The features of the automotive engine have remained largely consistent in recent decades, and the timing belt remains one of the most essential parts. This rubber belt helps the engine to combust effectively and gets the vehicle moving as a result. Its constant rotation means that maintenance is vital and replacing the timing belt can be a time-consuming job.
Ignoring the problem is not an option, however. A malfunctioning timing belt can cause catastrophic damage to the engine, which may lead to a necessary, and very expensive, replacement. Mechanics regularly work on timing belt repairs, so here’s a useful guide on what to consider.
A Closer Look at the Mechanical Importance of the Timing Belt
The timing belt is a crucial linkage in the engine and it’s set in motion by the rotation of the crankshaft. The belt connects the crankshaft to the vehicle’s camshaft so that both rotations sync up correctly. The camshaft works to make sure that the intake and exhaust valves on top of the cylinders open and close effectively to allow for air intake and the escape of burned air after combustion.
The belt itself is flat on top but grooved underneath so that it can fit snugly into the grooves of the crankshaft and camshaft. Graduates of a mechanic program know those grooves perform a critical purpose in holding the belt in the correct position so that all the shafts are moving in sync with each other. A malfunctioning timing belt can cause severe damage if it’s ignored.
The Common Timing Belt Problems to Be Aware of During Auto Mechanic Courses
It’s highly recommended that drivers don’t wait for a problem to occur before getting the timing belt replaced. This is a part which requires ongoing care, and each manufacturer has specific recommendations on when a new version should be fitted. Typically, this means replacing the belt every 50,000 to 80,000 kilometres due to stretching and other types of wear.
Slippage of the timing belt can cause serious damage, particularly in interference engines. When this happens, the combustion process becomes out of sync, meaning that the pistons crash into open valves in the cylinders. The consequent bending of pistons is disastrous because it usually requires a full engine replacement. Timing belt replacement is also a time-consuming job, but not nearly as expensive as a full engine rebuild. Mechanics often use it as an opportunity to also replace the vehicle’s water pump, because this part also needs to be removed during timing belt repairs.
The Timing Belt Alternatives that Are Common in Modern Vehicles
Timing belts aren’t found in all modern engines, and it’s very likely you’ll come across timing chains after training at mechanic colleges. Timing chains had gone out of fashion due to their increased noise and manufacturing costs, but are making a resurgence in the automotive world. They replicate the mechanical purpose of the timing belt by synchronising the rotation of the crankshaft and camshafts.
The presence of interference and non-interference engines is also significant to timing belt maintenance. A malfunctioning belt in an interference engine can cause piston damage which is highly expensive to repair. Non-interference engines don’t suffer the same damage, but they still shut down if the belt becomes damaged.
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