replacing timing belt in 98 ford escort zx2

please help! i am a single mother of two young daughters and i just recently got a 98 ford escort zx2. i replaced the clutch less than a week ago and what do ya know the timing belt? went out! i know this is cliche but i feel like i'm taken advantage of when i walk into a repair shop. i just want some advice as to what this should cost me and if it really is the timing belt what should the car be doing and that way i feel like i am able to make a more informed decision. me and my kids are stuck taking the bus again and i worked hard to get this car. but i'm going to lose my job if i don't have reliable transportation because i don't get off work until midnight and the buses have long since stopped running at that hour THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cammicopp, welcome to the forum. I hope you will like it here


girl, don't I know what you are talking about. It seems that if repair shops see someone not understanding in a certain subject that is the sign to take advantage of them, because else they 'shouldn't have been so stupid' ( not mentioning one almost needs a college degree only trying to understand how one's car works at all ).

What I suggest you to do is to contact a CERTIFIED Ford dealer - and present to him the case. He wouldn't be allowed to charge you more or cheat you into costs that aren't necessary. If he does so anyway, you contact Ford and tell this dealer about it.

Let me know how you get on

Timing belt replacement labor time are 2.3 labor hours is what the labor guide book says,so what ever the shop labor rate times 2.3=labor charge.
Now the parts cost varies depends where you or the shop get it, it is very wise to purchase a timing belt replacement kit from auto zone, this should includes both lower and upper idler pulleys,tensioner,belt.

A quick way to check if it is your timing belt is to pull off the top cover, should be two bolts , need a 8mm wrench or socket with ratchet, or use 5/16" wrench/socket. after you pull off the cover, try to see if you can pull off the belt by tugging,if s then you know the belt is surely broken in two, if you noticed the belt loose,but not broken ,then most likely one or both of the idler pulleys are broken, or the tensioner., Note it is probable that you might have bent valves due to timing problems, good luck.

I EASY TO SOLVE PROBLEM IS TO CHANGE IT EVERY 50.000
MILES LIKE BOOK RECOMMENDS.THAT WAY ISSUE IS OVER.IF YOU DO NOT YOU SIMPLY MAY DAMAGE ENGINE.REPLACEMENT 4.500 DOLLARS ENGINE, WHICH IS CHEAPER ????

TIMMING GEAR KIT SOUNDS GOOD TO NO MATTER WHAT IT COST

HOBBIST RETIRED MECHANIC.