Basics Of Your Car's Timing Belt
Timing chains were once standard on nearly all automobiles
, but have since been replaced with timing belts. Their purpose is similar, however: to rotate the camshaft twice for every revolution of the crankshaft. The camshaft controls the opening and closing of the engine's valves, and times their activity to dovetail perfectly with the cylinders' pistons. This must occur with precision; there is very little room for error. The valves must open and close at the right time to maintain sufficient compression for ignition.
In this article, we'll provide an overview of your vehicle's timing belt (TB), including a description of what can happen in the event it fails. Even though you rarely, if ever, see this component, its condition has a significant influence on your car's performance, and your pocketbook.
The Effects Of A Broken Timing Belt
The belt is made from reinforced rubber, which does not stretch (despite what many people believe). However, the rubber wears down with time due to prolonged exposure to heat and friction. As the belt rotates in place, around the camshaft, crankshaft, and idler and tensioner pulleys, friction occurs. The friction generates heat, which breaks down the chemical compounds in the rubber of the belt. Eventually, the belt either breaks, or its teeth become worn down to the point the belt slips.
If the belt breaks or slips from place, your vehicle's engine will stop working. Your car will come to a stop, leaving you stranded. But being stranded may be the least of your concerns. Many vehicles are designed with interference engines, which leave very little room between the valves and pistons. When the timing belt breaks or slips, the valves and pistons make contact with each other. The pistons slam into the valves, damaging them in the process.
For this reason, a broken timing belt often leads to expensive engine repairs. While a replacement belt may cost $100 or less, repairing the damaged valves and pistons may cost thousands of dollars.
As a side note, many vehicles are designed with non-interference engines. In this type of configuration, there is more clearance between the valves and pistons. If the TB breaks or slips, your engine will stop working, but severe damage to the individual parts is unlikely.
When To Have The Belt Replaced
The biggest danger with timing belts is that they are hidden from view, and thus people rarely think about them. Moreover, unlike your brake pads (which squeal), the belt gives no indication of wear. Consequently, drivers are less likely to replace them before they break or slip, and cause significant engine damage.
Automakers recommend different replacement intervals. Some recommend that you replace the TB every 60,000 miles. Others recommend you do so every 100,000. A lot of mechanics suggest a replacement prior to the recommended intervals if they identify obvious signs of wear (e.g. worn teeth or cogs). Their rationale is a sensible one: it's better to replace the belt early rather than risk it breaking or slipping.
Because of the timing belt's location, most mechanics recommend replacing the water pump at the same time, even if the pump is in good working condition. The reason is because the water pump is situated behind the belt. Getting to the former requires removing the latter.
Removing and replacing the belt is a difficult job, and often requires special tools. Therefore, you may as well have the water pump replaced at the same time. If you neglect to replace the pump, and it fails soon after you have a new TB installed, the TB will need to be removed again. The labor charges will be high.
Keep in mind the same situation can occur with the seals of the camshaft and crankshaft. The belt needs to be removed in order to replace the seals. Thus, consider having them replaced along with the pump and TB.
Though your timing belt is rarely seen, it has a critical job to perform. Have it replaced according to your owner's manual as a preventative measure to avoid future engine damage.
by: Eric Driver
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