Timing Belt Replacement

Timing Belt Replacement and Service at Stanley Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Brownwood

When you think of major parts on a vehicle, you may not consider a timing belt. Also referred to as a timing chain, the timing belt plays a critical role in how your engine operates. When it fails, you could end up damaging your engine or being stranded around Brownwood, Comanche, or Coleman. You can get your timing belt inspected and replaced at Stanley Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Brownwood.

What a Timing Belt Is and What It Does

A timing belt controls the timing for certain components of the engine. Some vehicles also have the timing belt to power the water pump, oil pump, and injection pump.
The timing belt is a rubber belt with teeth that lock onto the cogwheels of the crankshaft and camshaft. The purpose of the timing belt is to synchronize the movement of the cogwheels to ensure the intake and exhaust valves open and close at the right time with the pistons. If these parts don’t work in sync with each other, it can cause the engine to run rough.
If the intake valves open before the correct time, too much of the fuel-air mixture will get into the combustion chamber, which can make the engine lose power. If the exhaust valves open too soon, the chamber loses pressure, which also causes the engine to lose power.
A timing chain is similar to a timing belt, but they aren’t the same thing. A timing chain is made of metal and lasts longer than rubber timing belts. They are also noisier and heavier. When the timing belt was introduced, it became more popular for many vehicles. When either of these components stop working, they will cause problems with the engine.

When to Replace the Timing Belt

You can review the information in your owner’s manual, but most manufacturers have a recommendation to replace the timing belt between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. Rubber wears down over time, especially when in contact with extreme heat or cold. When the timing belt breaks, the engine won’t run at all or it will be out of time, which will cause damage.
If you don’t get the timing belt changed when needed, you could end up needing to replace the engine. This is a costly repair of several thousands of dollars.
Some signs to look for that indicate the timing belt needs inspected and possibly replaced:

• Engine loses power
• Engine overheats
• Engine shakes or vibrates
• Problems starting the engine
• Belt squeals
• Ticking noise
• Oil leak
• Check Engine light remains on

If you notice any of these problems, you should bring your vehicle in for service. The service department at Stanley Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Brownwood will inspect the timing belt and let you know if it needs to be replaced.