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That’s why highly rated auto mechanics recommend replacing it every 60,000 to 105,000 miles based on the vehicle’s factory recommended maintenance schedule, your individual driving habits and conditions as well as time before the belt breaks or has a catastrophic failure.
How do I know when my timing belt needs changing?
5 Common Signs Your Timing Belt Needs to Be Replaced Engine Makes a Ticking Noise. When the timing belt starts to wear out, it may create a ticking sound inside the motor. Engine Won’t Turn Over. Engine Misfires. Rough Idling of the Engine. Decline in Oil Pressure and Oil Leaking.
How long do timing belts really last?
Depending on what schedule you may read, including information distributed by the manufacturers themselves, the average life span of a timing belt is between 60,000 and 105,000 miles or after 7 to 10 years regardless of mileage.
Can a timing belt last 200 000 miles?
Of course the timing belt itself has to be replaced at, whichever comes first, the time or the mileage in the owner’s manual. There’s no way that these various components are going to last through two timing belts – they’re not going to last for 200,000 miles in most cases.
How much does it cost to replace my timing belt?
The average cost to replace a timing belt will be anywhere from $300 to $500 in total (more for larger cars, trucks, and SUVs). The timing belt itself will usually only cost less than $50 but the majority of a timing belt job is spent on labor. The cost of the labor will be anywhere from $250 to $450 or more.
Can a timing belt destroy an engine?
As your vehicle gets older and accumulates miles, its timing belt wears out and becomes compromised. While timing belt replacement is a simple service to perform, if a worn out timing belt snaps, it can seriously damage your engine and cost you thousands.
What does a worn timing belt sound like?
A failing bad timing belt sounds like a ticking noise in front of your car when it starts wearing out. If the belt eventually breaks, it will give a whining noise when trying to start the engine. A whining noise sounds like no compression in the engine.
How do you check timing belt?
Look for any contaminants that could eat away at the belt or cause it to slip. Also, look for cracks in the belt. If the belt has many cracks in it, this can indicate that the belt is old or has dried out. Next, inspect the underside of the belt and verify that all the teeth are in good condition.
What happens if you don’t replace timing belt?
Because the timing belt is made of rubber, it will wear down over time and eventually break. If you don’t replace the timing belt at the recommended time, you could end up with total engine failure, broken or bent valves, cylinder head or camshaft damage, and piston and cylinder wall damage.
Which is better timing belt or chain?
Most automakers recommend replacing the timing belt every 60,000 to 105,000 miles. Timing chains are heavier and more complex than timing belts, but they also last much longer. Really, unless there’s a problem, timing chains don’t have a replacement interval.
What causes timing belt to break?
The tensioner that keeps the belt taut is pressurized by the engine oil. If the tensioner has no oil pressure, the belt will become loose and possibly disengage from the pulleys and/or break. If the camshafts don’t have enough oil pressure to operate properly, they will also lock up, causing the timing belt to break.
Do timing belts break often?
The belt runs on a pulley from the crankshaft to the camshaft. Although timing belts are critical, it is not true that they should be regularly replaced unless explicitly recommended in the owner’s manual. Many timing belts can go more than 100,000 miles without failing.
Is it worth fixing a timing belt?
Although timing belts are critical, there’s no need to replace them regularly –unless explicitly recommended in your owner’s manual. Some automakers recommend changing a timing belt between 60,000 and 100,000, others don’t. Many of today’s timing belts can go 100,000 miles or more without needing to be replaced.
What happens if the timing belt breaks while driving?
If a timing belt breaks while driving in an interference engine, the camshaft stops turning leaving some of the engine valves in the open position. This may result in a heavy damage to the engine with broken or bent valves, damaged pistons and, possibly, destroyed cylinder head and block.
Is it worth fixing a timing chain?
A timing chain doesn’t need to be replaced unless there is a problem with it. Is the timing chain immune to mechanical failures? The simple answer is No, it is not. Timing chain problems are not uncommon, especially in high-mileage vehicles.
How long should a timing belt last in a car?
The expected lifespan of your timing belt is specific to your car and engine configuration, usually between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. (You can check your owner’s manual or look online for your car’s service schedule.).
