We love our engines
Quick Answer: Idler pulley replacement typically costs $40–$90 for the part if doing it yourself, or $150–$300 at a shop (including labor). It’s a moderate DIY job that most backyard mechanics can handle in under an hour. It was a cold December morning last year, the kind where your breath hangs in the air inside … Read more
It was a scorching July afternoon when Sarah’s 2015 Honda Accord rolled into my bay with the AC blasting—or at least trying to. The compressor was cycling on and off, the battery light flickered occasionally, and she mentioned a “weird squealing” that started three days ago but went away. I popped the hood, and there … Read more
It was a cold December morning back in 2018, snow piling up outside the shop bay doors. This guy pulls in with his 2012 F-150 EcoBoost, complaining about a god-awful rattle on startup that sounded like marbles in a coffee can. Truck had 115,000 miles, and he’d been religious with oil changes—at the quick lube … Read more
Quick Answer: How Much Does It Cost? The Bottom Line: In 2025, the average timing chain replacement cost at a professional shop ranges from $1,500 to $4,000+. If you are tackling this yourself, parts typically run between $300 and $800, but specialized tools can add another $200 to $500 to your initial investment. The Real Shop Experience: A Tuesday … Read more
Quick Answer: Timing chain problems typically manifest as metallic rattling noises during cold starts, rough idling, or illuminated check engine lights with codes like P0016/P0017. Replacement requires 10-14 hours for DIYers and costs $1,200-$2,500 professionally. Critical failure points include tensioner wear and guide rail fractures. Opening: The 3 A.M. Breakdown That Changed Everything Rain lashed against the shop windows at 2:47 A.M. when Sarah brought in her 2016 … Read more
It was 7:30 AM on a Tuesday in February, coldest day we’d seen in Atlanta that winter. My coffee was still steaming when Mrs. Johnson rolled her ’08 Honda Pilot into the bay, engine clattering like a toolbox down a flight of stairs. “It just started making this noise yesterday,” she said, but I knew … Read more
Quick Answer: Most Nissan models from the late 1990s through early 2000s use a timing belt, but starting around 2002–2004, many switched to timing chains—including the Altima and Maxima. Always verify your engine type before assuming you need a belt replacement. For belt-equipped models like the 1995–2001 Altima (KA24DE or VG30E engines), replacement is critical … Read more
Opening: A Mechanic’s Tale of Timing It was a sweltering July afternoon in the shop, the kind of heat that makes wrenches burn to the touch. A 2005 Hyundai Elantra rolled in, towed behind a flatbed, its engine locked up tighter than a drum. The owner, a college student on a budget, had ignored the … Read more
It was a humid Tuesday morning in July when a customer rolled in with her 2008 Acura MDX—105,000 miles on the clock, immaculate interior, and zero service records. “I just need an oil change,” she said. I popped the hood and immediately saw the original factory timing belt staring back at me through the inspection … Read more
Quick Answer: Most Volkswagen engines with a timing belt require replacement between 80,000–120,000 miles, depending on engine and year. Expect $600–$1,200 at a shop, or $250–$450 DIY if you already own specialty tools. Always confirm the exact interval and torque specs in your factory service manual. It Was 7:15 AM, Cold, and the … Read more