How to Know if a Timing Belt Is Bad
The timing belt on your vehicle is of utmost importance and must be monitored and changed periodically. Inspection of the timing belt is not a complicated matter at all, in fact, the most difficult part is getting to it. If a shroud or cover protects your timing belt, it must be removed in order to inspect the belt.
Visual Inspection of the Timing Belt
- Start by looking around at what must be removed so you can inspect the belt. The belt is on the front of the engine. You may need a straight or Phillips screwdriver and metric or standard size wrenches or sockets. Get an idea of which tools you need and bring them to the car.
- Unbolt or unscrew pieces that must be removed.
- Take notes of where things go for reassembling or refer to your repair manual. This will alleviate later confusion about what goes where when reassembling.
- Get a flashlight so you can get close enough to see well in the engine compartment. You need to see even small imperfections.
- Inspect the belt for cracks, fraying, weathered appearance or missing grooves or teeth. Missing teeth can cause the belt to come off; fraying and break down of the belt can cause it to break.
- Run your fingers around the belt to feel for imperfections you cannot see.
- Check for elasticity in the belt. When you press down on the belt, it should flex only a little bit. It should be snug. The rubber should still be smooth all around and the belt should be stiff, not flimsy in feel or appearance. Belts can stretch with wear.
Other Signs of a Bad Timing Belt
- The engine stopped suddenly for no apparent reason and will not start.
- The engine whines.
- It has been more than 60,000 to 90,000 miles since it has been changed.