Changing a timing belt is not an easy task and will require the average back garden in order to carry it out. If you cannot do it yourself it is best to take the car to a mechanic to get professional auto repair help.
You will need to change a timing belt whenever it is easily accessible for other jobs, such as a water pump replacement. Make sure you plan on changing the timing belt if your car has accumulated more than 60,000 miles.
In particular, worn or damaged timing belts can cause the engine to run unstably or not run at all. A timing belt issue can be potentially catastrophic for the engine. Timing belts that are simply worn out can cause decreased power and fuel mileage as well.
As every car is different, it is impossible to know the particular needs of the vehicle - again a car repair man would know more.
Yet there is a general guide as to what you can expect to have to do when replacing a timing belt. You should purchase or refer to the manual for your car as a first port of call as it will contain a step-by-step guideline with useful diagrams.
In order to replace a timing belt you will need to wait overnight for the engine to cool off. Disconnect the battery and check the wheels so that the car cannot roll back! Remove all obstructions to the timing belt cover including the removal of the air intake assembly. Then you will need to loosen the pulley that powers the water pump, if necessary. Remove any other accessories that interfere with gaining access to the timing belt.
Ensure that all timing marks are properly aligned and fitted, then loosen the timing belt tensioner and remove the timing belt, making sure either the camshaft or crankshaft to move while the belt is off. Place the new belt in position and adjust the tension. Apply a new gasket to the timing belt cover and replace it. You will need to reinstall all of the accessory pumps that you took off earlier, including the water pump. Reinstall the air intake assembly, reconnect the battery and then proceed to start the engine and listen carefully to how it runs. You shouldn't hear any loud knocks or noises if the timing is still correct.
You will need to change a timing belt whenever it is easily accessible for other jobs, such as a water pump replacement. Make sure you plan on changing the timing belt if your car has accumulated more than 60,000 miles.
In particular, worn or damaged timing belts can cause the engine to run unstably or not run at all. A timing belt issue can be potentially catastrophic for the engine. Timing belts that are simply worn out can cause decreased power and fuel mileage as well.
As every car is different, it is impossible to know the particular needs of the vehicle - again a car repair man would know more.
Yet there is a general guide as to what you can expect to have to do when replacing a timing belt. You should purchase or refer to the manual for your car as a first port of call as it will contain a step-by-step guideline with useful diagrams.
In order to replace a timing belt you will need to wait overnight for the engine to cool off. Disconnect the battery and check the wheels so that the car cannot roll back! Remove all obstructions to the timing belt cover including the removal of the air intake assembly. Then you will need to loosen the pulley that powers the water pump, if necessary. Remove any other accessories that interfere with gaining access to the timing belt.
Ensure that all timing marks are properly aligned and fitted, then loosen the timing belt tensioner and remove the timing belt, making sure either the camshaft or crankshaft to move while the belt is off. Place the new belt in position and adjust the tension. Apply a new gasket to the timing belt cover and replace it. You will need to reinstall all of the accessory pumps that you took off earlier, including the water pump. Reinstall the air intake assembly, reconnect the battery and then proceed to start the engine and listen carefully to how it runs. You shouldn't hear any loud knocks or noises if the timing is still correct.
