Common Signs That Your Toyota Needs a Timing Belt Replacement
Just like there are simple engine issues, there are very noticeable signs that can indicate the cause of a timing belt issue. Signs like problems starting, rough idling, and loud banging noises are complete indicators that you need to check your timing belt. However, there are varied other, and fewer recognizable, indicators that your timing belt may be showing which you don't want to ignore.
When do I need to get my Timing Belt inspected? Schedule your appointment with Courtesy Toyota of Brandon if you experience any of the following:
- Your car begins to idle and vibrate roughly
- Your engine stops abruptly or will not start
- You experience a significant loss of fuel economy
- Your engine runs rough and you notice your vehicle lose power inconsistently
- You hear banging noises coming from the engine bay
- You have over 90,000 miles on your vehicle. (Courtesy Toyota of Brandon offers a complimentary multi-point inspection every visit)
- You notice a significant loss of power
- You notice clanking sounds coming from your engine during idle
What Role Does The Timing Belt Serve In My Toyota?
The timing belt on your Toyota car, truck or SUV can be one of the most overlooked auto repair issues. Most people have no idea what a timing belt does. What does a timing belt do? A timing belt is a toothed drive belt manufactured out of highly durable materials that help the crankshaft drive the camshafts into the cylinder head at a slower speed. The camshafts are used to operate the engine's intake and exhaust valves sequentially to sync with the pistons for perfect engine ignition. In layman's terms, the timing belt is a crucial piece of your engine that keeps your vehicle running smoothly.
Timing belts are accessible in two sizes, metric and imperial dimensions. The type of timing belt you will require is dependant on the vehicle you are driving and the engine drivetrain it operates with. The most simple forms of timing belt designs are trapezoidal timing belts and round tooth timing belts. The trapezoidal tooth shape timing belt with metric dimensions is one of the most commonly used timing belts in modern-day vehicles. The larger tooth size allows for a higher load carrying nature and accuracy is greatly improved. Round tooth timing belts are still implemented as well for their efficiency and economically priced timing belt applications. Our service advisors can help guide you on the right timing belt for you.
What will my timing belt service include when I visit your Toyota dealership?
This can be a more complicated question to answer. Since there are varied components that tie into a timing belt, there are other items that may be needed for your service. Some vehicles may just need new timing belts, others may need a new camshaft, while some may need a crankshaft pulley that may have been damaged along with the timing belt. Depending on the results of the multi-point inspection, your vehicle timing belt service may include:
- Timing Belt Replacement
- Timing Belt Cover Inspection and Removal
- Timing Belt Installation
- Vehicle Operation Diagnostic
- Crankshaft Realignment and Inspection
Save on a New Timing Belt and Timing Belt Service with Courtesy Toyota of Brandon
Maintaining your vehicle can be a daunting task but this is why we have expert service advisors and service technicians to keep you informed. You may ask "When is it time to replace my timing belt?" or "How do I know my timing belt is faulty?". There are a few vital signs that will let you know you may be in need of a new timing belt. Every vehicle is different, however, the average car or SUV will need a timing belt replaced every 60k-90k miles due to everyday wear and tear of the compounds that make up the timing belt. If your engine stops abruptly or refuses to start, you may have an issue with your timing belt. Another simple symptom of a failing timing belt is astonishing sounds coming from your engine, such as banging or clanking. If you are experiencing any issues we urge you to schedule service immediately so we can perform a complimentary inspection and ensure your engine is running properly.
Commonly Asked Questions About Timing Belts
What is a timing belt replacement?
A timing belt replacement involves removing the timing belt cover, pulling off the worn-out timing belt, replacing it with a new belt, and adjusting the position of the camshaft and crankshaft to ensure seamless operation. If you are unsure if you need a timing belt replaced, Courtesy Toyota of Brandon can help.
What Are Timing Belts? What do Timing Belts Do?
Timing belts are fiber-reinforced drive belts made to connect two vital pieces of your engine, the crankshaft and the camshaft, to operate smoothly.
How Should A Timing Belt Work?
To keep it understandable, a timing belt helps connect your crankshaft and camshaft for the smooth operation of your engine's moving parts and to maximize performance and efficiency.
How long do timing belts last?
In most cases, the average timing belt will last anywhere between 60k-90k miles. If your vehicle has over 90,000 miles and has not had the timing belt replaced, you may want to schedule an inspection to ensure safe operation of your vehicle.
My engine won't start. Why?
If your engine has abruptly stopped or if it is refusing to start you may be experiencing timing belt issues. If your timing belt has broken or come off track your engine will not start.
Do I have to change my timing belt?
Yes, you do have to replace your timing belt at some point in your vehicle's life. If you are unsure if your timing belt has reached the end of its life, we recommend you schedule a complimentary multi-point inspection to determine the health of your timing belt.
Clanking noises can be caused by a faulty timing belt missing teeth. Banging noises may be caused by the timing belt coming off track of the camshaft and crankshaft during operation.
What causes timing belt noises?
There are several reasons for hearing noises from your timing belt.
My engine is idling roughly. Why?
If you notice rough idling of your vehicle, your timing belt may have begun to crack and tear in certain parts losing a seamless connection between the camshaft and crankshaft and putting your vehicle in danger.
Your Home For Toyota Timing Belt Repair and Replacement In Tampa Bay - Serving Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Brandon and Clearwater
Timing belts are designed to wear out over time. Your timing belt may affect the ignition, operation, and drivability of your engine. A faulty timing belt will put you in harms way. A full inspection though will show underlying problems, as well as what can be repaired and what needs replaced. Timing belt replacement is one of the most simple repairs to high mileage engines. You can schedule your timing belt replacement at Courtesy Toyota of Brandon, where you will find a state-of-the-art service department with a full suite of amenities to make your service experience even better.
Checking and Replacing Your Toyota's Timing Belt
The first thing we will do at Courtesy Toyota of Brandon is perform a complimentary multi-point inspection to ensure your Toyota is not experiencing timing belt repair symptoms from another engine component. Once the problem has been identified as a sole timing belt issue the service advisor may recommend you replace your timing belt. Timing belt replacement may be the only way to ensure a full fix of the issues you are experiencing.
At Courtesy Toyota of Brandon, we offer a multi-point inspection with every service visit that includes inspecting timing belts, brake pads, rotors, operation, belts, hoses, and filters, among other items, not just your brake system. Our mechanics, however, will consider at the following when inspecting your timing belt:
- Engine crankshaft turned by hand to align with positioning of crankshaft timing marks
- Road test to ensure normal operation of your vehicle
- Crankshaft and crankshaft pulley inspection
- Identify the positioning of your camshaft timing marks
- Timing belt cover removal and inspection
Why Should I Get My Timing Belt Inspected?
- Get an explanation/quote of the work before it begins, along with how long it will take
- Get an estimate of what the decisive work will cost based on the individual problems of your timing belt
- Courtesy Toyota of Brandon uses genuine Toyota auto parts that were specifically designed for your vehicle.
- Get your vehicle inspected by a certified Toyota mechanic to properly identify any issues affecting your timing belt
