TIMING BELT

A timing belt or timing chain is a part of an internal combustion engine that synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft(s) so that the engine's valves open and close at the proper times during each cylinder's intake and exhaust strokes.  In an interference engine the timing belt or chain is also critical to preventing the piston from striking the valves.  A timing belt is usually a toothed belt - a drive belt with teeth on the inside surface.  A timing chain is a roller chain.

In the internal combustion engine application the timing belt or chain connects the crankshaft to the camshaft(s), which in turn control the opening and closing of the engine's valves.  A four-stroke engine requires that the valves open and close once every other revolution of the crankshaft.  The timing belt does this.  It has teeth to turn the camshaft(s) synchronized with the crankshaft, and is specifically designed for a particular engine.  In some engine designs the timing belt may also be used to drive other engine components such as the water pump and oil pump.

DO I REALLY NEED TO REPLACE MY TIMING BELT?

The timing belt is an often overlooked part of the car but it plays an extremely important role.

Timing belts must be replaced at the manufacturer's recommended distance and/or time periods.  Failure to replace the belt can result in complete breakdown or catastrophic engine failure, especially in interference engines.  The owner's manual maintenance schedule is the source of timing belt replacement intervals, typically every 60,000 to 100,000 miles but sometimes as little as every 30,000 miles.  It is common to replace the timing belt tensioners and water pump at the same as the belt is replaced.

Don't have an owner's manual or have questions regarding your vehicle's timing belt/chain??  Give us a call (530) 621-4591 or visit our website www.theautoanalyst.com.