Timing belt: common defects and their signs

1. Wear.
   • Cracks, fraying or other mechanical damages appeared on the component surface.
   • Troubled engine start.
   • The power plant excessively vibrates during operation.
   • Foreign sound is heard at engine start.
   • Smoke, coming from the exhaust pipe became bluish.
2. Tearing.
   • The engine shuts down unpromptedly during driving and it is impossible to turn it on again.
   • During starter operation specific metal thud is heard from the upper engine part.

How to replace timing belt?

If the belt of the valve train is broken down, it should be replaced. Specialists recommend to perform scheduled replacement of the component every 80 000 – 100 000  operational kilometers. It is necessary to replace the belt roller together with the belt, that is why it is advisable to purchase the timing belts and rollers kit for the car. Moreover, it is good practice to replace the water pump as well.

The process of car timing belt replacement is quite laborious and besides, it requires adjustment of belt tensioning after mounting. That is why it will be better to entrust it to car station specialists. Otherwise there is no guarantee that the car units will be operating in unison.

Always replace the toothed belts together with the rollers and pump of the cooling system.
It is recommended to perform installation of the timing belt kit at a service station.
Average operational lifetime: 80 000 – 100 000 km.