What happens if your cam belt snaps?

What happens if your cam belt snaps?

If the cam belt snaps while you’re driving, it could be very dangerous. The engine could seize up, causing steering and brakes to fail. The pistons can hit the valves in the cylinders, damaging the engine. A non-interference or free-wheeling engine won’t suffer as much damage, but still might sustain some.

What happens if drive belt breaks while driving?

When the serpentine belt completely fails and breaks off from the engine block, your car will break down. You may also notice a loss of power steering or air conditioning that stops working.

What happens if you dont replace your cam belt?

Replacing your cam belt is a vital part of your car’s maintenance schedule. Leave it to break, and you could cause untold damage to the rest of the car. If it fails, then the knock on effects can cause the engine’s pistons and valves to collide.

What happens when the timing belt snaps on a car?

In a non-interference engine, the pistons and valves don’t occupy the same space, so if the timing belt snaps, no valve or cylinder damage occurs. You just pop a new belt on, and the engine should theoretically drive normally.

What happens when a cambelt breaks in a Ford?

The Zetec belt didn’t break,the tensioner bearing broke up,and as Ford set the tension at the factory when the engine was new (the belts have 100k or 10 years change intervals,this vehicle was on 83k and was 9 years old) I guess they set it right,but you’d have to contact them personally.

What happens when your timing belt gives up the ghost?

Your engine’s timing belt is the most important maintenance item in your car. What happens when this component gives up the ghost, and how hard is it to fix by yourself? What Is A Timing Belt? A timing belt is the ribbed belt that is placed in a specific configuration along one side of your engine to keep the crank and camshafts timed properly.