Slipping away from the gears causes the pistons and valves to open and close out of sync. The longer this continues, it can eventually lead to the engine stalling.Īs the timing belt begins to slip, it can cause a variety of problems. This process can cause the engine to idle rough. As the belt ages, these ridges smooth down, the belt becomes looser, and the gears don’t mesh in quite the same way. This is to help it move between the gears, allowing it to rotate through the various components of the system. When you look at a timing belt, you’ll notice they have little teeth or ridges on the edges to help it move. If you see sudden changes in how your vehicle operates, and hear noises that come on suddenly, pull over and turn off your engine immediately. Pieces can be thrown in a variety of directions, causing even more destruction. This means they may collide with other components in the system, crack off and break.īroken parts are never a good thing, especially in a fast moving system. While it’s not common to have complete failure, if the camshaft and crankshaft aren’t performing correctly, the pistons and valves operate out of sync. It’s not something that often happens because most people heed other warning signs first. A failing timing belt can cause the timing of the camshaft to be off, which can cause pieces to break off and fall into the oil pan. If you notice this, pull over immediately and turn off the vehicle. A failing timing belt can cause oil pressure to drop. Keeping an eye on all gauges while driving can alert you to potential problems. And that can be a very costly maintenance item. Without the right amount of oil, your engine will cease to operate. To prevent the timing belt from going out while driving, ensure regular maintenance to keep oil viscosity normal and ensure all parts are fully lubricated. Warning signs of a bad timing beltĪs the timing belt ages, it may start offering warning signs that it’s no longer working as well as it should. Many mechanics recommend that if the water pump goes out, it’s best to replace the timing belt at the same time as the belt needs to be removed in order to get to the pump. While older timing chains needed replacing every 60,000 miles or so, today’s timing belts can last up to 100,000 before replacement. To find out how your car operated, you can check your owner’s manual, or speak with your mechanic the next time you get your car serviced. While metal is noisier than rubber, improvements have been made over the past few decades to where timing chains are making a comeback in some vehicles. Timing belts are located outside the engine, and will dry out and crack over time. Timing chains are built within the engine, receiving lubrication from engine oil that can help it last for a long time. Timing belts were introduced in the 1960s as the material became stronger, and it was less expensive to produce. Before rubber became widely used, metal parts were standard in the production of automobiles. Timing chains are made from metal, where a timing belt is constructed of reinforced rubber. ![]() The difference is in the location and construction. A timing chain functions in the same way as a timing belt. How do you know if your car’s timing belt is bad? Digging deep into timing beltsĭepending on how old your car is, you may have also heard a timing belt referred to as a timing chain. A bad timing belt can cause problems with the way your car runs, and if left unchecked, can cease operation altogether. When operating well, your timing belt helps your vehicle operate smoothly. It’s a rubber belt that synchronizes movement between the camshaft and crankshaft, and ensures the valves stay freely moving and your engine continues to run. The timing belt is an integral part of the engine compartment.
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