Why Should My Timing Belt Be Replaced?

by Rob Hopp, Cars for Keeps Owner

Most of today's vehicle use a rubber timing belt to keep the various
rotating shafts in sync (time) with each other. When these parts are not moving in perfect harmony, they can (and often do) hit each other. At the very least you become a pedestrian. We all know that our car won't breakdown right in front of our favorite garage where there is hot coffee waiting. Instead, it conks out at the worst possible moment. Then your car that will need emergency timing belt service along with the cleanup required to keep shreds of rubber out of the new timing belt.

Timing belt service is not inexpensive and trying to save money going for the lowest bidder can be a prelude to disaster. I suggest using top quality parts, done by a mechanic that knows your type of vehicle. They will know if there are common faults that prevent the service from lasting through another full service cycle (typically 100,000 miles or more).

The diagrams below are typical of the complexities of these systems, the first is from a Volvo, second is from a Nissan.



You can't usually just look at the timing belt to see if it's OK.
Many designs require hours of work just to disassemble the front of the engine for access.

The synthetic and cord reinforced belt (much like a tire) has precision teeth that engage the sprockets driving the shafts.












We often have to supress a morbid giggle when a client sees their car this far apart to perform "a simple timing belt".
It is often a reaction of horror... What did you do to my car?
Until we explain that this is the only way to get to the components on most Audi's & VW's and then return their car in tip-top shape.


























A Lucky Driver. This Acura engine was still running, but on the edge of catastrophe when the missing teeth were discovered. Typically $1500-$2500 in damage is done when a timing belt fails. Many times the engine is destroyed.













This one was not so lucky. The tensioner spring broke, and took a chunk out of the belt, leading to jumped timing and bent intake valves.















These are just some of the components that are used among the different designs of drive systems. The weakest link is the one that takes the rest with it. That's just one of the reasons we recommend following the manufacturers recommended mileage intervals for timing belt replacement, so an experienced mechanic can inspect the timing components to ensure they ALL will make it through another full life cycle and you can keep on driving with confidence.



How much does Timing belt service cost?
While the cost for timing belt service has a wide range depending on model and components required. The basic timing belt service on most four cylinder vehicles starts at around $200.00
We will gladly quote the service on your specific vehicle if you call Cars for Keep at (616) 846-1989 or by e-mail .