As long as these are spinning, the valves inside the engine will open and close as they should. If your timing cover gasket becomes damaged, you may notice oil leaking. Replacing the timing cover gasket as soon as possible is vital to keeping your vehicle running properly.
What Does a Timing Cover Gasket Replacement Include?
There are several steps to replacing a timing cover gasket. First, the vehicle needs to be in the park and then jacked up with the rear wheels secured with wheel chocks. Some cars provide easy access to the timing cover, but others require removal of numerous components even including the radiator and water pump in some instances. The drive belt needs to be removed to access the timing cover, which is then easily removed to access the gasket.
A new seal must be set in place, and then the timing cover can be placed to install a new timing cover gasket. There are additional steps for certain vehicles specified in your repair manual.
What Happens if You Don’t Replace Your Timing Cover Gasket?
If your timing cover gasket becomes damaged, it’s essential to replace it immediately to prevent further engine damage. When it first begins to fail, you can drive your vehicle for a short period, but an engine oil leak will start almost immediately. This puts your engine and all of its components at risk. Don’t drive around with a bad timing cover gasket more than necessary.
How Often Should You Replace Your Timing Cover Gasket?
Most cars have a recommended timing belt/chain replacement by 100,000 miles (sometimes sooner), but you should replace the timing cover gasket if it’s visibly leaking oil. If it’s not leaking, the only time you’ll need to replace the timing cover gasket is if you’re replacing the timing belt/chain.
You can learn more about the fundamentals of car maintenance, including a preventative maintenance checklist, inside our ultimate guide to car maintenance for beginners.
Common Symptoms You Need to Replace Your Timing Cover Gasket
Some signs may indicate that your timing valve gasket needs to be replaced. Ignoring these signs can cause further problems with your engine. Some of the common symptoms that you need to replace the timing valve gasket include:
- Engine oil is leaking from your timing cover. You may notice this as oil leaking out the bottom of your car. Leaking oil is always an indicator that something has gone wrong. Determining the cause sooner rather than later will help avoid additional damage.
- Your vehicle’s check engine light comes on. A bad timing cover gasket could affect the engine’s oil pressure, which may set a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) including P0521.
Related Maintenance Service
The following services are commonly performed with a timing cover gasket replacement:
- Valve cover gaskets
- Serpentine belt
- Oil pan gaskets
- Water pump
Never Miss Important Maintenance Again With FIXD
You’ll never have to miss necessary maintenance again with the FIXD Sensor and free app. This app allows you to customize a maintenance schedule based on your vehicle’s make, model, and mileage. FIXD sends automated alerts to your phone when any maintenance is due. This includes tire rotations, oil and oil filter changes, and even alerts you when it’s time for your brake pads to be replaced.
With the FIXD app, you’ll be able to see your tire, battery, and wiper blades’ life to help keep everything running as smooth as possible. Download the FIXD app today to help take the stress out of owning a vehicle and keeping up with maintenance. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
