As far as the engine ticks in most cars a little time bomb: the timing belt or – to put it technically correct – the timing belt. This is located on the front side of the engine, is driven from the crankshaft, and transmits its power through the voltage usually of several guide rollers to the cam shaft, which in turn provides for the correct opening and closing of the valves. The angular momentum is transferred in a specified ratio of usually one to two, because only by precisely coordinated timing of the engine runs smoothly and properly. In addition, the timing belt sometimes the water pump or power steering pump controls with. Particularly large motors they even have to rely on two or more timing belt. Thus, the problem of this wear part is obvious: the timing belt fails his service; the engine can take heavy damage. In the worst case, even threatening a total loss.
This makes a toothed belt from:
The toothed belt is composed of several layers filamentary reinforced rubber and is available in a variety of lengths, widths and cross-sections. Differently than a V-belt, the toothed belt along the inner side is provided with teeth made of neoprene or polyurethane, which in turn engage in the teeth of the wheels. This principle is essential because the exact timing as possible, because the force transmission takes place mainly in the timing belt form fit – that is, the belt runs without slip or cannot slip over the crankshaft and camshaft. In this context also significantly higher forces can be transmitted as a V-belt that works purely force-fit their flat shape with a V-belt.
Life of timing belt
Depending on the vehicle and manufacturing hold timing belts differ in length. Therefore, the recommendations for the timely exchange are ranked in a relatively large frame 60000-120000 kilometers mileage – in most cases the change after 100,000 kilometers, it is advised that some timing belts, however, are a whole life of the engine stand. The most important principle, precisely because of the essential role of the timing belt is always safe to go with this component on number: You should therefore make sure to mention recommendations that are in the manual of the vehicle. While for non-compliance, you lose no warranty, but the possible consequences of an engine failure and the associated costs should be warning enough. Therefore, it cannot hurt to let the tension and condition of the timing belt checked every 30,000 kilometer by the oil change or routine inspection date.
Cost of a timing belt replacement
The cost of changing the timing belt are also very different depending on the workshop and vehicle. Under 200 Euros but can usually do anything – with particularly large engines with sophisticated technology may apply even more than 1000 euros. This is certainly annoying, but keep in mind that these costs are significantly lesser evil compared to a ruined engine. The cost of the timing belt itself amount to the way only a few euros.
Timing belt change on their own
In order to save the cost of a timing belt change, you can also make by hand selfsame principle. Remember, however, that the belt is usually difficult to access and each engine room is somewhat different. So it can really be that in addition to various covers, first the alternator, air cleaner, or about the water pump must be removed to achieve the timing belt – even in the worst case all the parts at once. Much more critical, however, is that you need to adjust the crankshaft and camshaft back exactly as a layman, so that the valves and pistons again have the necessary distance to each other. With a precise repair manual specifically for your vehicle, the necessary tools and skills of the change on their own, however, is quite possible.