Bad Timing Belt Symptoms
A timing belt is a ribbed belt placed in a specific configuration along one side of your car engine to keep the camshafts and crankshaft timed properly. The engine's timing belt function is a rotation link between the crankshaft and camshaft.
A timing belt is made from rubber material with a special design, so it's stronger and more durable. It's commonly manufactured out of high-quality rubber with nylon-reinforced cords to extend the belt's life. The inner side of the timing belt has specially shaped teeth that will rotate the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets. Read: Timing Belt Vs Drive Belt - What Are The Differences?
Yes, timing belts connect two shafts (crankshaft and camshaft) through each sprocket to spin together. The crankshaft controls the engine's pistons while the camshaft opens and closes the valves. The timing belt helps control these components' timing rotation to ensure optimal engine performance.
Timing belts have a reasonably long working period, at least 30,000 to 40,000 miles. More than that, the timing belt enters the replacement time. So, what if the timing belt continues to be forced through the replacement period? And what are bad timing belt symptoms of failure appearing on the engine?
This blog post will inform you of bad timing belt symptoms failure that we can see in the vehicle's engine. Here is bad timing belt symptoms failure.
1. Engine sounds heard more rough than usual.
The first bad timing belt symptom failure that will emerge is the engine sound heard more rough than usual, especially in the timing belt section. The engine's rough sound indicates that the timing belt has started to wear out. And maybe, the timing belt rubber is not flexible again until cracks appear throughout the timing belt surface.
This worn-out timing belt will make the rotation between the crankshaft and camshaft no longer smooth and soft. As a result, a rough sound from the engine appears.
2. The engine vibrates at all engine speeds.
The bad timing belt symptom failure often occurs when the engine vibrates at all speeds. This timing belt becomes a counterweight between the crankshaft and camshaft rotation. The possible cause of this symptom is often caused by a loss of one or more timing belt teeth.
If the timing belt teeth are missing one or partially, the engine will vibrate at all speeds. It happens because the rotation between the camshaft and the crankshaft is no longer compatible. As a result, the combustion process in the combustion chamber is no longer optimal, affecting the engine performance overall.
Read also:- Timing belt noise causes and solutions
- Timing belt failure causes
- What is timing belt purpose in an automobile engine?
3. The engine won't crank
The latest bad timing belt symptom failure is the engine won't crank if you turn the ignition key to start the engine. It can occur when the timing belt is in a broken condition.
In many cases, the timing belt will break while the engine runs. A broken timing belt can cause severe damage inside the engine, such as a bent valve, broken piston head, broken rocker arm, or even damage to the cylinder wall.
All the damage to these engine components causes the crankshaft and piston to jam so that the starter motor cannot rotate the engine. As a result, the engine won't crank even if you are doing "A battery jumper" from another car.
To repair engine damage due to timing belt failure requires a high cost. So, to avoid engine damage caused by timing belt failures, you should regularly check the timing belt under the vehicle specifications.