Valvetrain replacement

The device and functions of the timing belt

At present, belt-driven motors have become more common. This is due to the reduced engine noise level.

Timing belt device

The timing belt is made of technical rubber. The timing gear drive is a closed ring with teeth on the inner surface. Timing belts are most often used in internal combustion engines. The teeth on the inner surface of the part provide a strong grip on the pulleys of the crankshaft and camshafts. Belts of different car models have different widths. The inner diameter of the part is also different for different manufacturers.

Timing belt functions

The gas distribution system is responsible for injecting the fuel-air mixture and releasing exhaust gases. The timing drive transmits movement from the crankshaft to the camshaft. The presence of toothed pulleys on the inner surface of the belt helps to maintain the system settings. Auxiliary functions of the timing drive are the transmission of movement to the pump or water pump.

When it’s Time to Replace the Timing Drive

Usually, the vehicle manufacturer indicates in the technical documents the optimal time to replace the timing belt. In reality, the wear time of this part depends significantly on many factors, namely:

• car brands;
• mileage;
• how the vehicle is operated;
• rubber quality;
• correct installation and maintenance;
• design features of the car and others.

The mileage after which the timing drive should be replaced varies over a wide range and is 60 – 120 thousand km. But a broken belt can also occur with a lower mileage of the car.

Most often, the timing belt is replaced during a scheduled technical inspection at the service station. It is important not to break the part, as in this case, significant damage to the car engine may occur.

What signs will tell about the wear of the timing belt

You can understand that it is time to change the timing drive when you visually inspect it. Visual defects indicate that it is time to contact the service station to replace the timing belt. However, it is not always possible to visually inspect the timing drive, since it is located under the casing. Therefore, indirect signs most often indicate defects and wear of a part.

1. In addition to the time of operation, the wear of the part is also affected by age. Rubber tends to break down over time even without special loads. Therefore, if your car is more than 7 years old, you should have the belt replaced by a workshop, even if you rarely drive it.
2. Unstable operation of the motor, when it does not start immediately, may indicate wear on the drive. Problems in the ignition system resulting from abrasion of the belt can lead to damage to the valves.
3. Worn timing belt may be indicated by smoke from the exhaust pipe. If it is dark and has an unpleasant smell, it may be due to a loose timing belt.
4. The appearance of extraneous sounds during the operation of the motor. They may sound like clicks or whistles and indicate the wear of the belt and signal the need to replace it as soon as possible. Sometimes the same sounds occur when the pump malfunctions.
5. If grease is leaking from under the casing, this indicates problems with the crankshaft oil seal. This negatively affects the operation of the system and leads to the replacement of the entire kit.
6. It will not be superfluous to periodically inspect the belt for damage. It is necessary to assess the condition of the part by carefully inspecting the entire length of the belt, but first you need to unscrew the spark plugs. Cracks or breaks on the surface of the strap signal the need for an immediate change.
7. If the engine does not start when the starter is spinning, this is a sign of a broken timing belt. In the best case, you will only need to replace the timing drive, in the worst case, damage to other elements of the car engine may occur.

Specialists of the Autopark-Service company, located at the address: Lviv, Solonka, st. Kiltseva, 60, will help you to replace the timing belt. You will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of our work, the use of only original spare parts and materials for repairs, Timing belt replacement cost. Repairs, parts and materials are guaranteed.