Timing Chain Replacement
Replace a stretched or rattling timing chain, guides and tensioner. Far more labour-intensive than a timing belt (8-15 hours) because the engine usually needs partial disassembly.
Timing Chain Replacement costs $1,200–$4,800 AUD in Australia in 2026, parts and labour included. Independent mechanics typically charge 30-40% less than dealers for the same job.
🔧 What Mechanics Don't Tell You
- Labour is the real variable. The same repair can cost 30-50% more at a dealer than an independent, purely on labour rate. Always ask for a written quote with labour hours itemised — if they won't itemise, walk away.
- Aftermarket parts are fine for most jobs. OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts carry a 30-60% premium. For non-safety-critical parts (pads, rotors, filters), reputable aftermarket brands (Bosch, Brembo, Sachs) perform identically for a fraction of the price.
- Get 3 quotes — the spread is real. We've seen the same job quoted from $400 to $1,800 across Brisbane shops. The cheapest quote is not always the best, but neither is the most expensive.
- If they won't itemise, walk away. A reputable mechanic will break down the quote into parts cost + labour hours + markup. If they give you a single round number, get a second opinion.
Cost by Brand (AUD)
| Brand | Total | Labour | Parts |
|---|---|---|---|
| MG | $1200-$2400 | $600-$1200 | $0-$1800 |
| Chery | $1230-$2460 | $620-$1230 | $0-$1840 |
| Haval | $1245-$2490 | $620-$1240 | $5-$1870 |
| BYD | $1275-$2550 | $640-$1280 | $0-$1910 |
| GWM | $1275-$2550 | $640-$1280 | $0-$1910 |
| LDV | $1320-$2640 | $660-$1320 | $0-$1980 |
| Suzuki | $1350-$2700 | $680-$1350 | $0-$2020 |
| Mitsubishi | $1380-$2760 | $690-$1380 | $0-$2070 |
| Kia | $1395-$2790 | $700-$1400 | $0-$2090 |
| Hyundai | $1425-$2850 | $710-$1420 | $5-$2140 |
| Nissan | $1470-$2940 | $740-$1470 | $0-$2200 |
| Toyota | $1500-$3000 | $750-$1500 | $0-$2250 |
| Honda | $1530-$3060 | $760-$1530 | $0-$2300 |
| Mazda | $1575-$3150 | $790-$1580 | $0-$2360 |
| Jeep | $1680-$3360 | $840-$1680 | $0-$2520 |
| Ford | $1725-$3450 | $860-$1720 | $5-$2590 |
| Skoda | $1725-$3450 | $860-$1720 | $5-$2590 |
| Volkswagen | $1875-$3750 | $940-$1880 | $0-$2810 |
| Subaru | $1950-$3900 | $980-$1950 | $0-$2920 |
| Audi | $2250-$4500 | $1120-$2250 | $0-$3380 |
| BMW | $2400-$4800 | $1200-$2400 | $0-$3600 |
| Mercedes-Benz | $2400-$4800 | $1200-$2400 | $0-$3600 |
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Get My Free Quotes →Tips
- ✓Replace the chain, guides, tensioner and oil-pump chain as a complete kit
- ✓A rattling noise on cold start is the classic worn-chain symptom
- ✓Regular oil changes extend chain life — sludge and low oil kill chains
- ✓Chains are designed to last the engine's life but do stretch and wear over time
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