The cam belt (sometimes known as the timing belt) is an important element in all ICE vehicles. It ensures that your engine runs smoothly by keeping the camshaft and crankshaft operating in sync. In turn, this allows air and fuel to enter and exit the engine at precise intervals. Over time, the belt naturally will wear down but as you'd expect from such a pivotal feature in the engine's function, it's vital to catch it before it becomes too damaged. A severely worn cam belt can easily break which can result in damage to the functionality of the engine.
Unfortunately, it's not always easy to tell when your cam belt is wearing thin, so it's important to get it checked at regular intervals. As a rough guide, it is recommended that a cam belt is changed every 40,000 to 100,000 miles. However, there are also a few tell-tale signs to look out for that could mean it's time to get your belt checked.
1. A misfiring engine
The cam belt runs through a series of pulleys that operate the camshaft and crankshaft. Its primary function is to ensure that these vital components run in time to complete the combustion cycle within the engine. When a cam belt is wearing, the cycle may fall out of sync, causing unburned fuel to go into the exhaust. This is commonly indicated by a repetitive ticking or clicking noise and smoke coming from the exhaust.
2. Rough idling
The cam belt wraps around the gears with metal teeth attached to them. The teeth make contact with the camshaft and crankshaft to keep them running in time. If the belt misses a tooth, the process will be compromised and the engine timing will be wrong, causing your engine to run rough. This will be especially noticeable when idling or accelerating.
3. Trouble starting the engine
If your cambelt is wearing, causing the engine components to run out of sync, you may find that you have trouble starting the engine. If the belt has snapped completely, the camshaft and crankshaft won't operate and the engine simply won't start.
4. Changes in the appearance of the belt
If you're concerned about the health of your timing belt, take a look at it. As well as any obvious imperfections such as fraying and cracks, a worn belt may appear glossy or glazed on the underside. This indicates that the rubber is getting hard and therefore won't be as flexible as it should.
5. A squealing noise
An unpleasant, high pitched squealing noise from your vehicle could be a sign that the rubber belt is slipping on the metal pulley. This could be caused by a number of factors including a misaligned tensioner or pulley, improper installation, adverse weather conditions, contamination from leaking fluids or just basic wear and tear.