The drive belt is a basic component of the machine, which sets an entire gear in motion. Basically, the rotation generated from the engine is transmitted with the help of this part to the wheels. Here are the 5 signs that your drive belt is going to fail and what to do when it happens.
The distribution of a machine is generally of two types, metal chain or rubber belt.
The life of the distribution is limited, but it can fail even earlier than the term indicated by the manufacturer.
Both diesel and gasoline cars can suffer major damage if the timing belt breaks while in motion. That is why it is important to know what are the 5 signs that tell you that the transmission belt will fail.
The 5 signs that tell you that the transmission belt will fail
To avoid breaking the drive belt, drivers must pay attention to certain signals that the car sends out.
The 5 signs that tell you that the transmission belt will fail:
- the belt slips, jumps over the teeth and no longer ensures perfect synchronization between the two shafts. Thus the engine runs defectively.
- the engine does not start;
- unusual noises in the engine, because it is no longer properly lubricated;
- oil leaks at the front of the car;
- the engine warning light comes on.
If the transmission has already failed, then you will notice that the engine is idling. And when you go into gear, nothing happens. Because, basically, the rotation generated by the engine can no longer be transmitted to the wheels.
To avoid such a situation, a transmission check must also be done at each overhaul. Over time, cracks, cracks or even tears appear on the timing belt.
But even if these signs of wear do not appear, the timing kit, which includes the transmission belt, must be replaced after a certain number of kilometers.
How often should the timing belt be changed?
The timing belt should generally be changed after about 60,000 kilometers. But, in some cases you can drive for 100,000 – 200,000 kilometers without replacing it.
It depends on the quality of the material from which it is made, the driving style and the operating conditions.
„Those who drive more aggressively put more pressure on the belt and idler pulleys. Which means wear will be faster. A timing belt lasts between 60,000 and 120,000 kilometers in general. But it can also break at 30,000-40,000 kilometers. That is why the drive belt must be checked every 10,000-20,000 kilometers”, explained mechanic Robert Marin for ProMotor.
What should you do if the drive belt breaks?
If you are unlucky and the drive belt fails while driving, the damage to the car can be substantial.
„When the timing breaks, the valves inside the engine get stuck. They will be hit by the pistons and either the piston or the connecting rods or the crankcase or oil pan will break. Basically a total engine failure“, explained the mechanic.
The same problems can occur when the timing chain breaks. However, it can also cause damage outside the engine. The metal pieces of the chain will be projected at speed in all directions. And that can lead to damage to all the components it hits.
Unfortunately, once the drive belt has broken, there is nothing you can do to prevent major damage from occurring. Instead, you can limit the damage.
„It all depends on luck and how hard the accelerator was pressed at the time the drive belt broke. If you’re lucky, you can get away with only two or three bent valves or a few damaged pistons. To limit damage, you must stop the engine immediately. Unfortunately, that’s all you can do to limit the damage“, said the mechanic.
Therefore, it is safest to do a distribution check when the oil and filters are changed. Thus, it can be seen if the belt has become dangerously worn and will be replaced before it fails.
Source: www.promotor.ro
