Timing-Belt Replacement: Everything You Need to Know
What the timing belt does, why it’s important, the damage it can cause, signs yours needs replacing, the range of timing belts available from Auto Parts Supply.
Timing-Belt Replacement: Everything You Need to Know
In motor vehicles, a timing belt is a toothed rubber belt that synchronises the rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft, ensuring the valves of the engine open and close at the correct time, and thus that the vehicle runs smoothly. Timing belts may also drive other components such as the injection pump, the oil pump and the water pump.
Because the role they play is so important, timing belts should always be replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This may be a travel distance or a period of time (recommended lifespan). Typically, these figures will be 60,000-100,000km or five years – whichever comes first.
Although the rubber of timing belts is reinforced with high-tensile fibres, they can lose teeth, the fibres can begin to unravel, or the belt may even break. If a timing belt fails, then the engine will cease to work. This can cause serious damage to the valves, pistons, cylinder head and block. Simply put, it can ruin an engine.
Signs Your Timing Belt Requires Replacing
As with most parts, manufacturers’ recommendations on when to replace timing belts are merely guides. A belt may require replacing sooner due to excessive belt wear caused by harsh conditions, or because of damage sustained due to either incorrect belt tension or the failure of associated parts.
Warning signs that might indicate a timing belt needs to be replaced include:
- A constant ticking or knocking sound coming from the engine.
- Engine misfires due to the belt slipping.
- Squealing or whining sounds from the engine when starting, accelerating or breaking.
- Excessive exhaust smoke.
- The engine stalls or refuses to start altogether.
- Damage to valves, pistons, etc.
Of course, these things won’t necessarily mean there’s a problem with the timing belt, e.g. misfires can also be caused by damaged, worn or poorly installed spark plugs, but they should definitely be investigated as soon as possible.
And, whatever you do, don’t wait for the above signs before taking action as old timing belts can fail with no warning.
Auto Parts Supply Has Your Replacement Belt
Timing-belt replacement should not be attempted by novices. It is not easy to access the timing belt and involves some engine disassembly. Generally, due to its position, the water pump will be replaced at the same time. The job can take more than a few hours, especially since it involves making sure the timing is correct – not to mention putting the engine back together.
Unless you’re a qualified auto mechanic yourself, you’ll want to have a professional carry out the work. But what you can do is source the right replacement belt at the right price. This is where Auto Parts Supply comes in...
We stock timing belts and timing-belt kits (as well as timing-chain kits) for a wide range of makes and models, all competitively priced. Even if you don’t see the timing belt for your particular vehicle listed on our website, feel free to contact us as we may still have it in our warehouse.
