How long to change cambelt

Make sure the engine is completely cool before you start. Loosen the bolts which hold the alternator in position. Then tap it gently to loosen the fan belt so you can remove it. Do the same with the power steering belt, sliding the belt out of the way to get to the timing case and crankshaft pulley. Loosen the crankshaft pulley. There are usually two bolts or screws holding the mount in place, one on top and one on the side.

Unscrew these and remove the mount. Next, loosen the bolts or screws holding the upper timing cover in place. This will reveal the crankshaft pulley, which you can now remove. Here are the areas you should mark: The top cam, making sure the paint mark lines up with the top of the cog and the gasket. The bottom cam, following the same process as above. Then, tighten the bolt to lock it in place.

This will loosen the timing belt, allowing you to remove it. The belt should now have lost its tension and be easy to remove. Slide it out gently, being careful to avoid turning the cogs.

If your car has a timing chain instead of a timing belt, you may be able to go longer before replacing the timing chain. Every manufacturer is different, but typically, it needs to be replaced every 60,—, miles. Because the timing belt is made of rubber, it will wear down over time and eventually break. When it breaks, the engine will stop running or the components will be out of sync, damaging the engine. But here are some possible indicators that it might be time to replace your belt:.

While your vehicle is in for service, we recommend also replacing the water pump. The water pump usually has a similar lifespan and is easy to access when the timing belt is off. That way you save money on labor costs. Replacing the timing belt is an expensive service. It is an intricate, labor-intensive process that can take 4—8 hours, depending on the vehicle. But replacing the timing belt before it breaks will prevent engine damage and save you money in the long run.

Our expert ASE-certified technicians will examine your vehicle, identify any damage to your belt, and replace it with quality service at an affordable price. Click HERE to make an appointment at one of our convenient locations! A timing belt is an essential part of your engine. The function of a timing belt is to synchronize movement between the crankshaft and camshaft — this movement allows valves to open and close at the correct time so that your engine can run optimally.

There are two types of engines. Interference and non-interference. The interference engine occurs when the timing belt fails or jumps a tooth on the sprocket. If this happens, you might hear our technician say that the valves and pistons have collided and have bent the valves. If the timing belt breaks, the interference will cause major damage to your engine.

If the timing belt on an older vehicle needs to be replaced, the repair cost might exceed the value of the car. If you have a non-interference engine and the belt breaks or skips a tooth on the sprocket the car will simply stop running or not start. If you want to know whether you have a vehicle with an interference engine, click here. The recommended replacement according to mileage ranges from 60, miles to , miles. If your vehicle is 6 to 10 years old, it is recommended to replace the timing belt.

A broken timing belt results in no compression between parts of your engine and getting it started will not be possible. Oil can leak from behind the timing belt where the oil pump, various seals, and RTV are supposed to keep the engine from leaking oil. This can be one of the most expensive oil leaks possible when it comes to repair costs. The repair history of your vehicle can provide insight into the condition of your timing belt.

We replace your water pump at the same time as your timing belt. This is because the lifespan of a water pump is unknown. By doing this, you can avoid an expensive labor charge in the future. These parts of your engine will be checked and replaced.