Posts Tagged: timing belt
Serpentine belt versus timing belt
Serpentine belt versus timing belt — what’s the difference? What does a timing belt do? People often confuse serpentine and timing belts. They both drive rotating components, but that’s where the similarities end. A timing belt has cogs that fit into corresponding depressions on the driven components. The cogs prevent the belt from slipping out of time with the driven components and keep the camshafts synchronized with the crankshaft. What does a serpentine belt do? A serpentine belt drives accessory components that do not have to be in time with … Read More
Timing belt — what is it?
Timing belt definition A timing belt is mounted at the front of the engine and covered by a timing belt cover. It is used to rotate the camshafts in time with the crankshaft. In some applications the timing belt may also drive balance shafts in time with the crankshaft and camshafts. In still other applications, the timing belt may be used to drive a water pump. Timing belts are tensioned with spring loaded or hydraulic tensioners. If a timing belt breaks while you’re driving, your engine will stop immediately stop … Read More
Replace a timing belt
What is a timing belt? A timing belt runs between the crankshaft and the camshaft on an overhead cam engine and rotates the camshaft(s) in time with the crankshaft. The belt incorporates cogs that mate with grooved crankshaft and camshaft pulleys. The belt is made from a rubber-like substance and reinforced with fiberglass strands. The timing belt wraps around several smooth idler roller and in some engine designs also drives the engine’s water pump and oil pump. The belt is properly tensioned with a mechanical or hydraulic (oil pressure driven) tensioning device. Timing belt history In older overhead valve style engines, the camshaft … Read More
When to replace a timing belt
Why you must replace a timing belt on schedule If your engine is an overhead cam design it most likely uses a timing belt to rotate the camshafts. Timing belts don’t last forever and you must replace your timing belt according the car maker’s maintenance schedule. Replacement intervals vary by car maker and engine style, but can last from as little as 60,000 miles to as long as 110,000 miles. When to replace a timing belt Replace a timing belt when: • You reach the time and/or mileage replacement interval … Read More