Do I need to replace my cambelt? Cambelts or timing belts usually need to be replaced usually between 40,000 and 100,000 miles. Alternatively, for lower mileage cars the belt is advised to be replaced around four or five years.
Does a diesel car have a timing chain?
Space does not allow us to mention all the diesel engines that have timing chains rather than belts, (in brief, all BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Kia, Hyundai, Subaru, Fiat/Vauxhall 1.3, plus more) but maintaining good chain life is mostly related to regular oil services.
You should book a cambelt change every 40,000 – 100,000 miles or 4-6 years or as per the manufacturer recommendations in your vehicle handbook. Every vehicle has a cambelt, also known as the timing belt, or a timing chain.
What cars dont have Cambelts? – Related Questions
How do I know if my car has a Cambelt or chain?
The easiest way to know if your engine has a chain or a belt system is to take a quick look at the engine. If it has plastic covers on the front, it runs a timing belt because the timing belt runs dry and does not need more protection.
How do I know if my Cambelt needs changing?
Visual Check
If it is becoming worn, the belt will appear to look glazed or glossy on the underside. This means the rubber is getting hard and will not provide the flexibility the belt needs. Some signs are much more obvious, such as cracking or fraying. Belts with that kind of damage should be replaced immediately.
Do modern cars have Cambelts?
Timing chains are housed inside the engine and are lubricated by the engine oil, while cam belts are usually located outside the engine. But some manufacturers are now using “wet belts”, which like cam chains, run internally in the engine oil. Cam chains tend to last longer as they’re made of a stronger material.
Do cars still have timing chains?
The main reason why they are still used is that timing chains can often handle much more powerful engines, such as high performance cars and commercial trucks. Timing chains are very strong, and most of them will last for the lifetime of your car or truck.
What is the difference between a Cambelt and a timing belt?
Essentially Cambelts and timing belts are the same thing, so there is no difference! They come in different sizes and shapes according to the vehicle they were made for and the design that was needed to suit your car.
When did cars stop having timing belts?
Timing chains were common on mass-production cars until the 1970s and 1980s, however since the 1990s timing chains have become more common due to the replacement intervals required when using timing belts.
What happens if timing belt breaks while driving?
When the timing belt breaks, the crankshaft will continue to spin at 1000 rotations per minute, while the camshaft will stop turning. As a result, the pistons will continue to rise and fall in their cylinders and can in some instances strike the valves.
What is the lifespan of a timing belt?
Depending on what schedule you may read, including information distributed by the manufacturers themselves, the average life span of a timing belt is between 60,000 and 105,000 miles or after 7 to 10 years regardless of mileage.
Is chain driven better than Cambelt?
Chains are designed to require less maintenance, which means that servicing costs will be less but, if a chain does become worn, the cost of replacement can be significantly higher than that of a regular cambelt replacement.
How often does a cam chain need replacing?
When does a timing chain need to be replaced? The timing chain normally needs to be replaced between 80,000 and 120,000 miles unless there is a specific problem. Issues with the chain are common in higher mileage vehicles.
Timing chain replacement can cost between $600 and $800 for a DIY repair, or between $1,600 and $1,800 with a mechanic. The cost is high due to the complicated nature of replacing this part. If you want to DIY a timing chain replacement, the parts will cost around $650.
Are timing chains noisy?
There is a rattling sound. A lax timing chain, or worse, a broken timing chain with loose parts within the engine, will produce a rattling sound when your car is idling. This rattling sound is typically most prominent while the engine heats up and disappears after some time.
Will a broken timing chain destroy my engine?
If the timing chain breaks, the loose metal rolling around inside the motor can lead to serious engine damage.
How do I test a timing chain?
Does a timing chain throw a code?
A stretched timing chain contributes to poor engine performance and increased emissions, triggering the check engine light and the storing of a diagnostic trouble code. A mechanic will need to inspect the code and prescribe the necessary repairs.
Will check engine light come on for timing chain?
Just like any other misfunctioning component of the engine, a faulty timing chain will illuminate the check engine light. It is a warning to get your vehicle assessed for underlying engine problems, which might include a bad timing chain.
