Timing Belt Replacement

Timing Belt Replacement and Service at Stanley Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Gilmer

When taking care of maintenance tasks, you may not think about the timing belt. This is a critical part of your engine’s performance. The service team at Stanley CDJR Gilmer will inspect the timing belt and let you know if it needs to be replaced.

What Is a Timing Belt?

A timing belt is a rubber belt that has teeth to lock onto the cogwheels of the camshaft and crankshaft. It synchronizes the movement of these two parts, keeping the intake and exhaust valves opening and closing at the correct time. The timing belt may also power the water pump, oil pump, and injection pump.
If the intake and exhaust valves don’t open and close at just the right time, it can lead to damage to the engine. You may begin to notice the engine running rough when the timing belt isn’t working the way it should.
If the intake valves open too soon, it may allow more fuel-air mixture into the combustion chamber. If the exhaust valves open before they should, the chamber will lose pressure. The result of either of these situations is the same: the engine will have a power loss.
A timing chain is similar to the timing belt, except that it’s made of metal. The timing chain is also noisier and heavier. Once the timing belt was introduced, it became more popular than the timing chain, but you can find them on older veh8icles.

Replacing the Timing Belt

Your owner’s manual will provide guidelines on changing the timing belt. The average recommendation is between 60K and 100K miles. If you don’t drive as much as the average person, you may still need to have it changed within six years. That’s why it’s important to have the service technician inspect the belt when you bring your vehicle in for service.
If you don’t change the timing belt when it’s failing, you could cause severe damage to the engine. You’ll end up making a costly repair by replacing the engine, which can be several thousands of dollars in repair.
Signs that your timing belt may not be working well include:

• Engine loses power
• Engine overheats
• Feel shaking or vibrations when the engine is running
• Engine is difficult to start
• Belt squeals when the engine is running
• You hear a ticking noise
• You see an oil leak
• Check Engine light stays on

If you experience any of these signs, you should bring your vehicle to Stanley Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Gilmer for an inspection of the timing belt. If the belt needs to be replaced, the technician may recommend the water pump also be replaced because it must have the belt removed. By combining the two, you reduce your labor costs.