10 Questions You Should to Know about Automotive Timing Belts

What is a timing belt?

A timing belt is a rubber belt with teeth located inside of the engine and needs to be lubricated by the oil in the engine, making oil maintenance important as well. Every time you use the engine, the timing chain is in use.

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My car has a timing chain, is that the same as a timing belt?

If your car has a timing chain instead of a timing belt, a timing chain will rarely need to be replaced. If you don’t know what your car has, you can find all this information in the owner’s manual or just ask a mechanic.

What does a timing chain do?

A timing belt synchronises the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft ensuring the proper timing and allows the engine’s valves to open and close during each cylinder’s firing.

What causes a timing belt to break or wear?

Over time, your timing belt will stretch due to internal component wear. The chain’s tensioner or guides connected to the chain may wear out also, causing the belt to fail completely.

When does a timing belt need to be replaced?

The recommended time for a timing belt replacement is anywhere between 70,000 to 100,000 miles unless a specific problem arises. Timing belt issues are common in higher mileage vehicles.

Why is my timing chain making noise?

Timing belt noises are very noticeable during start-up when oil pressure and flow is at its lowest. Excess slack on a timing belt will cause a rattling nose or even a clanking noise depending on how severe the slack. If the timing belt wear is great enough so the hydraulic timing belt tensioner cannot compensate for the slack, the noise will continue after starting up.

Why can’t I inspect my timing belt to see if it needs to be replaced?

Most timing belts will be hidden behind covers and engine parts, and because of this, it’s hard to perform a visual inspection of your timing belt.

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What happens if my car’s timing belt breaks or fails?

When a timing belt breaks or fails, the engine will not start or run, and the car needs to go in for repair. In most cases, major engine damage occurs due to the pistons not coming into contact with the valves.

How much does it cost to replace a timing belt?

The average cost of timing belt replacement can be anywhere from £300 - £500, but the price will all depend on if the belt has caused any other damage and the make, age and model of your car.

Why is it expensive to replace a timing belt?

Timing belts aren’t easily accessible, which makes for an intensive labour job. When it’s time to replace your timing belt, you may need to consider replacing additional parts such as the tensioner, idler arm and water pump as these are also difficult to access. Replacing your timing belt is a lot less expensive than replacing an engine that is damaged because of a broken timing belt.

Timing belt replacement near me

If you have been experiencing issues with your timing belt and need to have it replaced, you can get quotes from local mechanics in your area with MyCarNeedsA.com!

We’ve been getting a lot of questions about this lately. Simply put timing belts require replacement at manufacture specified intervals; timing chains do not require replacement unless a problem develops. In general, vehicles equipped with timing chains require less costly and frequent maintenance unless the chain, guides or tensioner develop a problem. When this happens the engine must be disassembled and the costs can be many times more than a similar timing belt replacement, in fact many engines require removal to fix.

During our pre-purchase inspections we always check the accessory belt(s) and do what all that we can to determine whether the timing belt was replaced. On most vehicles the timing belt is not easily accessible to inspect without disassembly.  You’re not going to find any independent shop or dealership tearing down an engine to inspect the timing belt in any used car inspection. If you do remove the timing cover to inspect, a visual inspection is usually worthless as an old belt and a new belt are typically virtually indistinguishable if not coated in oil. A 100K belt may look new when it comes to signs of wear and break a week later. If the cam/crank seals, water pump or sometimes even the valve cover are leaking it will saturate the belt in oil, this will quickly break down the belt and/or cause it to slip, stretch or break without warning. Our standard practice is to do our best to look for obvious signs of previous timing belt replacements: stickers/stamping stating replacement, service records, signs such as scratches on the timing belt cover(s) from removal, missing/stripped bolts, signs of motor mount removal, accessory belt condition (belts which sit in front of the timing belt that must be removed to get access to the timing belt and they’re usually replaced during the timing belt service).

Sometimes there will be records in the history report(s)/ service records in which we typically provide when the VIN is included with your booking/payment prior to actually performing the inspection. If records of previous replacement are not available within the specified time/interval (dependent on the vehicle) we always recommend replacing the timing belt for peace of mind. This is a very crucial component, which is often overlooked. A timing belt that slips or breaks can destroy the engine if it is an interference type of engine. Remember it’s not uncommon for people to sell/trade their vehicles in when the timing intervals approach because of the higher service costs involved so be alert to the manufactures recommended interval which can be every 60,80,90,100,105,110, or 120K miles or based on time 5-7 years. Remember, all belts are made out of rubber and rubber deteriorates with time so a 10 year old Honda Civic with only 40K miles should really have the timing belt replaced even if the interval may be every 105K miles. There are some vehicles such as Kia’s, Hyundai’s, older Volkswagen’s and Audi’s that are known for timing belt issues. These cars absolutely must have the timing belt replaced as often as every 60K miles. This service can cost upwards of $800+ so plan accordingly.

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