Sage-Tips

What is the purpose of timing belt?

The timing belt is there to make sure that the movement of the camshaft or camshafts is synchronized with the movement of the crankshaft.

What happens when a timing belt needs replacing?

A worn-out timing belt will affect your engine fire rate since it is attached to the pulleys that drive the crankshaft. Sometimes, the belt will slip on the camshaft drive causing the engine cylinder to open and close earlier than it should. The result is a misfire.

What happens if a timing belt breaks while driving?

If a timing belt breaks while driving in an interference engine, the camshaft stops turning leaving some of the engine valves in the open position. This may result in a heavy damage to the engine with broken or bent valves, damaged pistons and, possibly, destroyed cylinder head and block.

What is the life expectancy of a timing belt?

Depending on what schedule you may read, including information distributed by the manufacturers themselves, the average life span of a timing belt is between 60,000 and 105,000 miles or after 7 to 10 years regardless of mileage.

What is a timing belt and why is it important?

The Function of a Timing Belt. The camshaft operates the valves in your engine to let in and out air and gas.

Replacing a Timing Belt. Newer cars can usually go 100,000 miles before the timing belt needs replacement.

Signs a Timing Belt Needs Replacement. If a timing belt is worn out it may begin to slip and severe misfires will occur.

What are the symptoms of a bad timing belt?

Shaking. Timing belts have teeth to grab onto the gears that rotate different parts of the engine.

High Pitch Squeal. Much like your brakes when they wear thin,you will start to notice a high pitch squeal when you start or run the engine.

Exhaust Issues. Excessive smoke coming from your tailpipe can be hard to diagnose as we roll into winter.

What are the effects of a bad timing belt?

Strange Ticking Noises Various pulleys help sustain the rotation effect of the timing belt. There are several other components around it while this is happening.

Reduced Oil Pressure The timing belt is positioned very close to the oil pan.

Engine Stalling Bad timing belts lose their teeth.