12 Jul, 2023
A timing belt is a key component of a vehicle’s engine, responsible for synchronizing the rotation of the engine's crankshaft and camshaft, and ensuring each cylinder fires at the appropriate time. Without a working timing belt, your engine won’t run. Even though a timing belt is built to last, it will need to be replaced from time to time, considering that it’s put under a lot of strain routinely.
Timing belts are designed to last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles under normal driving conditions. Newer cars can go longer before they require a timing belt replacement. It’s advisable to consult your vehicle's owner's manual for specific information regarding your car's timing belt replacement interval.
So how can you tell if a timing belt is about to fail? Here at Chloe’s Auto Repair and Tire, we’ve put together three signs and symptoms of a failing timing belt. We are a reputable auto repair shop that you can rely on for all of your auto service needs.
A timing belt loops around the crankshaft pulley, which is connected to the engine's crankshaft, and one or more camshaft pulleys, which are connected to the camshaft. As the crankshaft rotates, the timing belt moves along with it. This motion transfers rotational power from the crankshaft to the camshaft, which controls the opening and closing of the engine's valves. A worn-out timing belt will cause the engine's timing to become erratic or imprecise. For instance, if the belt is worn or loose, it will slip off the camshaft drive and cause cylinders to open and close earlier than they should. This can lead to engine misfires, where the combustion process is disrupted, resulting in rough running, hesitation, or a noticeable loss of power.
If you hear a ticking noise coming from your engine, there could be something wrong with your timing belt. The timing belt is kept under proper tension by a tensioner, which ensures it maintains a secure grip on the pulleys. If the tensioner becomes worn or fails, it may not apply enough tension to the timing belt. This can result in the belt slipping or vibrating, causing it to produce ticking sounds as it moves along the pulleys. A failing timing belt can also cause the camshaft and crankshaft to fall out of sync. As a result, the valves and pistons may not operate in perfect harmony. This misalignment can lead to contact between the valves and pistons, producing ticking noises as they collide.
When the timing belt is excessively worn or has skipped a tooth on the gears, it can disrupt the engine's proper timing. This can make it difficult to start the engine, resulting in prolonged cranking or even engine stalling. If you’re having trouble starting the engine, schedule an appointment with a nearby auto repair shop for a comprehensive inspection.
The timing belt is essential to the proper functioning of your engine. If you are having timing belt issues or are concerned about your engine's performance, then you need to get in touch with a trusted auto repair service like Chloe’s Auto Repair and Tire and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. The knowledgeable and experienced mechanics at Chloe’s Auto Repair and Tire have the expertise and state-of-the-art tools to diagnose timing belt problems and provide you with a solution.
