Timing Belt / chain replacement

What Is A Timing Belt?

As name suggests, a timing belt synchronizes the operation of your engine with the purpose of keeping the movement of the pistons in harmony with the opening and closing of the valves.

Over time, high temperatures, stress and contamination will cause the belt to weaken, either producing cracks in the teeth or stretching the length of the belt. If the belt breaks or stretches many times it results in catastrophic engine damage which can be very expensive and time

Any Symptoms To Change Timing Belt?

We cannot inspect the timing belt with our removing the engine cover, therefore it is best to change the timing belt as per recommendations in the owner’s manual usually between 80,000 KMs & 100,000 KMs. Usually, the manufacturer will recommend the changing of the water pump and the timing belt tensioner at the same time in order to save on redundant labor.

Conclusion

This repair should be understood as preventive maintenance, and completed before the timing belt has broken or worn to the point where the engine suffers damage. It is best to change it as a preventive maintenance at a reputed garage who specialize in Engine jobs.

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Serpentine Belt replacement

Frequency of replacement – Approximately 70,000 to 80,000 KMs.

Symptoms when due for replacement - A high pitched squeal when starting a car or during a hard turn or when the air conditioning is turned on is usually related to serpentine belt issues. Recommended to replace if visible cracks are seen during inspection or if oil is leaked and spilled over the belt.

Function: Serpentine Belts are designed to transfer the rotational movement of the engine to multiple peripheral accessories in the car like steering pump, the alternator and the air conditioner compressor

Not replacing the belts on the engine will result in poor performance and ultimately to the non-performance of a car. Water pumps will not circulate coolant as well, leading to a higher running temperature and inefficient engine performance. Alternators will not supply as much electricity which will shorten battery life. Air conditioner compressors will not turn as fast and the interior of the car will not be as cool as expected.

Radiator Repair

Frequency of replacement – A well maintained car undergoing proper service will usually have radiator lasting the full life of the car.

Symptoms of faulty radiator: Overheat indication in your dashboard is generally due to issue with your radiator.

Function: Heat dissipation from your engine.

Radiators are generally of copper and brass construction, or aluminum fins and plastic end tanks.

Coolant that’s outlived its service life can become corrosive, eating through the metal tubes or making the plastic tanks brittle and prone to cracking. Mechanical damage can also shorten the lifespan of a radiator. In severe cases of failed coolant, the radiator tubes can plug with sludge.

Power steering motor/pump replacement

Frequency of replacement – these parts only needs to be changed when there are visible symptoms, usually this will last the full life of the car if well maintained.

Symptoms of faulty power steering motor – Turning the car becomes very difficult especially when still or at low speeds due to stiff steering wheel.

Function: A power steering pump aids the driver by reducing the amount of force needed to turn the front wheels. The power steering pump provides high pressure fluid to either a steering gear or a rack and pinion system, where the fluid is directed to push in the selected direction.

Water pump replacement

Frequency of replacement – The water pump is usually replaced when you change the timing belt after 80,000 KMs to 100,000 KMs.

Symptoms of faulty power steering motor – Overheat indication in your dashboard can occur due to faulty water pump.

Function: The water pump is critical for coolant circulation and heat transfer from the engine to the radiator. In most cases, it is a simple, vane style pump driven by the serpentine belt. Essentially, the pump pushes coolant into the engine block and cylinder head where heat is absorbed. The coolant travels past the thermostat - when open - into the radiator where it cools before returning to the pump.

Drive shaft replacement

Frequency of replacement – Only when symptoms are visible.

Symptoms of faulty drive shaft

• Clunking noises when the vehicle is in motion
• Vibration that intensifies as the car accelerates
• Strong vibration coming from the vehicle’s floorboards
• Resistance when maneuvering the car around corners
• Squeaking or rattling noises
• Visible play in the U joints when you grab or otherwise manually move the drive shaft
• Visible signs of U joint wear, such as rust around the yoke

Function: A drive shaft is a mechanical rotating tube that transfers torque from a vehicle’s transmission to the differential of a vehicle. Drive shafts transfer a tremendous amount of torque and load with twisting force and high-speed vibrations. Drive shafts must remain light weight, strong and vibration free to power your vehicle smoothly.

Engine mounting replacement

Frequency of replacement: An engine mount lasts usually about 100,000 KMs or even more depending on your driving style and road conditions. Usually it is required to be changed on finding profound symptoms as mentioned below.

Symptoms of damaged Engine mounts:

• Engine or transmission movement, with bumping or clunking noises.
• Loud noise when you put the car in gear.
• Vibration when accelerating or driving uphill.
• You will feel a movement in the engine compartment when driving the car

Function: An engine mount, made of rubber and steel, has two purposes. One, it secures the engine and transmission to the frame of the car, and two, it absorbs the road shocks and engine vibrations so that the driver does not feel any engine movement. Transmission mounts secure the transmission.Most cars have multiple engine and transmission mounts. If one of the mounts breaks, you will feel significant engine movement (vibrations and/or shaking).

Axle replacement

Frequency of replacement: Only when symptoms are evident.

Symptoms of Axle damage

• Loud clicking noise in front or rear of the car when making a turn.
• You may notice grease on the inner edges of the tires.
• Vibration when driving.

Function:

Axle shafts is a narrow, pole-like part that connects a wheel to the gears in the transmission. Axles are part of the system that enables the wheels to rotate. One end of the axle shaft is connected to the transmission and the other end is connected to the wheel. The transmission rotates the axle shafts, which rotates the wheels. Without the axles, the tires will not rotate and the car will not move. Axle shafts are comprised of four components: shaft, CV joints, grease and the boots (grease container). The most common reason for the axle to fail is because of the torn boots (grease leaking out). Without the grease, the CV joints will not get lubricated, dirt will enter the joint and the whole axle will eventually wear out.

Fuel Filter replacement

Frequency of replacement: Every 50,000 – 60,000 KMs

Symptoms

• Lack of power.
• Car does not start.
• Poor fuel economy

Function

The fuel filter cleans the fuel of particles and debris in the gas tank before it reaches the fuel pump. The gas tank can get rusted and retain moisture, causing the fuel to become contaminated. The fuel filter protects the engine from damage by making sure the fuel from the gas tank is clean. While the filter is not typically expensive, replacing it as recommended will prevent expensive auto repairs.

Note:

In some of the newer cars, the fuel filter is part of the fuel pump module and cannot be replaced. If the filter is clogged, it will eventually damage the fuel pump, which could be an expensive replacement.

Fuel pump replacement

Frequency of replacement: Only when symptoms are visible.

Symptoms of faulty fuel pump

• Car hesitates to start.
• Loss of power or “bucking” when accelerating.
• Excessive whining sound.
• Check Engine light is on.

Function

The fuel pump's sole purpose is to take fuel from the fuel tank and deliver it according to the demand of the engine. When the fuel pump is working effectively, the car runs smoothly.

Note:

Constantly running your vehicle under low fuel level adds more

Before replacing the pump, first be sure that filters, fuel pickups, fuel pump relays, and electrical connectors are in good working order. A clogged fuel filter, for instance, can restrict flow and cause some of the same symptoms.