What is a timing belt job?
The timing belt can be found on 4,5,6, and 8 cylinder engines. The purpose of the timing belt is to maintain the correct camshaft, balance shaft, and crankshaft timing in order to keep the engine running. Simply put, it is a toothed rubber long life belt that is usually hidden under covers and accessories that needs to be replaced at a specified mileage interval. Failure of the timing belt or any of the idlers or tensioners which make up the timing belt system can result in disastrous results for the engine. The timing belt job, when done properly, includes the replacement of the belt, the tensioner, the idler wheels and sometimes the water pump when it is directly driven by the timing belt. The reason these parts are all serviced, regardless of their condition, is so that the life of the new belt can be accurately predicted. Since the belt will only last as long as the weakest component, replacing all the parts that affect its longevity makes good sense. In addition, since the labor i
