Service Smart Saturday = November 23rd
Timing Belt Replacement Service
What is a timing belt?
The timing belt ensures all the various parts of the engine are synchronized. The Camshaft timing belt connects the crankshaft at the bottom of the engine to the camshafts at the top of the engine. The teeth on the belt and on the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets ensure that the valves open and close at exactly the right times. The intake valve opens to allow fuel and air into the cylinder, then closes as the mixture is compressed then ignited, then the exhaust valve opens to allow the waste gasses out.
Skipping your timing belt service interval can be costly in the long run.
Timing belts are lighter, quieter and more fuel efficient than metal timing chains, but require replacement at manufacturer recommended intervals. If the belt breaks when the engine is running, it is possible that valves can become stuck in the open position, and bent by contact with the piston. Your vehicle will not run and it can costs thousands of dollars to repair if your timing belt breaks. Don't skip maintenance!
Something to keep in mind is that not all vehicles have a timing belt.
Some History
Most vehicles used to have timing chains; however, because of manufacturing costs and to save money they were replaced with belts. Belts are quieter than their chain counterparts.
But now, the problem has shifted from manufacturers spending more money installing a timing chain to consumers needing to replace the timing belt at designated intervals.
We are starting to see this trend reverse as manufacturers bring costs down all around which allows them to return to timing chains.
Timing Belt "Hardware Parts"
The several components that manufacturers recommend be replaced at THE SAME TIME AS THE TIMING BELT
These parts are called hardware parts. Hardware parts include but are not limited to, depending on manufacturer: the tensioner, the water pump, and the idler pulley (or pulleys). These parts have been running just as long and under the same extreme conditions as the timing belt.
The cost of replacing timing belt hardware parts is negligible compared to the labor and certainly to the cost if the component fails after you have replaced the timing belt. Most vehicle manufacturers claim that if the timing belt hardware parts are not replaced at the same time as the timing belt then the newly installed timing belt's life can be reduced by as much as 50%.
Timing Belt, Water Pump Replacement, Houston Auto Repair, Timing Belt Change, Repair Timing Belt
Warning Signs
Are there warning signs which could indicate I need to get my timing belt replaced soon?
Very rarely are there warning signs or noises indicating your timing belt or a timing belt related component is going out. Even if the belt slips one notch, it can cause as much damage as if it had simply snapped. In some cases a cover can be removed so a technician can visually inspect the belt. (See video further down this page where the top timing cover has been removed for a visual inspection of a defective timing belt).
The best thing to do is to check your owner's manual or call to speak with an ASE Certified Service Consultant to go over your options. If you do hear a slapping noise coming from your engine it is best to have it immediately examined by an automotive service professional.
Timing Belt Replacement, Houston Auto Repair, Timing Belt Change, Repair Timing Belt
Photos of our Timing Belt Display at Professional Auto Care
If you have been to our facility, then you have most likely seen this display. We removed this from a client with a Kia that had under 70,000 miles! They had gone over their interval by 2,000 miles and like clockwork this one gave out.
This is showing the top part of the engine with the different valve ports (the long silver rectangle on the right) and inside those big holes in the middle of the picture surrounded by red are the pistons (they move up and down and are part of the compression step in a 4 stroke engine)
Here you see the valves literally crashed into the piston causing physical damaged which can be seen by the naked-eye.
Another close up of the other pistons.
This client needed a new engine....