TIMING BELTs 101

  1. Why is it important to change your timing belt?

    Like any other part in your vehicle, the timing belt eventually wears out. If it breaks, your car stops...dead! The recommended interval to change your belt varies from 60,000 to 105,000 miles.

  2. What does a timing belt do?

    This flat, rubber belt with teeth, synchronizes valve and piston movement inside your engine. In some applications it can also run the water pump, in others the oil pump and in some cases both.

  3. Do all automobiles have timing belts?

    No. Some vehicles have timing chains. They are much stronger and can last the lifetime of the vehicle. Ask your regular repair shop if you have a timing belt or a timing chain. Ifm sure they will gladly look it up for you.

  4. Free Running or Interference Engine? Why does this matter to you???

    In a FREE RUNNING Engine if your timing belt breaks, your car stops...period. You get it towed into the shop to get fixed. You only suffer the inconvenience of your car breaking down unexpectedly.

    In a INTERFERENCE Engine if your timing belt breaks, the pistons and valves collide. This not only stops your car, but damages the valves, pistons or heads... and in most cases, completely ruins the engine.

  5. Where is the timing belt?

    The timing belt is inside your engine. You can't see it when your open the hood. It is covered up by a big cover that is not a quick and easy thing to take off.

  6. What else should be done when the timing belt is replaced?

    • It's a good idea to change the crankshaft seals and any other seals under the timing cover.

      These rubber seals get hard and inflexible and should be changed now to avoid oil leaks which will oil soak your new timing belt which in turn will break and damage or ruin the engine. (This varies from car to car).

    • It's also a good idea to change the Idler & Tensioner Pulleys.

      These are little ball bearing pulleys that the belt runs over. Their life expectancy is approx. 100,000 miles. If they seize up, the timing belt will break and damage or ruin the engine.

    • Replace the Water Pump.

      The water pump lies under the timing cover/timing belt. At 90,000 if it is not worn out, it will be shortly, and changing it now saves you money and less down time in the long run. Plus, if you have an interference engine and the water pump quits working, it will harm the timing belt which in turn will break and damage or ruin the engine.

    • Change any accessory belts if needed.

      • Alternator belt
      • Powersteering belt
      • Air Conditioning belt

Don't take your timing belt for granted. They don't always give you any warning before they break. It may not be a cheap job, but it is way cheaper than the alternative.

Happy Motoring,

Amy