A timing belt, or otherwise called a timing chain, is a flexible toothed belt that connects the engine crankshaft to the camshaft. The timing belt synchronizes the camshaft to the crankshaft position, so the valves will open and close at the proper time in relation to the position of the pistons. The camshaft rotates once for every two rotations on the crankshaft.
The automobile engine uses a metal timing chain, or a flexible toothed timing belt to rotate the camshaft. The timing chain/belt is driven by the crankshaft. The timing chain, or timing belt is used to "time" the opening and closing of the valves. The camshaft rotates once for every two rotations of the crankshaft. If the timing belt or timing chain is not properly installed and adjusted, the valves on the engine won't open and close at appropriate times. This will result in poor running, valve clatter, and loss of power. A broken timing belt or timing chain can cause an engine to stop running or cause the valves to crash to the pistons.
You may wonder why most people use a timing belt rather than a timing chain. For one, a timing chain is much noisier, less efficient, and more expensive than a timing belt. Though a timing chain may last longer than a rubber-built timing belt, the latter has specific requirements for specific intervals.
Usually, timing belts or timing chains must be replaced on recommended intervals, often ranging from 60,000 miles to 105,000 miles. A replacement timing belt should be put if the old one already has signs of damages like cracks, cuts or excessive wear. If not replaced in time, chances are, it may break causing serious engine damage. The engine will stall because of the damages in the valves and pistons and destroyed cylinder head. Having a replacement timing belt is not a cheap job but it is far less costly than the alternative.
Timing Belt Buyer's Guide
- The timing belt is responsible for connecting the camshaft to the crankshaft and coordinating their movement. By doing so, it ensures that the cylinder valves open and close at the appropriate timing, in conjunction with the position of the pistons.
- The predetermined schedule for changing the timing belt varies depending on the vehicle manufacturer. Under ideal working conditions, the average lifespan of this component is between 60,000 and 100,000 miles.
- To determine your vehicle’s replacement interval for its timing belt, refer to your owner’s manual or check your vehicle manufacturer’s website for its service schedule.
- A broken, worn, cracked, or torn timing belt will produce the following symptoms: clicking noise, engine misfires, difficulty starting the engine, squealing sounds, excessive exhaust smoke.
- The labor cost for replacing a timing belt may range from $200 to $500. The replacement timing belt itself will cost you anywhere between $15 and $100, depending on the brand and your vehicle’s year, make, and model.
Your vehicle’s engine converts the energy that comes from burning fuel into the mechanical force (torque) that sets the wheels in motion. In order for the internal combustion to take place, the upper portion of the engine, which consists of the cylinder head and the valves, must move in sync with the bottom half, which consists of the crankcase and pistons. The job of keeping these components moving at the right time falls on the timing belt.
What is a timing belt?
A timing belt is a simple internal engine component that performs a critical role in the overall functionality of your vehicle. It is responsible for connecting the camshaft to the crankshaft and coordinating their movement. By doing so, it ensures that the cylinder valves open and close at the appropriate timing, in conjunction with the position of the pistons.
This component is made from high-grade rubber materials with nylon-reinforced cords inside. It has its own housing, protecting it from oil, dirt, and grime that can cause damage. But even though it’s built to last, the timing belt will still eventually wear out because it’s constantly subjected to stress and damaging elements from the engine. It’s important to keep this component in good condition, because when it breaks, your vehicle’s engine will no longer work.
What is the recommended mileage to change the timing belt?
The predetermined schedule for changing the timing belt varies depending on the vehicle manufacturer. Under ideal working conditions, the average lifespan of this component is between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. Hence, it is recommended that you replace it once your vehicle’s odometer reaches this mileage.
Some manufacturers also recommend replacing the timing belt after 7 years, regardless of mileage. If you often drive through areas with extreme temperatures, you should keep a close eye on the timing belt, as it’s likely to wear out quicker and would need to be replaced frequently.
To determine your vehicle’s replacement interval for its timing belt, refer to your owner’s manual or check your vehicle manufacturer’s website for its service schedule. If you fail to replace the timing belt after the recommended interval, you run the risk of breaking it while driving, which could lead to more serious and costlier vehicle damage.
What are the symptoms of a bad timing belt?
There are many factors that can cause your vehicle’s timing belt to give out before the expected end of its service life. This includes misalignment, lack of tension, oil leakage, damaged pulleys, dirt buildup, and weak drive structure. A broken, worn, cracked, or torn timing belt will produce the following symptoms:
Clicking noise from the engine
The timing belt is attached to a series of pulleys that are connected to the crankshaft and camshaft. When it starts to wear out, it can cause the valves and pistons to move out of sync, which creates ticking or clicking sounds from inside the motor.
A damaged timing belt may slip from the gears and cause the valves to open or close earlier than they should, consequently messing up the timing of the engine fire rate. If this problem occurs, the engine will misfire and cause your vehicle to run erratically, jerk, or buck.
Difficulty starting the engine
If your vehicle’s engine does not turn over when you turn the key in the ignition, then it’s likely that the timing belt is no longer doing its job of synchronizing the engine components, ultimately preventing the engine from igniting the fuel and producing energy.
A worn out timing belt may produce loud squealing or whirring noises at random times, such as when accelerating, turning on the engine, and even when you’re simply idling.
Excessive exhaust smoke
Too much smoke from the tailpipe is an indicator that fuel is no longer burning properly inside the engine. One of the possible causes for this is cylinder valves that are not opening and closing at the right time due to a worn out timing belt.
What happens when the timing belt breaks while driving?
If the timing belt breaks while your vehicle is running, its effects on the other engine components will depend on the type of engine that you have. In a non-interference engine, a broken timing belt will cause the engine to stall, but the damage will not be extensive because the valves and pistons do not take up the same cylinders.
On the other hand, in an interference engine, the valves and pistons occupy the same space. The timing belt is what keeps them from coming into contact with each other. If the timing belt snaps while an interference engine is running, the valves and pistons will smash against each other, resulting in bent valves, broken cylinder heads, and piston or cylinder wall damage.
This is a major type of damage that requires costly repairs, which is why it’s important to change the timing belt when it reaches the replacement interval or when it’s showing the warning signs of damage listed above.
What is the average cost to replace a timing belt?
Replacing a damaged timing belt involves removing a number of components to access its location. Because of its complexity, the labor cost for replacing a timing belt may range from $200 to $500.
The replacement timing belt itself will cost you anywhere between $15 and $100, depending on the brand and your vehicle’s year, make, and model. You can buy this component individually, as part of a kit, or in sets of two. It comes with a direct fit design for a seamless installation.
Finding the Right Fit
Whether you’re changing a worn out timing belt or simply getting your vehicle a new one for its scheduled maintenance, CarParts.com has the product for your needs. Our extensive selection of timing belts include units designed for either OE replacement use or performance upgrade. To make sure that you get a product that’s compatible with your vehicle, don’t forget to specify its year, make, and model on our website’s built-in vehicle selector.
Important Facts You Need to Know About Timing Belt
Continuous use of a worn-out timing belt compromises engine performance. Don't let this problem get worse; have your damaged timing belt replaced right away.
Perfect timing gets things done. Your engine operates under the same principle. The engine's properly timed operation is aided by the timing belt. This toothed rubber links the crankshaft and the camshaft. It is responsible for the synchronized opening and closing of the valves to achieve an excellent engine performance.
Because of its important function, a car timing belt must be in top condition at all times. Always keep in mind that a broken timing belt results in valve clutter and loss of power, so it compromises engine performance. A damaged engine timing belt also causes the valves to smash into the pistons, which will cost you an expensive repair bill. To avoid this situation, mechanics recommend that you replace your timing belt after 50,000 to 70,000 miles.
Maintaining the excellent performance of your car is not hard or expensive if you know where to look for affordable replacements. Numerous online auto parts stores now offer extensive arrays of auto parts and accessories for many makes and models. For sure, if you search online, you will easily find the timing belt replacement that suits your car specifications. To get your money's worth, be sure to transact with a reliable auto parts store.
The Automobile Basics: Timing Belt
Almost everything in a car turn, turn, turns. From its wheels to its many differing fans and to the very steering wheel which you constantly turn by hand, they turn. One such car part which constantly turns is the serpentine belt. Its function is basically to turn. The serpentine belt is a long belt which is the power behind specific accessories within a vehicle particularly the air conditioner, smog pump, power steering, and the water pump. It also keeps the battery charged and makes it easier to steer. It is also known as a multi-vee, multi-rib belt. Serpentine belts are occasionally prone to being worn out. It can be pushed off of its pulleys and in turn gets damaged and altogether broken. Whenever you need to acquire new serpentine belts that are of marked down prices, you can place your order here at CarParts. You're sure to find that the serpentine belt you purchase from us is not only affordable but also of premium quality that really lasts. With groove designs and features to minimize noise and maximize slipping, breakage and other unwanted damage inducing factors, you really don't even need to think twice about buying our replacement serpentine belt. So buy now!
Timing Belt: Just the Facts
Do you know what's common among the A/C compressor, the alternator and the water pump? They all obtain power by using a multi rib belt. Used as alternative for the conventional V-belt, the multi rib belt's greater width allows the belt to endure a higher tension level.Another difference is that while the obsolete belt uses several belt-operated pulleys, the multi rib belt is composed only of a single belt. This means the multi rib belt uses fewer pulleys. With this setup, the multi rib belt reduces the workload for the engine. The result: better fuel economy and mileage. Unfortunately, time will come when your vehicle's stock multi rib belt will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. When this happens, count on CarParts.com-an online store that offers only high-quality products at affordable price.
• Our multi rib belt is made from high-tension chords and synthetic rubber that can endure extreme stress and temperature.
• All multi rib belts in our catalog are designed to provide better pulley contact for less slippage.
• Our multi rib belt features a tough construction that guarantees part durability.
Timing Belt: What Every Car Owner Should Know
Keeping proper timing is essential to the engine's efficient performance. This is why your vehicle's engine is equipped with its own timing belt. Driven by the crankshaft, the timing belt is responsible for turning the camshaft. Through the camshaft's turning, the timing belt ensures that the engine's intake and exhaust valves are opened and closed at the right timing and order. Without the right timing, the pistons and the valves will collide and cause severe engine damage. To ensure consistent performance from your vehicle's engine, it's recommended that the timing belt be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. For replacement timing belt units, shop only right here at CarParts.com. Here, shopping can be done the most convenient and easiest way.
• Made of high-tensile fabric that resists abrasion and tearing
• Runs quietly and more efficiently than stock OE timing belts
• Designed to endure extreme heat and pressure for long-lasting service
How to Choose the Appropriate Timing Belt for Your Vehicle
Do you ever wonder how the engine of your car works in perfect harmony with the rest of the vehicle's systems? The correct combustion timing in your car's engine is made possible thanks to the component called the timing belt. When the timing belt gets damaged, your vehicle may end up stalling while you're driving on the road, and can give you a hard time starting the car again. Here are some things you can consider when buying a new timing belt:
Type of engine and timing belt
One of the most crucial aspects that you need to look out for would be your vehicle's engine type and the specific timing belt used in your car. Make sure you get a direct-fit replacement of the old timing belt to avoid getting an item that turns out to be useless. Check if your engine is an interference or a non-interference type.
- Interference engine - In this engine type, getting the wrong timing belt may cause it to slip or break, leading to the piston getting overthrown into an open valve.
- Non-interference engine - If you have a non-interference engine, installing an incorrect timing belt may lead to major damages on the components that operate in harmony with the belt.
Timing belt material
Spend ample time to research on the various timing belt materials. A Urethane timing belt, for example, offers the best elasticity compared to the other types. It can also better absorb impact, shock, and vibration compared to other materials. Despite the fact that rubber timing belts can be susceptible to degradation when exposed to extreme temperatures, some urethane timing belts contain highly saturated nitrile compounds that make it tough and resistant to wear, oil, and engine heat.
Length and number of tooth
When purchasing a new timing belt, always compare it with your old or stock one. Check the length of the new belt and see if its tooth quantity is similar with the stock timing belt. You need to ensure that these two crucial factors meet the new belt's qualifications, so that you won't have any trouble within the engine and the other parts that work hand-in-hand with the belt.
Timing belt quality
Always make it a point to assess the part's quality above anything else. Don't go jumping into cheap replacement parts if you have to compromise quality. Some timing belts are more expensive due to their non-stretch cord, self-lubricating fabric, jackets, and other features that enhance the timing belts' durability.
It’s All in The Timing: Proper Timing Belt Replacement
Your vehicle is able to run properly thanks to two important engine parts, the crank and the cam shafts. However, these car parts can't possibly operate in harmony without a timing belt in good shape. The timing belt of your vehicle keeps the valves and pistons in safe distances between each other. If the timing belt gets broken or jumps a tooth on the sprocket, the valves and pistons will interfere with each other, causing a major damage to the engine.
To fix a broken timing belt, simply refer to these steps:
Difficulty level: Easy
Things to be prepared:
- Socket set
- Safety gloves
Step 1: Open the hood and unplug your car's battery, starting with the negative terminal first. Then, find the timing belt and the timing cover. Refer to your owner's manual if you can't locate these components. Once you've found them, uninstall the timing cover.
Step 2: Loosen the timing belt's tensioner by unbolting it in place with a socket wrench. Let the tensioner unwind until it touches the timing belt.
Step 3: You will need to adjust the timing belt as necessary. Observe if there's an unusual interruption in its course, inspect what it is and have it fixed immediately. Look closely at the timing marks on the cam, crank, and sprockets, and ensure that they are properly aligned with the belt marks.
Step 4: Grab the wrench again and use it to turn the engine, making the crankshaft pulley rotate manually. To make sure that the timing belt settles correctly in relation to the sprockets, finish five to six crankshaft revolutions.
Step 5: Observe if there's resistance from the belt as you carefully turn it. If there is, then this can indicate that the pistons and valves come in contact with each other during the timing belt's revolution. Perform the adjustments needed until the timing belt can freely turn without any resistance.
Step 6: Secure the bolts that hold the tensioner by tightening them in place. Be sure you don't tighten them too much. Return the battery and close the hood. Test your car by turning the engine on and observing if the timing belt is now working properly.