When To Replace The Timing Belt On Your Vehicle
How To Determine If Your Timing Belt Is Wearing Out
The timing belt performs a crucial job in any vehicle. Your car or truck’s engine relies on a timing belt to keep its many functions in sync with each other so that the engine can continue to operate smoothly and effectively. This means that timing belt monitoring and replacement from your Mesa repair shop is an important part of maintaining your vehicle.
What Is A Timing Belt?
The timing belt is a rubber belt with hard teeth that fits inside the camshaft and crankshaft in your vehicle. Its job is to synchronize the motions of all the moving parts in the engine so that they work together properly. This includes ensuring that the engine intake and exhaust valves open and close effectively so that the engine is properly ventilated. This is important because fuel-air imbalances in your engine’s combustion chamber will result in loss of power, preventing your vehicle from operating.
How Do I Know When To Replace My Vehicle’s Timing Belt?
Every timing belt will eventually need to be replaced, but each vehicle model is different, which means that timing belt life will vary, but generally speaking, you should expect to replace your timing belt every 60,000-100,000 miles. Consult with your vehicle manual and your Phoenix mechanics to determine when your vehicle’s timing belt is ready for replacement. If you wait too long to replace the timing belt, your vehicle’s engine could get broken valves or even fail completely, putting yourself and other drivers in danger. Replacing the timing belt according to your vehicle’s manual can protect your peace of mind as well as help you avoid the risk and large expense of replacing your engine later.
What Signs Should I Look For When Replacing My Timing Belt?
Timing belts can break without any warning signs, but in most cases, there are some ways to determine if your timing belt is wearing out:
If you notice any of these signs, contact your Scottsdale auto repair shop to have your vehicle checked out.
How Is a Timing Belt Replaced?
Timing belt replacement can be complicated and requires a solid understanding of engine components. If you are unsure how an engine works or feel overwhelmed at trying to do this job yourself, get in touch with Mesa car repair for a professional timing belt replacement. Your mechanic will follow a multiple step procedure to replace your timing belt and get your vehicle back on the road:
Get Rhe Right Timing Belt
& Gaskets
It’s important to get the right timing belt for your vehicle. Your manual should list the right size and type that is suitable for your vehicle. Getting the correct timing belt is essential for a properly functioning engine and safe ride. It’s often a good idea to replace your gaskets and adhesives at the same time.
Disconnect Rhe Battery
This step is crucial to protect from electrical shocks, which can be fatal. Just breaking the circuit is all that is needed.
Remove The Alternator Belt
This small belt is located above the timing belt. Some vehicle models require a full removal of the serpentine belt as well, while other vehicles only require a loosening of the nuts that hold the belt in place.
Remove Timing Belt Attachments & Distributor Cap
The power steering pump and air conditioning compressor are usually attached to the timing belt and need to be removed. Some vehicles also require a removal of the distributor cap along with its clips and screws.
Align Tthe Timing Lines
Rotate the crankshaft bolt so that the timing mark aligns with the zero on the timing scale.
Remove The Timing Cover
Any screws and bolts that hold the timing cover in place will need to be carefully removed, and then the cover needs to be taken off.
Check The Alignment
Your Phoenix car repair professional will ensure that the camshaft and crankshaft are in alignment so that your vehicle operates correctly.
Remove The Old Timing Belt
Using a bolt tensioner, slide the old timing belt off and remove it from the engine.
Install The New Timing Belt
The new timing belt is placed into position and the torque is adjusted per the vehicle’s manual direction. This is a crucial step to ensure that your new timing belt works as it should.
Reassemble The Parts
Once the timing belt is in place, all of the parts that were removed from the engine will need to be carefully reinstalled in the right order. Your Scottsdale mechanics will test drive the vehicle to ensure that the job was done correctly and that the engine does not have any other damage.
Schedule Your Timing Belt Replacement With Tempe’s Top Rated Mechanics
For timely and professional vehicle repair, schedule your free estimate with Scottsdale Muffler. We are a local, family-owned mechanical shop who provides honest and reliable service at an affordable price. Whether you need muffler and exhaust services, timing belt replacement, engine repair, or basic auto repair services, we do it all! Contact us today to get your vehicle back into top shape!
Published By: Chris McCurdy
Scottsdale Muffler & Automotive
1710 E Curry Rd
Tempe, AZ 85281
Office: 480-994-4741
Website: https://scottsdalemuffler.com
Monday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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