Do you still have a timing belt on your car?
If you have an older car from the 90s and below, odds are you have a timing belt. Some new car manufacturers, such as Audi, still use timing belts in their engine designs, but for longevity, many manufacturers have switched to metal timing chains that in theory last for the life of the engine.
What kind of belt does a car have?
The belt can either be a V-belt style or more commonly a serpentine belt. The belt supplies power to the steering, and in some cases the air conditioning compressor and alternator.
What causes a belt to slip on an older car?
Older cars may not have a serpentine belt, but they do have different V-belts that drive different systems. When any of these belts begin to slip, the resulting friction can cause a piercing squeal. A belt usually slips for one of three reasons: Start by simply wiping down the belt with a cloth while the engine is off.
What to do if your car’s belt is not working?
Your belt likely has another problem that needs to be addressed. It’s also possible that the problem lies elsewhere is system, such as the power steering reservoir, the water pump, or the brakes. Applying an aerosol belt dressing is as easy as it seems. All you need to do is aim and spray.
What should I do if my car belt is too loose?
If it stretches farther than one inch, it is too loose. Before starting your car, double check to make sure the belt is properly routed, the belt is placed straight onto the pulleys, and that there is enough tension. After replacing the belt, keep the hood open and try starting your car to make sure all components have power.
Older cars may not have a serpentine belt, but they do have different V-belts that drive different systems. When any of these belts begin to slip, the resulting friction can cause a piercing squeal. A belt usually slips for one of three reasons: Start by simply wiping down the belt with a cloth while the engine is off.
The belt can either be a V-belt style or more commonly a serpentine belt. The belt supplies power to the steering, and in some cases the air conditioning compressor and alternator.
Are there any cars that still use timing belts?
Some new car manufacturers, such as Audi, still use timing belts in their engine designs, but for longevity, many manufacturers have switched to metal timing chains that in theory last for the life of the engine. My advice would be to refer to your owner’s manual and look up the maintenance schedule. If you don’t have one, Google it.
When do you know to change the timing chain?
A timing chain runs inside the engine, as it needs to be lubricated by the engine oil. A timing belt typically needs to be replaced between 40,000 and 100,000 miles depending on the vehicle and it’s a few hundred dollar repair. A timing chain doesn’t need to be replaced unless there is a problem with it.
Where can I find timing belt replacement intervals?
You can get a good idea of the timing belt replacement interval for seven common automobiles by checking the charts below. If your car or truck isn’t on this list, refer to your owner’s or repair manual. Acuras have one of the longest intervals for timing belt replacement.
Is the timing belt made of rubber or rubber?
A timing belt is a toothed belt made of high-quality rubber; it runs outside of the engine, covered by a protective cover. A timing chain is made of metal, similar to a bicycle chain. A timing chain runs inside the engine, as it needs to be lubricated by the engine oil.
When do I need to change my timing belt?
Most models, like those with 3.2-liter engines, do not need their timing belt replaced until they hit 92,000 miles or after six years, whichever comes first. Others can go as long as 105,000 miles before the belt has to be replaced. Most Audis have a recommended timing belt replacement at 110,000 miles.
What’s the average life of a timing belt?
Depending on what schedule you may read, including information distributed by the manufacturers themselves, the average life span of a timing belt is between 60,000 and 105,000 miles or after 7 to 10 years regardless of mileage. Most manufacturers state that going more than 80,000 to 90,000 miles on the original belt is flirting with danger.
What happens when your car’s timing belt breaks?
It depends. Some cars, like Subaru, have non-interference engines, which means that if the timing belt breaks while you are driving, there is no damage to the internal parts of the engine. Other cars do not have this sort of engine and damage results.
When to replace timing belt on Volkswagen Jetta?
For instance, Toyota recommends that the Camry replace their timing belts after 60,000 miles. If you have a Ford Focus you can expect to replace the timing belt between 60,000 miles and 90,000 miles. The manual for the Volkswagen Jetta says that you can keep your timing belt until 120,000 miles.
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.
Can a crank pulley be removed from a timing belt?
The crank pulley is the main pulley at the bottom of the engine. It needs to be removed in order to change the timing belt. However, it’s not easy if you only have hand tools, since the torque on this bolt is often pretty extreme.
What should I do if my timing belt snaps?
At this point, the camshaft sprockets will align with the marks on engine, and the crank sprocket will align with the marks on the engine. Some engines, like GM interference DOHC V6s, will require special tools keep the cams from moving, so consult with a factory service manual if you can.
Where can I get a timing belt tune up kit?
While we specialize in quality timing belt and tune-up kits for import cars, we have the resources to put together a kit for virtually any automobile. If you are looking for a timing belt kit, or tune up kit for your Chevy, Ford, GMC, Lincoln, or other domestic manufacturer, we can help!
If you have an older car from the 90s and below, odds are you have a timing belt. Some new car manufacturers, such as Audi, still use timing belts in their engine designs, but for longevity, many manufacturers have switched to metal timing chains that in theory last for the life of the engine.
At this point, the camshaft sprockets will align with the marks on engine, and the crank sprocket will align with the marks on the engine. Some engines, like GM interference DOHC V6s, will require special tools keep the cams from moving, so consult with a factory service manual if you can.
The crank pulley is the main pulley at the bottom of the engine. It needs to be removed in order to change the timing belt. However, it’s not easy if you only have hand tools, since the torque on this bolt is often pretty extreme.
How old is the timing belt on a gates car?
Look at the production tag on the door jam and odds are you will find that the car was likely manufactured in the summer or fall of 2008. This means it’s about 5 years old and environmental factors such as extreme cold and heat play a part also. Gates never lists the time – which I’ve always thought is very odd
What are the symptoms of a faulty timing belt?
Ticking noise coming from the engine. The timing belt is attached by way of a series of pulleys to the engine’s crank and cam shaft. The crankshaft powers the engine’s connecting rods which are attached to pistons inside the combustion chamber. The camshaft operates the cylinder head valves and rocker arm assembly, which…
Look at the production tag on the door jam and odds are you will find that the car was likely manufactured in the summer or fall of 2008. This means it’s about 5 years old and environmental factors such as extreme cold and heat play a part also. Gates never lists the time – which I’ve always thought is very odd
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.
Is the timing of belt replacement based on Mileage?
Should timing belt replacement be based on actual mileage or how old the vehicle’s belt is? Most vehicle maintenance in general mentions whichever comes first.
Can a leaking timing belt cause an engine to overheat?
Leaking oil from the timing belt cover commonly results in engine overheating as well and can prematurely wear the timing belt. Often, it’s difficult to discover a problem with the timing belt until it’s too late and has broken.
What should I do if my car does not start after replacing the timing chain?
If your car does not start after timing chain or belt replacement, or the car does not start after engine rebuild this video will explain what to do and what to expect. When replacing timing belt or chain or cylinder head often the fuel injectors will need to be removed or the fuel line will need to be disconnected.