Replacing timing belts

In the internal combustion engine application, the timing belt / timing chain connects the crankshaft to the camshaft(s), which in turn controls the opening and closing of the engine’s valves. A four-stroke engine requires that the valves open and close once every other revolution of the crankshaft. The timing belt/chain does this. It has teeth to turn the camshaft(s) synchronised with the crankshaft, and is specifically designed for a particular engine. In some engine designs, the timing belt may also be used to drive other engine components such as the water pump and oil pump (internal combustion engine).

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The failure of a timing belt is one of the most common reasons why cars break down. If you are familiar with the timing belt, how it functions and how to identify whether or not something is wrong with it, then you can prevent serious damage to your car and you’ll know when to replace it.

When timing belt breaks, the pistons continue to move, but the valves do not, usually resulting in contact between at least one piston and valve. The belt most commonly breaks while you are driving and instant internal engine damage is very likely – by the time you register the loss of power, the damage has been done.

There’s no a standard change interval for cam belts (also known as timing belt or timing chain). There is few considerations or best practices with regard to cambelt replacement.
Your vehicle owner’s manual will recommend at what mileage the timing belt must be replaced.

Read more about replacing cambelt here: When should my cambelt be replaced?
 
Our Car Service facility is located in Leeds, Pudsey – just few turns of the Ring Road.

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