Timing Belt Maintenance

Denton, TX Belt Inspection & Replacement Services

The timing belt, sometimes referred to informally as the cam belt, is part of the internal combustion engine that controls the timing of the engine’s valves. They are the newer replacement for the old-fashioned timing chains common through the 1970s and 1980s and connects the crankshaft to the camshaft, which controls the opening and closing of engine valves.

Proper Performance

In a working engine, a four-stroke configuration requires that the valves open in pairs once every other revolution of the crankshaft, and the teeth of the timing belt assure this happens by turning the camshaft to synchronize with the crankshaft. In some applications, timing belts also drive other components within the engines, such as the water pump and oil pump.

Timing Belt Failure

Failure of the timing belt typically involves either:

• Stripped teeth – This leaves a smooth spot on the belt where the drive cog will slip.
• Unraveling of the fiber cores

Maintaining the correct amount of tension on the belt is crucial to its performance. If it is too loose, the belt will whip. If it is too tight, it will whine while adding unnecessary strain on the cog bearings. Both scenarios severely reduce the life of timing belts.

Failure to properly synchronize the movement of the valve and the piston when replacing a timing belt leads to problems with valve timing, which can cause the valves and pistons to collide. Having an experienced mechanic or auto technician perform the required timing belt replacement service at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals (whether based on time or mileage) is essential to ensuring the proper performance and safety of your car’s engine.

At Spenser’s Quality Automotive, our trained and skilled automotive experts have worked on all makes and models, both foreign and domestic, and are experienced in timing belt replacement. Contact your Denton mechanics today if you think your engine’s timing may be off or if your regularly scheduled maintenance calls for a check of your timing belt.