Symptoms of a Timing Belt going bad - Timing Belt Repair and Timing Belt Replacement
By: Twin Automotive & Transmission of Charlotte - 704-821-3460
http://www.twincharlotte.com
A timing belt controls the timing of the engine's valves. When a timing belt snaps, certain types of engines can be ruined. It is best to replace the timing belt when you have reached the number of miles your car manual recommends for a replacement, or when you see some symptoms signaling that the timing belt is going bad.
There are two different types of engines: interference and non-interference. If a timing belt snaps or slips on an interference engine, the engine will be badly damaged costing a small fortune in repairs. If a timing belt snaps on a non-interference engine, the engine will be damaged but will not cost as much in repairs as an interference engine.
Symptoms of a Timing Belt Going Bad (in need of a Timing Belt Repair or Timing Belt replacement) include but are not limited to:
+ Excessive Exhaust
If your car fires more than a typical amount of exhaust, your timing belt could be worn out.
+ Difficult to Start
If your car has high mileage and is difficult to start, the timing belt could be going bad.
+ Leaky Engine
Older rubber timing belts degrade in hot temperatures and with exposure to motor oil. If your car runs hot and has a leaky engine, the life expectancy of your timing belt is lowered. Newer timing belts are made of heat-resistant materials and do not have this problem.
+ Shakes
A working timing belt is perfectly timed with the valves and pistons. If the belt is going bad, the timing will be off, causing the car to shake.
By: Twin Automotive & Transmission of Charlotte - 704-821-3460
http://www.twincharlotte.com
A timing belt controls the timing of the engine's valves. When a timing belt snaps, certain types of engines can be ruined. It is best to replace the timing belt when you have reached the number of miles your car manual recommends for a replacement, or when you see some symptoms signaling that the timing belt is going bad.
There are two different types of engines: interference and non-interference. If a timing belt snaps or slips on an interference engine, the engine will be badly damaged costing a small fortune in repairs. If a timing belt snaps on a non-interference engine, the engine will be damaged but will not cost as much in repairs as an interference engine.
Symptoms of a Timing Belt Going Bad (in need of a Timing Belt Repair or Timing Belt replacement) include but are not limited to:
+ Excessive Exhaust
If your car fires more than a typical amount of exhaust, your timing belt could be worn out.
+ Difficult to Start
If your car has high mileage and is difficult to start, the timing belt could be going bad.
+ Leaky Engine
Older rubber timing belts degrade in hot temperatures and with exposure to motor oil. If your car runs hot and has a leaky engine, the life expectancy of your timing belt is lowered. Newer timing belts are made of heat-resistant materials and do not have this problem.
+ Shakes
A working timing belt is perfectly timed with the valves and pistons. If the belt is going bad, the timing will be off, causing the car to shake.
Timing Belt Replacement: When the Timing Belt Breaks or Fails..If the car bucks and stops running, it's probably too late. The belt is probably broken or has otherwise failed. The type of engine you have will determine how much collateral damage occurs when the timing belt breaks. In interference engines, a timing belt break could cause severe valve damage and damage to other engine parts. A noninterference, also known as "free-wheeling," engine typically doesn't suffer as much damage. But it will still cost you quite a bit to replace the timing belt once it's broken and other parts that were damaged when the belt broke.
Mechanic's Tip
While having the timing belt replaced,
you should also consider replacing the water pump, belt tensioner, thermostat
and camshaft seals. They'll probably already be worn or about to wear out.
Replacing them at the same time as your timing belt can save you money on labor and save you extra trips to the shop.
Twin Automotive & Transmission is Charlotte's #1 Transmission Repair and Auto Repair Expert. They provide free estimates and free diagnostic services for all transmission, timing belt repair and auto repair. http://www.twincharlotte.com/ 704-821-3460
