Timing Belt Maintenance
One of the single most important areas of your automobiles maintenance is the scheduled changing and service of your engine’s timing belt. (It should be noted that not all engines use a timing belt some use a timing chain and for them this does not apply.) If you are unsure what your vehicle uses feel free to call us and we can look it up for you. It is our desire to provide you with the services, knowledge, and help for you to maintain your vehicle properly. So feel free to call with any questions you might have.
The timing belt is a cogged drive belt and its purpose is first to keep your engines valves and pistons in time so they will not strike each other causing major engine damage such as bent valves, or broken pistons, when the belt slips or breaks this damage happens suddenly and with out warning leaving you stranded and with a large expense to repair it.
As a secondary purpose it is often used to drive other items such as water pumps, oil pumps, or balance shafts depending on your engines design. This is the reason when your timing belt is replaced you should always replace your water pump, any idler pulleys, or tensioner bearings at the same time to prevent duplicate repair bills or even failure of the new belt. It is also recommended that all seals be replaced at the same time since any fluids leaking on the belt will also cause premature failures.
We understand that the cost of replacing your belt as a complete assembly is not inexpensive using OEM parts, but the security of not being stranded and not having to be faced with a engine repair that usually runs into the thousands.
It is for the above reasons we strongly recommend you have your timing belt inspected and replaced when scheduled. Each manufacturer has their own recommendation by miles and age and should never be exceeded. We actually suggest you change the belt a few thousand miles earlier than recommended by manufacturer because we have seen a few fail early. Never, ever exceed the years or miles though. We have seen far too many broken engines over the years.
If you have any questions about timing belts and your car please do give us a call
Canyon Auto Repair
503-646-2573
