The timing belt is an integral component in most automobiles on the road today. Another term for timing belt is camshaft belt. It's function is to rotate the camshaft in synchronization with the crankshaft. These belts are made of rubber, nylon and other durable substances.
They should be replaced according to the manufacturers recommendations. After time and mileage the teeth on the belt weaken and may break off without notice. When this happens the cam timing changes, usually radically, causing the engine to stop running. Sometimes timing belt failure occurs while the engine is running, other times when cranking to start the engine.
There are two types of timing belt driven engines:
Interference
Non-interference or freewheeling
The interference type engine may experience serious damage when the timing belt breaks. This is because the cylinder valves stop moving while the pistons continue on a collision course. This potential for engine damage underlines the importance of servicing this key engine component before it fails.
The non-interference type engine does not experience damage when the timing belt fails. Even so, the inconvenience and expense of an unexpected vehicle breakdown are avoidable by servicing the timing belt on schedule.
Many vehicles utilize a timing chain instead of a timing belt. These devices usually do not require service until they begin to make a ticking noise.
