Engine Mechanical
Timing Belt
A timing belt keeps the crankshaft and camshafts turning in step so the valves open at the right moment. We list 40 belts and kits from $12 to $250 for 1987-2025 vehicles, from Dayco, Gates, Cloyes and ContiTech, with many for the Ford Ranger and Dodge Dakota.
Shop timing belt by vehicle
Why the replacement interval matters
Timing belts are made of rubber with fiber reinforcement, and they wear with age and mileage. Unlike a chain, a belt is a scheduled maintenance item. Your owner's manual gives the interval in miles or years.
A belt can fail with little warning. On an interference engine, a broken belt can let the valves hit the pistons and cause major damage. Signs that need attention include cracks, missing teeth, oil soaking from a leaking seal and a ticking or whine from the front of the engine.
Belt alone or a full kit
Listings range from a single belt to kits with the tensioner, idler pulleys and installation instructions. Some kits also include a water pump when it is driven by the timing belt.
The tensioner and idlers wear at the same rate as the belt. Since most of the labor is getting to the belt, many owners replace these parts at the same time. Check the contents on each listing and compare it with your engine's layout.
Installation cautions
Set the engine to top dead center and line up the timing marks on the crank and cam before removing the old belt. Do not turn the crank or cams while the belt is off, or valves may contact pistons.
Follow the factory tension procedure, then turn the engine by hand two full revolutions and recheck the marks before starting it. Confirm your exact engine size in the fitment table, because Rangers and Dakotas were offered with several engines.
Timing Belt questions
How often should I replace my timing belt?
Follow your owner's manual. Intervals vary by engine and are set in miles and years. If you do not know when it was last changed on a used vehicle, consider replacing it.
Should I replace the water pump with the timing belt?
If the timing belt drives the water pump on your engine, many owners replace both together since the labor overlaps. Check whether your engine has that layout.
What happens if a timing belt breaks?
The engine stops running. On interference engines, the valves and pistons can collide, causing serious damage. On non-interference engines, the belt can usually be replaced without other repairs.