Timing Belt Replacement in Tyne and Wear

Inside many engines, a toothed rubber belt keeps the crankshaft and camshaft turning in perfect step, so valves open and close at exactly the right moment. If that belt breaks or slips, the timing is lost.

On many engines, known as interference designs, the result is pistons striking open valves. That kind of damage is expensive. Banks of the Tyne in Hebburn replaces timing belts as part of our engine servicing and repair work, and this page covers when it is due and what to expect.

When a timing belt is due

Manufacturers set a replacement interval by mileage and by age, and whichever comes first applies. Rubber perishes with time, so a low-mileage car is not exempt. Your handbook gives the interval for your model, or ask us.

If you have just bought a used car with no proof the belt was changed, treat it as unknown. A belt cannot be judged reliably by eye.

• Following the interval in the handbook, by mileage or age
• A used car with no belt history
• Ticking, rattling or squealing from the belt area
• Oil or coolant contamination around the belt cover

What the job involves

Reaching the belt usually means removing covers, drive belts and engine supports. The engine is locked at the correct timing position so the new belt goes on exactly aligned.

We also look at the tensioner and idler pulleys, which wear at a similar rate. On many engines the belt drives the water pump, so replacing it at the same time makes sense because the labour overlaps. We check for oil leaks from the cam and crank seals too.

Timing is rechecked by turning the engine over by hand before it is started.

What affects the outcome and the cost

Cost depends mostly on how much has to be removed and how many parts are changed with the belt. A kit with belt, tensioner and pulleys is typical, often with the water pump.

Fitting a belt alone onto a worn tensioner risks repeating the job. At the estimate we explain which extra parts we recommend and why.

• How accessible the belt is on your engine
• Whether the water pump, tensioner and pulleys are included
• Seals leaking oil that should be dealt with

Belt or chain: check what yours has

Not every engine has a belt. Many use a timing chain, which is designed to last longer but is a different job. If you are not sure which yours has, we can tell you.

If a belt has already snapped, stop trying to start the engine. Whether it can be saved depends on inspection.