Timing Belt
Chances are you’ve heard of the your engine’s timing belt, but you may not realize just how important this one part of your vehicle’s system is to keeping your car in good repair. Employees and residents in the Santa Monica and greater Los Angeles area know to visit Fixcarnow for all of their automotive and vehicle repair needs, and timing belt repair is certainly no exception. Stop by or call us today and speak with one of our ASE-certified technicians. We will take the time to explain why it is important to keep up with your timing belt maintenance and how we can be partners in helping you do so.
Most timing belts will need to be replaced every 50,000 to 90,000 miles and when there are cracks or noticeable wear on the belt. Most manufacturers will also suggest that the timing belt tensioner should be replaced at the same time as the timing belt. This will ensure that timing belt failure is not likely. Mechanic timing belt repair in Santa Monica is known for efficiently getting drivers back on the road in no time and with a guaranteed-to-work belt.
Signs that your timing belt and/or tensioner need to be replaced include a rattling noise when you start or accelerate the engine. This could indicate that there is pressure on the tensioner or that it may be cracked. Another sign can be rapid changes in rpm when you accelerate at low speeds. If the tensioner is not working properly, it may be very difficult for the car to pick up speed smoothly. Oil leaks that appear within the engine around the camshaft or crankshaft could indicate the tensioner could be cracked and is leaking grease into the engine. An inconsistent humming noise may be a sign that the tensioner bearings are worn or torn. The sound of squeaking or screeching when changing gears could indicate the tensioner is under too much pressure will begin to screech or squeal when shifting gears.
The job of the timing belt is to turn the camshafts at exactly 1/2 the speed of the crankshaft while maintaining perfect alignment. The crankshaft will then make two revolutions for every single turn of the camshaft. Engines will have at least one camshaft, or as many as four camshafts in some of the V-type engines. The camshaft causes the intake and exhaust valves to open and close in time with the pistons which move up and down in the cylinders. The valves must open and close at exactly the right time in relationship to the piston movement in order for the engine to run properly. There is a special concern with an “interference engine,” in which the valves are in the path of the pistons. If the camshaft or crankshaft moves independently in an interference engine, there will be at least one valve/piston collision. The fragile valves will bend, and you’ll be faced with a costly repair. This is why it is crucial to keep up with your timing belt maintenance. It very well be the best decision you can make to extend the life of your car’s engine.
