Five Signs Your Timing Belt Tensioner is Faulty
In most
cars, the timing belt is a crucial component of the internal combustion engine
(some have a timing chain). This is in charge of making sure the camshaft and
crankshaft are spinning simultaneously.
In this
manner, the engine's valves will operate according to schedule. The intake and
exhaust strokes of the engine's cylinders should coincide with how the valves
operate. The strong rubber and nylon-reinforced cords that make up a timing
belt are its two major components. Numerous pulleys and gears are constantly in
touch with the belt.
The belt
eventually becomes too loose as a result of wear and tear. Because of this, a
timing belt tensioner is employed to keep the belt in place.
It will
essentially be like having a faulty timing belt if the timing belt tensioner
malfunctions because it won't be able to perform its intended job. Your engine
will have a variety of issues as a result, including poor performance.
You should
be sure to replace your timing belts and chains along with any tensioners
according to the manufacturer's schedule for doing so. In order to schedule
your timing belt kit replacement before it becomes too loose or breaks, you can
search online for vehicle service
near me garages. If the timing belt/chain does snap, in such case, a
complete engine replacement is what you'll probably be looking to do.
Here are
five of the most typical indications that your timing belt tensioner needs to
be replaced. It may be time to change your tensioner if you observe more than
one of these:
1. Check
Engine Light:
The timing
of the valves will be off if the timing belt is loose as a result of a
defective tensioner, which would trigger the check engine light. The check
engine light will then turn on the dashboard, indicating that there are issues
with the engine. Since the check engine light by itself can indicate a myriad
of problems, you could use a car diagnostic tool to scan for any fault codes
and validate the problem. Have the engine management light issue identified and
required repairs made before scheduling your next Car mechanics near me testing
service to avoid a failure.
2. Knocking
Sounds:
The timing
belt will start to knock around and hit the timing cover and other components
inside the timing cover when it becomes loose. If the sound does not exactly
resemble knocking, it can sound more like slapping. If you start to hear this
sound, search online for Car
mechanics near me garages and book your car in as soon as you can with a
competent mechanic fully diagnose and repair the issue.
3. Engine
Not Turning Over:
The camshaft
and crankshaft are not synchronised due to a loose timing belt caused by a
broken tensioner. You won't be able to ignite the combustion of the fuel and
air in the chamber as a result. The vehicle won't start when you turn the key
in the ignition, yet the engine might begin to sound.
4. Grinding
Noises:
The pulleys
themselves will generate grinding or rattling noises if the timing belt doesn't
have a tight grasp on them. This will undoubtedly occur if the pulley bearing
fails.
5. Engine
misfires:
An engine
misfire is caused when the cylinder's valves open or close too quickly. If the
timing belt is unable to move both the crankshaft and camshaft simultaneously,
this will occur. Check your car's MOT status and repair this problem before
your next MOT test to prevent failing the emissions test. Search immediately
for vehicle service near me
to fix this Engine misfire problem.
A Timing
Belt Tensioner's Lifespan:
The
manufacturer may not have specified a suggested change interval for the
tensioner, unlike the timing belt itself. The timing belt should typically be
replaced between 75,000 and 100,000 miles, and in almost all cases, the timing
belt tensioner should be replaced at the same time.
While the
tensioner's lifespan is really considerably greater than the timing belt's,
you'll save a lot of money in the long run if you replace it together with the
water pump when you change the timing belt. This is because the tensioner is
frequently fairly difficult to access.
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