How much does a timing belt replacement cost? What is timing belt and timing chain replacement? Should I change the timing belt myself?

Replacing a timing belt is beyond the power of an ordinary driver. Moreover, many people who drive thousands of kilometers a year in their car have no idea what time it really is. You can easily compare the time reference system to one of your body's organs, the heart. It is he who is responsible for the drive of the crankshaft, without which the correct coordination of the movement of the fuel mixture would be impossible. Wondering how to replace the timing belt? Check out the following tips!

Timing belt replacement - what is it?

Many people ask what it is timing belt replacement. This operation is a fairly common maintenance activity, so even inexperienced people have heard a lot about it. What does reality look like? 

Replacing a timing belt by a mechanic is a basic service that includes the installation of a new belt, and in some cases a tensioner. How a timing chain replacement should look like depends on the condition of the system itself, as well as on the decision of the mechanic.

Timing - what elements may still need to be replaced?

During maintenance of the timing chain, it is sometimes necessary to replace some parts. What does replacing the timing belt in a car give, i.e. what elements are replaced with new ones? The most common are:

• screws;
• high heeled shoes;
• tension and guide rollers;
• slides;
• gears.

Timing belt replacement - symptoms of system damage

Are you looking for information on how to change the timing belt? Before proceeding, you need to know what symptoms will tell you about a belt failure in this system. Loud noises from under the hood are the first sign that the timing belt needs to be replaced. They can be caused either by a belt or chain, or by other elements of the mechanism, such as runners or tensioners. When faced with similar symptoms, you need to know that only a very quick timing belt replacement will save you from more serious problems with the car. 

What does replacing the timing belt in a car do? Why is it important to remember to change the timing belt regularly?

Before you know the answer to the question of how to replace the timing belt, you should find out what are the consequences of not doing this. Contrary to appearances, the effect of such neglect can be really deplorable. If timing belt replacement is delayed indefinitely, the engine may fail at some point. how seriously? It all depends on the condition of the timing elements. If the belt gradually loses its properties due to the extension of the service life, it may break. 

Replacing the timing of the engine - what does neglecting it lead to?

A damaged belt will cause individual engine components to malfunction. However, this situation is not yet tragic, because an independent replacement of the timing belt at this moment will not be associated with problems greater than damage to the pistons. If there is no response, problems will also affect the head or valves, and the replacement of these elements is very costly. 

Just as important as replacing the timing drive itself is to remember to do it regularly.

Replacing the timing belt in the workshop - how often should the system be inspected?

Replacing the timing belt is one of the most important repair and maintenance activities that every driver should take care of. As you already know, skipping this step can lead to much more serious problems and, consequently, higher costs. Timing belt replacement should always be carried out in accordance with the recommendations of specific vehicle manufacturers. What is especially important when evaluating what a timing belt replacement should look like? Here are some important factors:

• car mileage;
• timing belt wear;
• the year the copy was made;
• a visit to the mechanic's workshop, combined with an assessment of the condition of the timing belt. 

Why does the timing belt need to be changed with the help of specialists?

Expert opinion is needed. How to assess the state of the timing?

A professional will be able to determine the condition of the belt itself and other components, so you will know if the timing belt needs to be replaced.. Also, we must not forget that the information provided by manufacturers will not always be reflected in reality. Why? Mainly because they are very generic. Meanwhile, the durability of specific elements is also affected by various types of pollution and the way the vehicle is operated.

In connection with the above aspects, the most recommended rule here is the security rule. There is nothing wrong with replacing the timing belt prematurely. After all, the less time your car is at the mechanic's, the sooner you'll be able to use it again.

Don't want to take your car to a mechanic? Check if it is possible to replace the timing belt on your own and how to do it.

Replacing the timing belt - stages of independent work. Can the timing belt and timing chain be replaced by myself?

Many are wondering how to replace the timing belt step by step. Even though this activity is quite difficult, if you have mechanical ability, you can try it. At the start, make sure that you have all the necessary items at hand, without which the replacement of the timing belt will not be possible. These include, among others:

• timing belt;
• Water pump;
• tension rollers;
• fastening screws;
• gaskets;
• new pins and screws;
• thread glue.

How to change time step by step?

Self-replacement of the timing begins with getting into this system. This event will consist in removing all elements of the body that will interfere with your work.

1. Block the camshaft and fuel pump before removing the belt.
2. To remove the belt, start by loosening the idler nut.
3. Turning the idler to the left will loosen the belt.
4. After removing the damaged element, install a new part and secure all screws with thread adhesive.
5. This is a good time to check the time setting. Both the camshaft and the crankshaft lock must match perfectly.
6. Check the tensioner - the indicator can be moved to the right up to 5 mm. 
7. Put on all the covers you removed in the first step and the timing belt replacement is complete. 

As you can see, replacing the timing belt is not as difficult as it might seem. However, you should keep in mind that this activity is for the more experienced DIY enthusiast. In the event that you have not previously performed such actions, decide to replace the timing belt in the workshop. Thanks to this, you will be sure that your car will remain fully functional.