How Long Does It Take To Replace Timing Belt

Take y'all ever wondered if information technology's time to supplant a timing belt? For the answer, listen to your engine and follow your vehicle'due south maintenance schedule.

Timing belts themselves are relatively inexpensive simply can easily cause thousands of dollars of damage if they break while the engine is running.

Engines come up in two configurations: Interference and not-interference. When a timing belt fails the camshaft(s) stops turning and the valves terminate moving, but the crankshaft still rotates for a few seconds. An interference engine has insufficient clearance betwixt the valves and pistons. Because the crankshaft keeps rotating, pistons will slam into whatever valves stuck in the open position, causing catastrophic engine damage. A timing belt failure in a not-interference engine will go out you inconveniently stranded.

Timing belts are a maintenance item; they can habiliment out and fail without warning. Check your possessor'south manual. It pays to know which kind of engine you have and the recommended replacement intervals.

What Is a Timing Belt?

A timing chugalug is similar to an engine drive belt, except timing belts have teeth. In many engines, timing belts accept replaced metallic timing chains (like to a bicycle chain) connecting the camshaft and crankshaft gears. The camshaft and crankshaft must piece of work in perfect harmony, called valve timing, during the four-stroke combustion cycle (intake, compression, power, exhaust).

Engines using timing chains can also exist interference or non-interference engines. Timing belts are unremarkably molded from rubber or neoprene, accept strong fibers or steel running the length of the chugalug (similar to a tire) and produce less racket than metal timing bondage. This makes them strong and durable. But they don't last forever.

Timing Belt Stas_V/Getty Images

How Can You Tell a Timing Chugalug Needs To Be Replaced?

Consult a repair transmission to see if you lot can easily remove the timing belt cover. A repair manual is different from an possessor's manual because it lists step-by-pace repair procedures. Most auto parts stores carry vehicle repair manuals, and many lend them to their customers at no price.

Many timing chugalug covers are difficult attain, making visual access to the belt impossible. If you can't become to the cover without taking one-half the engine compartment apart, leave it to the pros to determine if your vehicle's timing belt needs to be replaced.

If y'all can go to the belt, it should exist taut, with nigh a 1/iv-in. to 1/2-in. deflection when pressed with your pollex along its longest run between gears. Information technology should be smooth and apartment (no rounded edges), not glossy or shiny, have no chunks missing, be complimentary of large cracks or peeling and show no signs of fraying. Small surface cracks are okay, but spider cracking on the surface signals extreme vesture.

Supersede the chugalug if any teeth are missing or contaminated past an oil or coolant leak.

How Often Should a Timing Belt Exist Replaced?

There is no simple respond. Kickoff, check your owner's manual for the recommended maintenance schedule. Some manufacturers recommend replacing the timing chugalug every 30,000 miles, while others suggest 120,000 miles. Several other factors should be part of the equation when considering replacing a timing belt, including:

Engine functioning I: A poor running engine could indicate a loose timing belt skewing engine valve timing.
Engine performance II: Engine misfire from a bad spark plug wire or gyre places undo stress on a timing belt, shortening its life.
Clicking or squealing noise from the front of the engine: Missing teeth can cause a timing belt to make a clicking noise. A weak or defective timing belt tensioner or glazed idler pulley volition produce high-pitched squealing, rattling or squeaking noises.
Driving conditions: Lots of city end-and-go driving, heavy acceleration and extreme temperatures place additional stress on timing belts.
Common sense: If you buy a used car with more than 50,000 miles and the seller cannot show proof the timing belt was ever replaced.

How Much Does DIY Timing Belt Replacement Toll?

Timing chugalug replacement should exist left to the pros. It can be complicated to supercede the timing belt on about engines, specially those with dual camshafts or lots of drive accessories that need to exist removed.

In many cases, special tools are needed to correctly install a timing belt. Plus, other parts may need replacing. Timing gear indexing (precisely aligning the camshaft gears and crankshaft gear to the manufacturers specs) is critical. Fifty-fifty if one gear is i tooth "off," engine valve timing will be out of sync, dissentious your engine or causing it to run rough.

All the same, if you insist on replacing a timing chugalug yourself:

Review a repair transmission earlier starting and keep it handy.
Ensure you accept the correct tools, including whatsoever specialty tools needed to adjust the belt tension to eliminate belt deflection.
Set aside an entire day.
Plan to replace the bulldoze belts ($25 to $75), change the motor oil and filter ($fifteen to $l) and, if replacing the water pump, flushing the cooling organisation ($ten to $45).

Information technology pays to buy a timing belt kit rather than the individual items. Depending on the specific brand and model, a typical timing belt kit ($100 to $500) includes a timing chugalug, timing belt tensioner, idler gears or pulleys, water pump, gaskets, O-rings and seals and other hardware.

Whether you or your mechanic replaces the timing chugalug, information technology'due south always a good idea to replace these other components at the aforementioned time.

How Much Does Professional Timing Chugalug Replacement Cost?

The price the pros charge to replace a timing belt ($350 to $i,500) varies depending on the engine, brand, model and year. It also matters whether an contained repair shop or dealer's service department makes the repair.

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Source: https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/when-to-replace-your-timing-belt/

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