Timing Belt R&R Checklist – Tips to Save Money
March 14, 2012 2:07 pm Timing Belt
© DenLorsTools.com Summary: R&R (Remove and Replace). Things to consider when planning a T-Belt change. Preventative maintenance can help to make your car more dependable and less expensive to own in the long run. Below are some tips when changing a timing belt for maintenance.
Maintenance Intervals
Many cars to today have a rubber timing belt instead of a metal timing chain. Timing belts have different maintenance intervals recommended by the manufacturer. The mileage recommendation for a timing belt change can vary greatly so it’s best to check what that is for your particular model. Check the owners manual for the maintenance schedule or an online source like ALL Data auto repair manual information.
Premature Belt Failure
It’s also important to know that if there’s an oil leak and the oil gets on the belt, the maintenance interval doesn’t matter. Oil can cause the belt to prematurely fail. That’s why it’s a good idea to consider changing the front camshaft and crankshaft seals when planning a timing belt change. Also on some models a leaking valve cover may allow the engine oil to run down under the timing cover and soak the belt. If the water pump or any other idler pulleys in the timing belt area wear out, this too could cause the belt to fail earlier than expected.
Abnormal Noise
If there are any strange noises coming from the front of the engine they should not be ignored. The car may be trying to tell you something. It could just be an accessory like the alternator or a serpentine belt tensioner. However it could be a water pump from inside the cover with a bearing ready to seize or allow enough wobble for the t-belt to jump teeth on the sprocket.
Interference Engines
Some cars have very close valve to piston clearances and a broken or stripped timing belt could cause engine damage. The valve can be bent or broken and the cylinders can sometimes be scored. I have seen valves stuck into aluminum pistons as well. It’s a good idea to find out if your car has an interference engine or not. If it is an interference motor, I would recommend keeping a closer watch on things mentioned that could cause premature failure.
Already Broken?
If your timing belt is already broken and you need more tips see our related articles.
Timing Belt Job Checklist
1. Service Manual directions printed. Diagram from repair manual printed out.
2. White touch up paint for making marks more pronounced (can even add additional ones)
3. Hand tools for changing the timing belt and related components. Specialty tools if required for the particular model – like holders, cam locks or alignment tools.
4. Floor jack and jack-stand.
5. Timing Belt.
6. Water Pump?
7. Cam Seals?
8. Crank seal?
9. Accessory Belts?
10. Valve cover gasket?
11. Brake clean for cleaning sprockets, covers and surrounding area.
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mutale :
Date: June 22, 2015 @ 10:37 am
Hi, kindly assist me my Toyata collora x-saloon developed a problem of engine vibration and strange noise after replacing a alternator belt and a water pump which was leaking. The noise sounds as if there is no silencer to combustion pipe. What could be the problem?
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: June 22, 2015 @ 10:46 am
Mutale, could be a loose timing belt if there’s a fluttering noise coming from the timing cover area. Good Luck.