How does a car act when the timing chain is bad?
The engine misfires. Once a timing chain is stretched and has lost its integrity, the chain may skip a gear and lose the necessary coordination leading to an engine misfire. A lax timing chain, or worse, a broken timing chain with loose parts within the engine, will produce a rattling sound when your car is idling.
How long does a timing chain last in a car?
How Long Does a Timing Chain Last? A timing chain is a metal chain, as opposed to the timing belt which is made of rubber. The chain is located inside of the engine and needs to be lubricated by the oil in the engine so everything runs together. Every time you use the engine, the timing chain will be used.
Where do I find the timing chain information?
You can find this type of information in the service manual for your vehicle. In old-style pushrod engines, replacing the timing chain is a fairly easy task. No such luck if you have a modern front-wheel drive car with a transversely-mounted engine, as the space in the engine compartment could be very tight.
What can I do to avoid timing chain problems?
To avoid timing chain problems you should maintain your engine properly and have the engine oil changed at recommended intervals. Using premium quality engine oils and oil filters will also help. Keeping the proper oil level will ensure that the timing chain is always lubricated.
How many miles on chain?
The timing chain normally needs to be replaced between 40,000 and 100,000 miles unless there is a problem. Issues with the chain are pretty common in high mileage vehicles, so if you are driving an older vehicle, or one with a lot of miles, it is best to be on the lookout for symptoms of the timing chain going bad or failing.
When do I need to change the timing chain?
The timing chain normally needs to be replaced between 40,000 and 100,000 miles unless there is a problem. Issues with the chain are pretty common in high mileage vehicles, so if you are driving an older vehicle, or one with a lot of miles, it is best to be on the lookout for symptoms of the timing chain going bad or failing.
You can find this type of information in the service manual for your vehicle. In old-style pushrod engines, replacing the timing chain is a fairly easy task. No such luck if you have a modern front-wheel drive car with a transversely-mounted engine, as the space in the engine compartment could be very tight.
What happens if you break your timing chain?
Timing chains don’t usually break (timing belts do!), but chains can get far enough out of time so that the vehicle can’t be driven. If you’re driving on the highway, the engine can instantly shut down without any warning. If this happens to you, immediately and carefully pull over to the side of the road while your car still has its momentum.