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Timing belts “control the rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft and the opening and closing of the engine’s many valves to allow air and gas in and out of the combustion chamber”.
The warning signs of an impending timing belt failure are not readily apparent to most. A broken belt on an “interference” engine will render your vehicle inoperable. Worse still, likely it will bend your valves or pistons causing major damage to your engine. A “non-interference” engine will likely stop operating but will not cause extensive engine damage when the belt breaks. The difference between the two is the piston range of motion. The piston travels into the valve in the former, an interference engine. It stops short of the valve in the latter engine.
Typically, 80% of our preventive belt replacement range in cost from $500 to $900; replacing a broken one can be double or triple that cost or more, once the collateral damage is considered.
As a result, it is important to keep abreast of your manufacturer’s suggested replacement interval. Here are certain manufacturers’ recommendations for many of their newer models:
- Audi – 60,000
- Acura – 90,000
- BMW – 60,000
- Chrysler – 60,000 to 90,000
- Ford - 60,000 miles for many of its models.
- GM – 60,000 for many of its models.
- Honda – 60,000 to 105,000
Please consult the owner’s manual for your specific make and model.
Historically automobiles were built with timing chains but auto manufacturers began deploying belts in the 1970s as a way to reduce car weight and improve fuel efficiency. In recent years, some manufacturers have switched back to timing chains due to their longer durability (provided standard maintenance is performed).
To extract more performance from engines, particularly smaller ones, the build of timing belts and timing chains has become more sophisticated. Variable timing, twin overhead camshafts and turbo charging are deployed more frequently to make engines more powerful without forsaking fuel economy. The setting of the tension and position of these complex systems and chains require experienced technicians with specialty tools.
Other important systems have a useful life that is similar to the timing belt, such as:
- Water pump
- Seals
- Drive belt for air conditioning compressor, alternator and power steering
- Belt tensioner
- Idler pulley
To get to the belt drive takes time as it requires a significant amount of disassembly. It usually makes sense to perform these other maintenance routines when you need to replace the timing belt as a long-term way to save money.
At Fred’s Auto Repair, we’ll carefully inspect your auto and advise you whether to perform one or all of these procedures at the same time.
