Broken timing belt - all you need to know

A broken timing belt can cause serious engine damage. This entails not only significant repair costs, but sometimes the need to replace it. How to avoid belt damage and unnecessary costs? Check!

What will you learn from this post?

• How does the timing system work?
• What does a timing belt do?
• How often do you need to change the timing belt?
• What are the most common causes of a broken timing belt?

TL, д-

The timing belt is responsible for the synchronization of the crankshaft and camshaft, affecting the operation of valves that open and close at the right time. A broken belt can cause the valve to hit the piston and severely damage the engine. Therefore, this element must be replaced regularly.

Timing system - how does it work?

The gas distribution system is one of the most important parts of any piston engine. Responsible for ensuring proper engine operation.by supplying air (or an air-fuel mixture) to the combustion chamber and by diverting exhaust gases into the exhaust ducts. Timing drive comes from crankshaft.

Sprockets, chain or belt?

In the oldest designs, especially in agricultural tractor engines, the function of transferring angular momentum from the shaft to the camshafts was gears... Then they were introduced in their place Time chain. It was used, for example, in small and large Fiats, but sometimes it was an emergency - they missed only about 20 thousand kilometers, then it stretched and rubbed against the body. The operation of both the gears and the chain was also a source of annoying noise.

So in the 70s it was introduced timing beltswhich quickly became a widely used solution. They are made of synthetic rubber and therefore do not stretch.

Broken timing belt - engine killer

A belt that has been used for too long may break. This leads to damage to the valve stems and even to engine piston failurecaused by improper closing of the valves.

When to change the belt?

There is no definite answer when to replace the timing belt. Manufacturers usually indicate the lifespan of the product. Usually it should be replaced after about 90-150 thousand kilometers., although there are models in which it is enough to cover a distance of more than 200. However, many mechanics recommend replacing the belt more often - every 100 kilometers or every 5 yearsif the machine is not used very often.

You should also replace the timing belt. after buying a used carif we don't know his service history. The cost of such an exchange is usually several hundred zlotys. Meanwhile, the repair of a failed engine can cost us even several thousand.

Breakage of the timing belt - causes

The most common cause of a broken belt is seized tension roller bearing... It also fails when a foreign body gets between the gears. The strap can also be damaged by impact too high temperature and dirt or contact with fuel or oil. Therefore, when replacing it, it is recommended to carry out preventive replacement of other elements - tensioner rollers, water pump or shaft seal.

How to replace the belt?

It is worth replacing the timing belt entrust to an experienced mechanic. The radiator must be removed to gain access to individual components. Other parts may also need to be replaced, such as a timing cover or rusty clips. Proper belt alignment is key - even a millimeter of movement between the belt and the timing pulley can damage the engine.

The timing belt is one of those car design elements that cannot be used in order to save money. Timing system components such as toothed belts, idlers, camshafts and intermediate shafts can be found at avtotachki.com.