Should I Replace Belt Tensioner When Replacing Acessories Belt
Most late-model engines have serpentine belt drives for the engine-driven accessories, and most people know that belts are a maintenance item that eventually has to be replaced. However, many people don't know the spring-loaded automatic tensioner that keeps a serpentine belt tight is also a wear item. Consequently, the automatic tensioner may also have to be replaced when the time comes to. Apr 1, 2009 - It's a crucial part of the engine assemblyhere are step-by-step instructions for replacing your serpentine belt without bringing your car to the. Most late-model engines have serpentine belt drives for the engine-driven accessories, and most people know that belts are a maintenance item that eventually has to be replaced. However, many people don't know the spring-loaded automatic tensioner that keeps a serpentine belt tight is also a wear item.
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Should I Replace Belt Tensioner When Replacing Accessories Belt Replacement
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The timing belt is an often overlooked part of the car but it plays an important role.
If an auto mechanic told you that your car’s timing belt needed immediate replacement and it was going to cost more than $1,000, you might assume it’s a scam.
But unlike the shady mechanic who attempts to change your engine air filter every oil change, replacing the timing belt is absolutely crucial.
The timing belt is an integral part of your engine and, if it fails, so does your engine, causing your car to shut down.
“You don’t want to be driving 75 miles per hour on the highway if it broke,” says Carl Roberson, owner of highly rated Carl’s Cool Cars in Las Vegas. “It’s definitely a safety issue.”
How the timing belt works
The rubber timing belt is part of most internal combustion engines and is responsible for synchronizing the engine’s functions. It controls the rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft and the opening and closing of the engine’s many valves to allow air and gas in and out, which causes the fuel to ignite in the combustion chamber. During this explosion, the valves push the pistons down.
“In order for the process to take place, the valves have to open and close at the right time,” Roberson says. “The valves have to be in the correct position as well as the pistons. The valves open at different times for each cylinder. It’s a mechanical ballet of sorts.”
When the timing belt breaks, the valves, which are very light, will open at the wrong time and hit the larger pistons and cause damage.
When to replace the timing belt?
Unfortunately, in most cases, there are no obvious signs the timing belt is near death; it will just break. That’s why highly rated auto mechanics recommend replacing it every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Always check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Timing belts used to be a relatively ignored maintenance item by many drivers. Roberson says replacing a broken timing belt used to be common, but now he says most replacement jobs are for preventive maintenance.
“People are a lot more aware of the timing belt, and the mechanics are educating drivers more about them,” Roberson says. “Now, more people know about it and what can happen when it breaks.”
Timing belt replacement cost
Should I Replace Belt Tensioner When Replacing Acessories Belt Light
Replacing a timing belt for preventive reasons typically costs $500 to $900. However, replacing a broken timing belt may cost up to $2,000 or more if it caused damage to the valves, pistons or water pump.
“In some cases, you may have a very expensive repair and you have to buy a new car,” says Kathy Wallace, owner of highly rated Central Garage Company in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. “You’ll have to rent a car, and it can put you in a very stressful situation.”
For more information, please visit the Angie's List Guide to Auto Service and Maintenance.