What's the difference between a timing belt and a serpentine belt?

The timing belt is located inside the engine and keeps the crankshaft and camshaft in sync. This ensures that the engine intake and exhaust valves open and close in time with the pistons so the engine runs smoothly. The serpentine belt is what keeps the engine accessories running smoothly and efficiently.

Does serpentine belt affect timing?

Loosing the serpentine belt should not affect the engine timing.

What happens to a car when the serpentine belt breaks?

If a serpentine belt breaks, a car won't be drivable and will have to be towed. If the engine runs without a serpentine belt, it might overheat as the water pump will no longer work. A broken belt can also damage other parts.

How much does it cost to replace a timing belt?

If your timing belt is in need of replacement, you can expect that service to cost anywhere from $300 up to $500. Because the timing belt is not easily reachable on many vehicles there is a good bit of disassembly and reassembly needed to get to the belt. Economy cars with smaller engines require less labor.

Is timing belt connected to alternator?

The timing belt connects several of your engine's main components, such as the alternator, water pump, power steering pump and air conditioning compressor.

WATCH WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON'T REPLACE YOUR TIMING BELT ON HONDA ACURA 3.2L 3.5L 3.7L J-SERIES

How do I know if my timing belt is going bad?

What noise does a timing belt make?

Generally, a timing belt that goes bad makes a noticeable ticking or clicking timing belt sound that is unusual. When the timing belt starts falling the ticking or clicking sound becomes pretty audible.

Can you drive with a broken timing belt?

A bad timing belt is just one of the many reasons your engine might not start. You can't exactly ignore this problem if your car won't start then you can't drive it. However, if the timing belt breaks while you are driving you will definitely notice and there will almost certainly be additional damage to your engine.

Why are timing belts so expensive?

The timing belt itself isn't an expensive part. The time and labor are what make it so expensive. To get to the timing belt, the engine needs to be disassembled. Doing so takes significant time and effort.

Can I replace timing belt myself?

But if you are and you enjoy doing your own repairs or restorations then it's something you can do yourself, and save on some big repair bills in the process. We'll walk you through the process of replacing a timing belt and water pump step by step, starting with the tools you'll need.

How long does it take to change serpentine belt?

It can take anything from 15 minutes to an hour (two at the most) to repair or replace a bad serpentine belt with a new belt.

What does a failing serpentine belt sound like?

Think you might have a bad serpentine belt? A telltale sign is that the engine squealing comes from the front of the vehicle and that it persists. Belt squeaking is also especially pronounced when accelerating, on startup, and when making a U-turn. The noise is loud and sounds like a squeal, loud chirp, or squeak.

How much is a serpentine belt?

Of course, it depends on your make and model as well as labor costs, but in general a replacement serpentine belt costs around $70-$200 (plus taxes and fees), including around $50 for the belt and around $150 for the labor.

What are the 3 belts in a car?

How often should a timing belt be replaced?

Since the timing belt has such an important job, it's crucial to have it replaced regularly. In most cases, there is no indication that a timing belt is becoming worn. Often times, it just breaks. That's why most manufacturers recommend you have your vehicle's timing belt replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

How long do timing belts last?

Depending on what schedule you may read, including information distributed by the manufacturers themselves, the average life span of a timing belt is between 60,000 and 105,000 miles or after 7 to 10 years regardless of mileage.

Is replacing a timing belt a big job?

The big thing here is that replacing your own timing belt is a time consuming and highly skilled repair job that we won't encourage you to do. It's best to get your vehicle to a shop as soon as possible.

What should be replaced with timing belt?

Generally, the idler pulleys, tensioner and water pump should always be replaced when the timing belt is replaced. In most cases, the timing belt drives the water pump, so it is the right time to replace the water pump. It is also recommended by the manufacturer.

How long does a timing belt job take?

Replacing the timing belt is an expensive service. It is an intricate, labor-intensive process that can take 4–8 hours, depending on the vehicle. But replacing the timing belt before it breaks will prevent engine damage and save you money in the long run.

Is it worth replacing a broken timing belt?

In a nutshell, a broken timing belt leads to serious engine damage. It is sometimes cheaper to replace the whole engine rather than repair it. Replacing a timing belt ahead of time is so much cheaper than repairing the damage caused by a broken timing belt.

How long can a car go without a timing belt change?

If the timing belt breaks, the engine won't run and, in extreme cases, may result in bent or broken valves and damage to the cylinder head or other nearby components. Newer cars can usually reach 100,000 miles before the timing belt needs replacement. Older vehicles may need a replacement at 60,000.

Is there any warning before timing belt breaks?

The timing belt can fail without any prior symptoms, so if you're within the mileage window, you should go ahead and have it replaced regardless. That being said, sometimes your car will give you a bit of warning that the belt is wearing out.

Can I drive without a serpentine belt?

Under no circumstances can you drive a vehicle without a serpentine belt because the serpentine belt serves the important function of delivering antifreeze to important parts of the engine. The serpentine belt drives the water pump, and without it, there is insufficient coolant flow to maintain the engine temperature.

How long can you drive with a broken serpentine belt?

There are a couple of factors influencing the answer to this question, but on average, your car should be able to run between 20-90 minutes with a broken serpentine belt. The engine will overheat faster without a functioning cooling system on a hot day, so your driving window is less.

Does the serpentine belt affect the transmission?

A Broken Serpentine Belt Could Ruin the Transmission

If your car's serpentine belt breaks, the transmission could be damaged. Almost as soon as your car's serpentine belt breaks, the engine will begin to overheat. Without the belt running, the water pump won't be able to adequately cool your engine.