![]() In the trade these different mechanisms are generally referred to as interference and non-interference engines.Ĭorrect maintenance and replacement of timing belts on interference engines is more crucial than on their non-interference counterparts. The potential cost of timing belt replacement on your vehicle depends on which of two types of mechanism which a belt uses to keep things running in sync it is fitted with. Get Quotes Interference Or Non-Interference Engine? Whether belt- or chain-driven, this is one of the most important maintenance areas for car owners to be aware of, and perhaps the most important to follow on schedule. Belts are often chosen over chains by vehicle manufacturers because they are cheaper to produce, lighter, and quieter in operation.įor cars with timing chains, recommended replacement intervals of over 100,000 miles are common, although the manufacturer may recommend checking the condition of the timing chain at more frequent intervals. For cars with belts, their expected lifespan is generally between 50,000 and 90,000 miles. While timing belts are less expensive than timing chains, they need to be replaced more often. While these can still eventually wear out, they have a much longer lifespan than a rubber belt, as you might expect.Ī timing belt will be smooth on the outer edge, but on the inside, they will have a series of teeth cut into them.Īlso, if you suffer a timing belt failure, you run the risk of facing a far higher bill than simply the cost of replacing the belt itself. You could be one of the lucky ones, whose vehicle has a metal timing chain, rather than a reinforced rubber timing belt. While it does not need regular maintenance, it’s imperative that you follow the manufacturer’s scheduled replacement intervals for both timing belts and timing chains.įirst things first. The timing system of which a timing belt helps ensure smooth running is a critical aspect of every car’s powertrain. The vehicle is road tested to confirm normal operation and a service sticker is affixed to the engine noting the date of belt replacement and the vehicle mileage.Your timing belt is a vital part of your car’s inner workings, as it helps keep vital components in your engine moving in perfect synchronisation.Īt the same time, it also keeps these often fast-moving parts apart - which is why, when a timing belt fails, the damage can be much more widespread than to the belt itself, as we’ll explain later.Upon completion of the installation, the engine crankshaft is turned by hand 720 degrees and the correct position of the timing marks on the crankshaft and the camshafts is confirmed.Installation of the new timing belt includes all of the above steps, performed in reverse, following strict guidelines to assure camshaft and crankshaft (and balancing shaft, if equipped) are in perfect alignment after tensioner has been set.If the engine cooling system thermostat is only accessible with water pump replacement, the thermostat should be replaced as well. If replacing the water pump, do so at this time, and of course drain the cooling system first.Remove timing belt tensioner and idler pulleys. Lock camshafts, as required, and note position of camshaft timing marks. Remove all accessories interfering with the removal of the timing belt covers.Once the engine is cold, set the crankshaft to top dead center with the number one piston on the compression stroke.How do mechanics replace the timing belt?Įngine designs vary, and thus the replacement procedure will vary, but broadly, the procedure is as follows: If your car has an interference engine, replacing the timing belt according to the maintenance schedule will minimize the chance that a belt failure will cause engine damage. These engine designs are referred to as interference engines. ![]() On some engines, if the timing belt has jumped, the pistons and valves can collide and there will be noise and damage. Should the belt jump, the engine will run poorly and perhaps not at all. After many tens of thousands of miles, the teeth can wear or break, or the belt can stretch, thus causing the belt to jump position on the crankshaft or camshaft gears. The molded, reinforced teeth on the timing belt engage gears on the crankshaft and camshafts. Occasionally, timing belts can break, or skip, while the engine is running. Engine stops abruptly or will not start.Your vehicle owner’s manual should state the specific service interval. If an engine is equipped with a timing belt, the timing belt must be replaced at the service interval specified by the vehicle manufacturer regardless of whether or not any problem is visible, typically in the range of 60,000 to 90,000 miles.
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