The Basics Behind Timing Belt Replacement Services at Mobile Mechanics of Omaha

Timing Belt Replacement Service near Omaha NE: The timing belt, or timing chain in some vehicles, is a drive belt that synchronizes the rotation of the engine’s crankshaft and camshaft with the opening and closing of your engine’s valves. Depending on the vehicle, it may also rotate the water pump. When the crankshaft turns, the timing belt turns the camshaft, which opens and closes the engine valves to allow the pistons to move up and down. Your vehicle’s engine operates in four phases: intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust. During the intake phase, intake valves open and exhaust valves close as fuel and air enter the cylinders. As the air and fuel is mixed, compressed, and ignited by spark plugs during the compression and combustion phases, the valves close. The remaining air and fuel is pushed out of the exhaust valve during the exhaust phase. The timing belt is responsible for synchronizing this process and for opening and closing valves during normal engine operation.

Why Should You Have Timing Belt Replacement Services Performed at Mobile Mechanics of Omaha?

Timing Belt Replacement Service near Omaha NE: Avoiding a timing belt replacement can result in complete engine failure. A worn or stretched belt can disrupt the operating order of the valves and pistons, which can result in a piston hitting a valve and damaging the engine. Timing belt failure warning signs include rough idling or difficulty starting the engine. Cracks on the belt, which is made of reinforced rubber, are an indication that it may soon break. Replacement of your timing belt will help keep your engine performing as it should and ensure you avoid expensive future repairs. During our replacement service, your belt will be replaced and synchronized with the crankshaft and camshaft to restore proper operating precision and order. It is widely recommended that you have your water pump changed during a timing belt replacement service as well. If your water pump fails later, it can do great damage to your vehicle. Since the water pump is easy to change during a timing belt replacement, consider having a new one installed at this time. Referring to your owner’s manual will help determine the appropriate service intervals for timing belt maintenance.

Mobile Timing Belt Replacement at Home or Office

Are you in need of mobile timing belt replacement at your home or office? Don’t even worry about it. We’ll come to you! We provide simple timing belt replacement auto repair estimates for your convenience. Our highly trained timing belt replacement mobile mechanics are here to help.

What is a Timing Belt Replacement?

Your timing belt is a rubber belt located within your engine. It does pretty much exactly what you’d expect: it keeps the operation of your engine properly timed. A timing belt is one of the most important pieces of a working engine, which makes this repair something that cannot be procrastinated. Our mechanics will delve into your engine, remove the old timing belt, and replace it with a new one.

How is a Timing Belt Replacement Done?

The process for replacing your timing belt involves the removal and replacing of a few other parts as well. To begin, the mechanic will remove the engine timing cover to survey the timing belt and pulleys for the required parts. The timing belt, pulleys, water pump, and tensioners will all be removed and replaced. Afterwards, the timing cover will be reinstalled along with any other parts that were removed during the procedure.

Recommendations

Follow the recommendations of your mechanic. The timing belt is a costly thing to replace, but the failure to replace it and the necessary associated parts can result in severe internal damage to your engine, which will be much more costly. If you wish to save money down the line, your best bet is to get the timing belt and everything associated with it replaced all at once.

Symptoms That Indicate You Need a Timing Belt Replacement?

The one precursor symptom to look for in regards to your timing belt is a squeaking sound that originates from the timing cover area. However, the simplest indicator that the belt needs replacement is that your car will not start. If the timing belt breaks, your car is not going to start, plain and simple.

Importance

Failure to replace the timing belt as needed can result in costly engine problems later down the road. This is one of the most integral parts of your car’s engine, and keeping it in working condition will be a less costly solution than dealing with major engine damage in the future. If you can help it, do not wait for the timing belt to break.

Can I Do It Myself?

This is one of those tricky internal auto jobs that is really best performed by a trained professional. We recommend letting an experienced mechanic replace your timing belt and the related parts.

Safety: Can I Drive Without Doing a Timing Belt Replacement?

Don’t take the chance of your timing belt breaking and causing severe, costly damage to your engine. Our team of mechanical experts will get the job done for you in a timely and professional manner. Don’t let your end up stranded in the middle of nowhere. Call us today!

Your Timing Belt Explained

Made of cogged rubber, your timing belt is threaded through pulleys that align the camshafts to the crankshaft. Since the camshafts rotate at half the speed of the crankshaft, the belt synchronizes their positions, ensuring your engine valves open and close at the proper times. Additionally, the timing belt controls other engine components and accessories, including the:

• Water pump
• Balance shaft
• Intermediate shaft
• Injection and oil pump

In order to function correctly, the timing belt must be properly tensioned. Loose belts are often the cause of many engine and timing issues. Therefore, it’s important to know when you need timing belt replacement or adjustment.

Typically, the lifespan of your timing belt is between 60,000 to 105,000 miles depending on the vehicle. However, we recommend that you have your timing belt regularly inspected for any imperfections during routine maintenance checks. Our ASE Certified technicians know the signs of a failing timing belt and can replace it before breaks.

Timing Belt Replacement & Chain Services

Whether your vehicle has a timing belt or chain, it is vital to keep it maintained to prevent slippage or breakage that could harm your engine. If the timing belt or chain running the engine fails, it could have a catastrophic effect on your valve train.

Timing Belt Maintenance and Service Indicators

For many vehicles, the manufacturer provides an ideal mileage limit to observe for timing belt and chain replacements. Even when sticking to a schedule, it’s possible your vehicle could end up needing the part replacement early. Watching for common signs of timing component failures can help you protect your engine.

Warning signs for Timing Belt Repair or Timing Chain Replacement

The overall condition of your engine and timing components will greatly influence the signs presented as the timing belt or chain wears out.

Timing Belt

Common signs of a timing belt problem include:

• Hard starts whether the engine is hot or cold
• Large amounts of dark gray exhaust exiting the tailpipe
• Poor idle that causes the entire car to shake
• Frayed or split belt edges
• Squeaky tensioner

Timing Chain

Common signs of a timing chain problem

The inability to see the timing chain directly makes it difficult to visually detect failing parts. Instead, report all:

• Misfires, which make the engine shake uncontrollably or run unevenly at idle
• Rattling or scraping sounds coming from the front of the engine
• Noticeably poor gas mileage

How Technicians Can Help Replace a Timing Belt

Technicians can quickly and easily confirm the diagnosis of faulty timing belts and chains before proceeding with the replacement. The diagnostic process also identifies any other problems contributing to the symptoms you detailed during the consultation.

The total replacement time depends on the type of timing apparatus used by your engine. In general, timing chains take a lot longer to replace than belts due to their placement inside the front of the engine.

Technicians take the time to precisely time your engine to protect the internals and ensure it creates the expected amount of power. If you suspect your engine requires a timing belt or timing chain replacement, talk to a technician about your vehicle’s needs.