A timing belt or cam belt is an essential component an internal combustion engine and is the element that runs the timing of the valves of the engine. This newer design has now replaced the old fashioned timing chains that were once widely used in the 70`s and 80`s. Major automobile manufactures such as BMW who are very quality conscious still employ timing chains as they seem to last longer.
Inside of an internal combustion engine, one can see how the timing belt connects the crank to the camshaft that really open and close the valves. Connecting the cam shaft to the belt are a set of teeth that help make certain that the camshaft is synchronized with the same rotation of the shaft. Timing belts are specifically made for each particular engine and frequently acts as a driving function for other components of the engine as in the water pump and fuel pump.
This can be achieved by a system of gears and chains however a rubber timing belt made of composite rubber has additional benefits:
-first of all it is less noisy than the chain counterpart
-it`s less expensive although perhaps not as long lasting
-since it is lighter in weight, it is far more efficient
-different from a system which utilizes gears and chains, absolutely no lubrication is required
Timing belts are normally fitted with protective covers manufactured from metal or polymers that must be removed in order to get to the belt by itself for inspection or to be replaced. Most companies who manufacture engines will advise a replacement of the timing belt at set intervals and may also suggest doing the water pump as well in an effort to reduce future costs. Of course if you are hearing rattling, it probably means that the timing belt will have to be switched out. If you do not replace the timing belt at the predetermined times you will only being causing damage that will result in engine failure. You should always refer to the owner`s guide regarding the scheduled maintenance that is required and exactly when you should replace the timing belt. The manual will more than likely recommend that the timing belt gets replaced about every 60,000 to 90,000 miles, which is approximately 96,000 to 144,000 kilometers. It`s also recommended to change the timing belt tensioner when it become time to replace the timing belt.
Mostly timing belts fail because some of the teeth get stripped leaving a smooth section that can
