Timing Belt Replacement
A timing belt is one of the most important parts of an engine. It controls the crankshaft and camshaft and optimizes combustion. Having a worn-out belt can lead to a complete loss of power in the engine.
You should consider replacing your belt every 50,000 to 100,000 miles or if the vehicle sat for a long period of time and the rubber starts to decompose.
Auto Repair
Our mechanics are trained to inspect the general condition of gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles. We use complex testing equipment such as compression testers and engine analyzers.
Vehicle Maintenance
Performing regular vehicle maintenance increases the life of your vehicle, improves fuel efficiency, and saves you money in the long run. It’s also a good way to prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Auto Diagnostic
Performing an auto-diagnostic test can save you money in the long run. If you catch problems before they become major, you can avoid expensive repairs down the road.
Parts & Replacement
While there are many types of auto parts, it’s important to know which to choose. Some parts need to be replaced more often than others, and some parts are more reliable than others.
Keep a Record Of When You Have Your Timing Belt Replaced
Drivers should check their vehicle manufacturer’s manual or website to obtain information on when their timing belts should be replaced.
Even more importantly, you should keep records and stick a timing belt replacement sticker under the hood so that no one loses track of when it was done last.
What Happens If My Timing Belt Breaks?
In some cars or cases, the belt breaks and you will need a new belt and the engine re-timed. However, in a lot of vehicles especially Japanese automobiles when the timing belt breaks it allows the valves in your engine to extend and hit the cylinder which they are designed to bend to help prevent damage but most people keep trying to crank their vehicle with a broken timing belt causing further damage.
It’s not your fault that you kept trying to start your car, it’s what most people do and there is only one way to ensure it’s not a broken timing belt and that is to routinely inspect and replace your timing belt.
Routine Maintenance Is Very Important!
Do You Inspect Everything When Replacing The Timing Belt?
When replacing your vehicle’s timing belt, you should inspect several parts to ensure that it didn’t break or become damaged from another failed part, such as a bearing, pully, or an oil leak.
If the job is done correctly, the entire kit should be done. Many vehicles are equipped with water pumps driven by the timing belt. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to consider replacing the water pump. The water pump is a common part to fail and will likely fail before the timing belt breaks unless it was recently replaced of course.
Along with the pump and belt, The tensioner and idlers are crucial in this repair process. These items rotate in circles as your belt spins. These items are bearings or have bearings in them. You should inspect and replace them as they typically only last as long as a timing belt. Because if a bearing fails it will freeze in place, and your timing belt may snap or be thrown off track which can cause premature engine failure.
Seals are another part that you should take advantage of. Cam seals, crank seals, and balancer shaft seals should be replaced when doing the timing component kit replacement. If these seals are not done, you risk the chance of oil leaking on the timing belt and causing pre-mature failure, causing the timing belt to fail.
Why Did My Timing Belt Break?
Timing belts are critical to the car’s operation system. For one, your car’s timing belt is set in place to ensure that the proper movement of your camshaft and crankshaft are perfectly synchronized. It can and will result in more costly, time-consuming, rigorous repairs if they are not. And nobody wants that!
But remember, if you are suspicious or you are for sure know that you need timing belt replacement or can not find a sticker showing it has been done, come down and see us!
Most of the time, timing belts break because they were not replaced promptly, resulting in a parts failure. Taking proper care of your car, like getting an oil change when you are due, can make your car’s features, parts, and even life last much longer. Stop by our Chico auto repair shop today!
