Timing Belt Repair

In every working mechanical device and especially a car, timing control of all the components is vitally important. The motive force of a car comes from its engine and the cyclic working of the engine is maintained by the timing belt. In case of problems, it is essential that timing belts be repaired immediately, as it can lead to major damages if left unchecked.

Timing Belt Function

Inside every car engine, a timing belt makes a connection between the crankshaft and the camshaft. The camshaft primarily controls the movement of the engine valves and is therefore responsible for controlling the synchronization of every engine cycle. Every car engine requires that the exhaust and intake valves of every combustion chamber close periodically during each cycle. The timing belt is the feedback mechanism which ensures that the timing of the camshaft belt and the crankshaft is synchronized. The timing belt plays the equivalent role in an engine, of a conductor in an orchestra! Imagine what can happen to orchestra music without a conductor and you know why fixing the timing belt is a chore that should not be ignored.

The timing belt may serve other functions like driving the car lubrication oil pumps and water pumps. In such a scenario, if the timing belt goes loose or gets broken, engine functioning is hampered and it can ultimately lead to substantial engine damage.

That is why it is important that you keep checking the timing belt periodically. Car mechanics recommend that the timing belt be changed after 60,000 miles of running. Such preventive maintenance can help you save car repair costs in the future.

Timing Belt Repair Instructions

Inspect the timing belt and if you see that it is worn out or damaged beyond repair, then replacement is the only option. However, in case, the timing belt has only gone slack, it can be set right and taut, by tightening tensioner bolts.

The procedure for timing belt replacement is not at all simple and unless you are a real expert at fixing car problems, I wouldn't recommend that you go ahead with it. It is a job that requires precision. In case you are bent upon doing the job yourself and saving the repair cost, then get the Hayne's repair manual for your car model, which will give you an elaborate and detailed timing belt replacement procedure.

Here is a very brief and generic outline of the procedure. After disconnecting the car battery, one needs to remove a lot of car parts, just to gain access to the timing belt, which includes the air intake assemble, power steering pump and everything else that comes in between you and the timing belt! Then you can go ahead with removing the timing belt after removing its covering, while ensuring that the crankshaft and camshaft don't move. Then you must replace it with a new timing belt while making sure that its tension is just right. Gasket on timing belt cover also needs to be replaced. Then with that done, you need to put all the components that you removed, back in place and reconnect the car battery!