Timing Belt Replacement

Timing Belt Replacement and Service at Stanley Ford McGregor

When your engine is running optimally, it’s intaking air and gas at blinding speeds and converting it into pure power. Although it’s moving incredibly fast, all its parts are in sync. This is thanks to the timing belt, which keeps the whole process together. When it begins to wear down, you’ll notice some immediate issues on the road. When you want to resolve them near McGregor, Killeen, or Waco, you’ll want to visit Stanley Ford McGregor. 

Keeping Your Ratios

Your engine relies on very specific ratios in order to function properly, which is why your timing belt is so important. Your timing belt is made of rubber and contains hard teeth that connect to the cogwheels of both the crankshaft and the camshafts. Since they’re both connected to the same belt, this ensures that they don’t collide when your engine is running, and also makes sure that they work in sync. When everything is running smoothly, your engine’s intake and exhaust valves should open and close directly in time with the pistons. This gives you the smooth performance that you’re likely accustomed to. Many people confuse the timing belt with a timing chain, which is different. Although they both perform the same function, your vehicle will have one or the other, with the chain being made of metal instead. 

Signs of a Bad Belt

If you’re able to catch a bad timing belt quickly, you might be able to avoid damaging other parts of your engine. Because of this, it’s important to keep an eye out for any of the possible signs that might point toward a bad belt. These include:

• Ticking noises from the engine
• Oil leaking from your vehicle 
• Squealing or rubbing noises specifically from your belts 
• Your vehicle begins to overheat 
• Your engine no longer provides you with the power you’re used to
• The check engine light appears 
• You can’t seem to start your vehicle 
• Your vehicle begins to vibrate or shake when driving

If you begin to experience these issues, it’s important to have your vehicle diagnosed as soon as possible. While it may not always be your timing belt, none of these issues are in the realm of normal for your vehicle, and often point toward a much-needed repair. 

Solving the Problem

Since your timing belt is so closely tied to your performance, you’re going to want to make sure that it’s fixed sooner rather than later. At Stanley Ford McGregor, we’ll be able to make sure that it’s truly the cause of your issues before proceeding with service. From there, it may take some time due to how your timing belt is placed. If you end up needing a complete replacement, you can expect your new belt to last between 60,000 and 10,000 miles. Once it’s done, you can rest easy knowing that you won’t need another for quite some time. While you’re here, you may also want to consider getting some of your other general maintenance out of the way so that you don’t have to worry about any more automotive services in the near future. This will also help to make sure your vehicle gives you the smooth performance that you’re used to.