- 60 to 90 thousand miles. Whether or not a problem is apparent, a timing belt that is installed in an engine must be replaced at the service interval dictated by the vehicle’s manufacturer, which is normally between 60,000 and 90,000 miles. The precise service interval should be stated in your vehicle’s owner manual.
- Engine unexpectedly shuts down or won’t start. Timing belts may occasionally skip or break while the engine is operating.
- erratic engine performance. The timing belt’s contoured, strengthened teeth engage the crankshaft and camshaft gears. The belt may stretch or the teeth may wear out after many tens of thousands of kilometers, which will cause the belt to shift positions on the crankshaft or camshaft gears. The engine will likely operate poorly or not at all if the belt jumps.
- engine noise that is clanging or banging. The pistons and valves may clash in some engines if the timing belt has jumped, causing noise and damage. Interference engines are the name given to these engine types. The likelihood that a timing belt failure will result in engine damage will be reduced if your automobile has an interference engine by replacing the belt in accordance with the maintenance plan.
In This Article...
How long does a timing belt on a Lexus last?
Although they can last up to 100,000 miles, it’s always a good idea to change them before that. The valves, pistons, and other internal engine components can sustain significant damage in the event of a belt failure.
Has a 2006 Lexus SC430 timing belt been installed?
Timing belt replacement price range for the Lexus SC430. Timing belt replacements for Lexus SC430s typically cost between $1,018 and $1,259. While parts are priced between $485 and $587, labor costs are predicted to range between $533 and $672.
How frequently should a Lexus’ timing belt be replaced?
Every 60,000100,000 miles, several manufacturers advise replacing the timing belt as part of routine maintenance. Make an appointment for routine maintenance with Lexus of Towson if you haven’t had the timing belt checked in a while.
A timing belt’s lifespan is 200 000 miles.
That concludes our examination of the timing belt’s nature, operation, and significance. Can a timing belt travel more than 200 000 miles? Not at all. And to be honest, unless you have a junker that you don’t mind giving up, you really shouldn’t try this out in person. Expect severe engine damage if you continue to drive your automobile with a timing belt that is worn out, installed incorrectly, or otherwise flawed.
The cost of replacing your timing belt is by no means a cheap one. You’ll have to pay several hundred dollars, or in some cases nearly or more than a thousand. But this is little compared to the $2,000, $3,000, or even higher needed to rebuild a broken timing belt-related engine that has failed. Who would have thought that this tiny piece of rubber could fail and give you such heartache?
How can you tell when a timing belt needs to be replaced?
5 Typical Symptoms That Your Timing Belt Must Be Replaced
- Ticking noise from the engine. The motor may make a ticking noise as the timing belt begins to deteriorate.
- The engine won’t start.
- Engine sputtering
- Engine Idling in a Rushed Manner.
- Oil leakage and a decline in oil pressure
Should I replace my timing belt ten years later?
This is where all of the maintenance and replacement inconsistencies are found. According to various schedules, including data provided by the manufacturers, a timing belt typically has to be replaced after 7 to 10 years, or between 60,000 and 105,000 miles, whichever comes first.
How much does a timing belt replacement cost?
The engine of your car cannot function without a timing belt. Timing belt preventative maintenance is far less expensive than waiting for it to break. O’Leary’s Automotive provides skilled mechanics who can assist if you need high-quality timing belt repair in Wilmington, North Carolina.
The camshaft and the crankshaft are two different types of shafts found in your engine. These shafts are made to start the engine cycle and deliver torque while controlling the pistons in the engines. The camshaft and crankshaft are controlled by grooves or teeth on the timing belt. This makes it possible for the engine valves to open and close precisely when necessary for efficient operation.
Timing belts comprised of chains and gears are used in some automobiles. Although these timing belts are more resilient, they need lubrication to function. The timing belts in many modern automobiles are comprised of a rubber composition. These timing belts tend to wear out more quickly but are quieter and more energy-efficient.
Warning Signs a Timing Belt Replacement is Needed
The majority of timing belts require replacement every 60,000 to 90,000 miles. Because it is crucial to the engine’s functionality, the timing belt acts inside the engine. Don’t put off changing the belt until it breaks. Your engine won’t start if your timing belt breaks.
You might observe one or more of the following if your timing belt is broken or worn out:
- the engine’s smoke
- lower oil pressure
- Rumbling or rough idling coming from the engine
- damaged pistons or valves
- engine stalls
Timing Belt Repair & Quality Auto Repair in Wilmington, NC
It is best to have a qualified, quality auto repair specialist inspect your vehicle as soon as possible if you have encountered one or more of the aforementioned symptoms. Expect to pay between $300 and $500 for the service if your timing belt needs to be replaced. Many automobiles’ timing belts require some disassembly and reassembly since they are not always easily accessible. Smaller engines in economy cars result in less work. However, larger trucks, SUVs, or premium cars can take a lot longer.
How often should a timing belt be changed?
Depending on the vehicle manufacturer, a timing belt replacement is often advised every 60,000 to more than 100,000 miles. To get the suggested service interval for your car, consult the owner’s manual or the maintenance schedules on ChiltonDIY.com.
How can my timing belt be checked?
To check the belt, start by examining its exterior to determine if any teeny cracks are developing. The timing belt is an extremely durable rubber-covered metal-reinforced belt. The rubber ought to be largely smooth, without any cracks or missing sections.
Why is a timing belt replacement so pricey?
The timing belt is not a pricey component by itself. It is so expensive because of the time and labor involved. The engine must be disassembled in order to access the timing belt. It takes a lot of time and effort to do it.
If I don’t replace my timing belt, what happens?
Timing belts have teeth that grasp gears as different engine parts and components rotate. The timing belt will begin to detach from the gears if these teeth ever start to wear out or become brittle.
When this occurs, the teeth will fall right onto the gears, causing an engine shock. Worst of all, because the camshaft timing is incorrect, the engine will start to stall.
#2Misfire of the Engine
The timing belt’s deterioration could endanger the engine’s ability to fire quickly. One of the cylinders will open and close prematurely if the timing belt were to come loose from the gears and land on the camshaft.
If it occurs, an engine misfire can develop, necessitating an urgent belt replacement. If you don’t quickly replace the belt, the engine can sustain long-term harm.
#3Smoke from the Engine
It could be difficult to detect if the copious amounts of smoke coming from your exhaust is truly harmless steam or water vapor if it is winter and freezing outside. However, if you see excessive smoke that is out of the ordinary even for the winter, a timing belt issue could be to blame.
Two apertures located at the top of each cylinder are used to draw in air and release exhaust. These apertures open and close in time with the rotation of the camshaft and the movement of the cylinders.
If your timing belt is worn out, your engine will fall out of rhythm, allowing exhaust to escape and air to enter at the wrong times. As a result, your exhaust system will emit a lot of smoke.
#4Oil Pressure Decline
The camshaft’s gears are turned by the timing belt. The camshaft can break off portions if the timing of the belt is wrong, causing it to skip. The oil pressure in the engine’s bottom may drop if some of these fragments end up in the oil pan of the car.
The engine will eventually stop working as a result. Rebuilding the entire motor is the only way to overcome this.
#5Pistons or Valves That Are Broken
The timing belt being severed or broken entirely is the worst symptom you can encounter. If this is the case, the crankshaft will eventually start turning independently and will not be moving in unison with the camshaft.
After that, as the valves open, the piston will make contact with them. The piston or valves may be harmed as a result of this.
If you have this symptom, turn off the engine right away to stop more engine damage. If you do this, there’s a chance you won’t suffer extensive engine damage.
Will my engine be destroyed if my timing belt breaks?
First of all, how could you possibly predict when your timing belt will fail? Your car cannot function at all without a timing belt, which is really fairly basic. The automobile will quickly break down if the belt breaks while you’re driving, and your engine could sustain extremely catastrophic damage. In order to take action before it is too late, you need to be on the lookout for warning signs and symptoms of a weakening timing belt. These include your engine making loud clicking or screaming noises, misfiring, and not starting at all.
Can I replace my own timing belt?
It does need some engine knowledge to replace a timing belt and water pump, so if you don’t have much expertise working under the hood, we advise leaving it to the experts. However, if you prefer making your own repairs and restorations, you can do it yourself and avoid paying hefty repair expenses in the process.
Starting with the tools you’ll need, we’ll walk you through the replacement of a timing belt and water pump step by step.
What You’ll Need to Replace the Water Pump and Timing Belt
- jar or bucket (for collecting coolant)
- Wrench socket set
- tools for driving screws, such as Philips and slot drive
- new antifreeze/coolant
- leather gloves
- Set of Allen keys
- Tip-Ex, white chalk, and white paint (for marking the cogs for simpler reassembly)
- bags made of plastic and a permanent marker (for labelling nuts, bolts and parts you remove from the engine)
- a fresh timing belt
- a fresh water pump
Step 1: Preparation
Get your car and work area ready first. Depending on your degree of experience, changing a timing belt and water pump can take anywhere from one to three hours, so make sure you have the time and space necessary. Before you begin, carry out the following:
- To reach the undercarriage beneath the engine, jack up the front of the automobile.
- Before starting, make sure the engine is entirely cool.
- Prepare all of your tools, and have bags and a pen on available to name and store the engine parts you remove.
- Since coolant will spill out when you remove the water pump, place a bucket underneath it. To find the pump, see your car’s manual.
- To stop the engine from spinning while you’re removing the timing belt, put the engine in drive and use the handbrake.
Step 2: Removing the Belts
You must first remove the fan belt and power steering belt because they are located next to the cover that protects the timing belt and water pump. To remove the belts, take the following actions:
- The fasteners holding the alternator in place should be loosened. The fan belt can then be removed by lightly tapping it.
- Crankshaft pulley: Loosen. To access the engine and remove the bolt, you’ll need a long wrench arm.
- To access the timing case and crankshaft pulley, do the same with the power steering belt by moving it aside.