![]() If you try to remove and replace the timing belt with the engine in any other position, chances are good you'll throw things out of time. Why? 1) That interference engine thing again and 2) Every camshaft and crankshaft on planet Earth is indexed to No. 1 cylinder at top dead center (TDC) on the compression stroke before attempting to replace the timing belt. We cannot stress this enough: Be careful! Make sure you know where the timing marks are on your engine, and that you have them set up properly with No. Media Platforms Design Team Time and Time Again For your car's maintenance schedule, consult the owner's manual,, or the belt manufacturer's poster hanging on the wall at your favorite parts store. So replacing this cogged reinforced-rubber belt at regular intervals - generally every 60,000 miles unless the car manufacturer specifies longer - is a lot less expensive and aggravating than having it break first. The timing belt (or chain) is the sole component that keeps the camshaft (make that camshafts on a DOHC or V-type OHC engine) and crankshaft in sync. Unlike belts, timing chains usually don't have a routine replacement interval. For the record, many engines - like those in more expensive models - still use timing chains, rather than belts, like they did back in the day before the popularity of overhead camshafts. It's best to replace the timing belt according to your carmaker's recommended schedule. ![]() You probably could have avoided this particular bit of unpleasantness with timely maintenance. Sadly, sales brochures don't list whether an engine might suffer catastrophic damage if the belt goes. You're one of the unfortunates with an "interference engine" - an engine that can leave one or more valves still propped open far enough to contact a piston when the belt parts. Now he gets to charge you for the tow, the belt replacement and a valve job, because there's no compression on two cylinders. Your mechanic says your timing belt failed, then he chuckles into his shirt pocket. Specifically, the engine suddenly goes dead silent one fine day. Your six-year-old econobox is starting to show a bit of wear and tear, but everything mechanical still works fine. check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's replacement interval. that might be due to a worn belt, not a faulty component! If your PT Cruiser is one of those Chryslers that shrieks horrendously when it runs, you likely have a worn belt, bad tensioner or both.Timing belts last 60,000 to 100,000 miles. As such, you may experience a dead battery, difficulty steering, overheating, etc. Not all vehicles have a timing belt (they typically have a timing chain instead), whereas all modern vehicles have a serpentine belt. Since the timing belt is deeper in the engine, it is often much more expensive to replace than the serpentine belt. ![]() The timing belt will often drive the water pump too. Serpentine belt vs timing belt? The timing belt connects the crankshaft to the camshaft, thus making sure the pistons and valves are operating in the correct sequence. The serpentine belt in your PT Cruiser connects your engine to many of the components you use every day such as your air conditioner, battery (via the alternator), power steering and cooling system - a quick look at the serpentine belt diagram outline all of the components feeding from it. Check out our parts page for coupons on new belts for your PT Cruiser! Most vehicles do not need a special serpentine belt tool, but rather a 1/2" breaker bar and a socket on the serpentine belt tensioner to relieve the tension from the belt. ![]() Depending on your engine, the serpentine belt replacement cost is between $100 and $200. Worn serpentine belt noise in a PT Cruiser can indicate impending problems if ignored, while typically being fairly cheap and easy to replace. The video above shows how to check the serpentine belt on your 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser - if it gives more than a half inch when pressed, is cracked, frayed or appears shiny, you should change it (or have it changed) immediately. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |