In general, timing belt problems will arise without warning. No creaking sound to remind you to replace it. If your car is running normally and suddenly the engine stops suddenly and won't start again, it's usually because the timing belt is faulty. The timing of the engine must be set correctly, or the pistons and valves will collide, resulting in very expensive car repairs. See step 1 to learn how to open and replace the timing belt.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Buying a New Timing Belt
Step 1. Buy a new timing belt first before you disassemble the old one
If this is a maintenance, you should have a new belt before you open the old one. If the belt has been damaged or slippery, you can first open the old belt for example to buy a new one to make sure that the belt you buy is correct.
Most cars use rubber timing belts instead of steel chains. It costs only a few dollars, at an auto parts store, and you usually have to change the timing belt for about 90 thousand-120 thousand miles, depending on your vehicle
Step 2. Get information about your vehicle
You must know the make, model, year of manufacture, as well as the type of engine and its size. Some cars may have multiple variants within the same model, so your car's frame number can also help. You can buy a new belt at a dealer or auto parts store.
Step 3. Make sure you also buy gaskets and gasket glue for reassembly
Your spare parts shop can explain the type of gasket you need. Timing belt sets are also usually available, where askets and other equipment are included in the package.
Method 2 of 4: Unlocking the Timing Belt
Step 1. Remove the negative pole of the battery
Make sure you have your radio security code if you have one, the radio waves you have saved, and a piece of paper for notes so you can easily reset it later.
Step 2. Open the alternator belt
Depending on your car, you may also need to unscrew the fan belt to open the timing belt. Loosen the bolts, pushing the alternator if necessary to create a gap in the belt for easy removal.
Step 3. Open other accessories such as power steering pump, alternator, AC compressor, so you can open the timing belt cover
Do not open the pressure line from the AC compressor, usually the AC compressor can be removed without having to open the hoses.
Step 4. Open the distributor cap if your car uses it
You may need to unscrew the clip to remove the distributor cap, or unscrew some of the screws holding the distributor cap.
Some modern cars with electronic ignition do not use a distributor. They use cam and crankshaft position sensors. The important thing is to know the top dead center (TDC) on the first cylinder. Check your car repair manual, because each model can be different
Step 5. Align the timing marks
Use a wrench to turn the crankshaft bolt to turn the engine until the timing mark on the crankshaft aligns with the 0° mark on the timing.
- Make sure the rotor of the distributor is aligned with the indicator mark on the distributor indicating the position to start the first cylinder. If not, turn the engine one more turn.
- Do not do this on a damaged engine, unless you are sure that the belt is still there. If the car's valves have not bent due to a broken timing belt, you can do this by turning the crankshaft without slipping.
Step 6. See if the balancing pulley needs to be removed before opening the timing belt cover
Often, the timing belt cover sits on the end of the crankshaft, and this pulley will prevent you from opening it, without removing the pulley first. Note that additional seals are required to reinstall them.
Step 7. Unscrew the timing cover bolt
Remove from the engine, some engines have a two-piece timing belt cover. Remove all components that are blocking the cap removal process. Each model is different, see your car's service manual to find out what parts to remove first.
Step 8. Check that the crank and timing camshafts are in line
Many engines use points or lines on the pulleys or gears that must be aligned with their counterparts on the engine block, cylinder head. On some engines, the markings on the camshaft gear align with their counterparts on the first chamsaft bearing post.
This is especially important if you are replacing a timing belt that has broken. Check your service manual for the correct adjustment procedure for your car and correct any incorrect settings before reinstalling a new timing belt. This mark may also be displayed on the label on the timing belt, on some engines
Step 9. Check the area around the belt for signs of oil leakage
Look around the camshaft and crankshaft seals, as well as the valve caps and oil sump. Check for radiator water leaking from the water pump and hoses. Leaks must be repaired before replacing the timing belt.
Method 3 of 4: Loosening the Tensioner
Step 1. Loosen the bolt holding the tensioner
Do not remove it completely, but slide the tensioner containing the spring slightly away from the timing belt and then tighten the bolt again, to keep the tensioner in position.
Step 2. Check the tensioner pulley for any damage such as cracks
Turn the tensioner pulley and listen for any noise indicating worn bearings. Uneven wear on the rear of the timing belt could indicate an adjustment mismatch between the pulleys and the timing belt caused by worn bearings.
If there is any indication of damage, replace the tensioner pulley. Bearing tensioner pulleys are always lubricated, will dry, loose and damaged, so replace it just to be safe
Method 4 of 4: Installing a New Timing Belt
Step 1. Insert the timing belt into the gear
Without pressure, the timing belt will easily fit into the gear. Timing belts that have been in use for a long time may stick to between the gears and require a bit of prying with a screwdriver to remove them.
Step 2. Replace with a new belt, and reinstall everything
Tighten the timing belt according to specifications, pay attention to the specifications in the engine manual, especially the camshaft pulley holder bolts which usually require high tension.
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if equipped with a timing belt tensioner, removal of the timing belt may require pressing the piston back into the cylinder. Press until the holes align to allow you to insert the holding pins. Once the pins have entered, the tensioner can be reassembled.
Change a Timing Belt Step 16
Tips
- Beginners should purchase, at a reasonable price, a service manual for the car. This manual is made by professional mechanics, with good technical knowledge, and very detailed mentions settings related to belt, tensioner, bolt strength, bolt position, etc.
- The job of the timing belt is to synchronize the valves and pistons. Like setting the timing on a WW1 machine gun, where without timing, the propeller can come off.
- It is important to always follow the instructions according to your car model, especially if you are not familiar with the mechanics. Manual books, although a little expensive, but over time it will become cheap along with the savings you make.
- Some cars may require special tools to reach the tensioner and bolts as they are hidden, and others will need to remove the tensioner with a spring. Most engines use tensioners with springs that can be operated with a socket wrench, although sometimes you will need a hex wrench.
- Timing belts can wear out. Most are replaced every 60,000 miles for maintenance. They can break and cause serious damage to the engine. Replace regularly, to prevent you from severe damage.
