how much to repair a timing belt

If you do it, it will cost you about $250.00 or less depending where you buy parts. Dealer will rip you off.... but if you don't have any choice you will spending $1500.00 to $3000.00 I an expert on equipment mechanics, including hydraulic and pneumatic systems and general maintenance to machines. I have troubleshooted machinery for over 30 years and let me tell you I really ignored the Mazda cx-7 timing chain problem. I bought one with no problems the first couple of weeks, and suddenly I heard this ticking noise at start up from the timing chain or components internally, but the noise only lasted for a second or so, until the oil reached the timing chain area. Started the engine several times and the same thing happened.... This type of engine needs lubrication at the timing chain components before the start up.... I started to think on possible solutions like installing a 12 volt. oil pump with a switch next to the steering wheel to be able to pump oil from the reservoir to the timing chain components just for a couple of seconds. Well, That was only in theory, but today I decided to experiment to be sure of finding solutions.... I went ahead and found 5-30 oil and a little brush, removed the oil filler cap and at the timing chain applied fresh oil for a couple of times.... Started the engine en the noise almost gone, I did it again for a couple of times and the noise disappeared.... finally I realized that the main problem on these MAZDAS CX-7 ENGINES is "LACK OF LUBRICATION" at star up, that eventually can or could harm the entire engine. My advise to all is that temporarily do this at start up if your vehicle will remain parked for several hours, get a brush or something better to introduce fresh and clean oil to timing chain from the oil filler cap. I will find a professional way to solve this problem and will keep you posted. Edwin Decided to change oil