Symptoms of a Bad Timing Belt Tensioner and FAQ

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Vehicles have a timing belt or a timing chain inside their engine that’s partnered with a timing belt tensioner. While timing belt tensioners are generally built to last for a long time, they can still fail. When they do, it can cause an array of engine problems. In this article, you’ll learn about the symptoms of a faulty timing belt so that you can fix it before it worsens.

What Does a Timing Belt Tensioner Do?

To understand the purpose of the timing belt tensioner, you’ll first need to learn about the timing belt. This part connects the crankshaft and camshaft, which are separate components at the top and at the bottom of the engine. The timing belt is also responsible for keeping these parts in sync. The crankshaft is connected to the connecting rod and piston assembly, while the camshaft controls the intake and exhaust valves.

The timing belt tensioner connects the crankshaft and camshaft, and is also responsible for keeping these parts in sync.

The timing belt tensioner secures the timing belt and keeps it tensioned. Since the timing belt can stretch out over time, the tensioner pushes on a segment of the belt to ensure that there isn’t any slack. Slack can cause the belt to slip on the pulleys or even come loose, which would cause a number of engine problems.

There are two types of timing belt tensioners. Hydraulic tensioners use a piston to push on a lever or arm attached to the belt, while mechanical tensioners use a spring instead to achieve the same result.

Bad Timing Belt Tensioner Symptoms

Your vehicle might have a faulty timing belt tensioner if it exhibits one or more of the following symptoms.

Note: Other problems can mimic a failed timing belt tensioner. You or your mechanic should perform a thorough diagnosis before conducting any repairs.

Illuminated Check Engine Light

The engine timing is constantly monitored by the powertrain control module (PCM) through the crankshaft and camshaft sensors. If the timing belt develops issues, the PCM will detect the timing changes and turn on the check engine light. It will also store a diagnostic trouble code.

Engine Performance Issues

To function properly, engines need a spark, a specific combination of air and fuel, and sufficient compression. Faulty timing belts can’t open and close valves at the appropriate timing, resulting in a loss of compression. This results in an engine that performs poorly. Your vehicle might also have misfires and a rough idle.

Starting Problems

If the timing belt tensioner fails, it might cause the timing belt to break or become too loose to turn the camshafts. If this happens, the engine may not even start because the valves are open when they shouldn’t be, resulting in valve-to-piston contact and catastrophic engine failure.

Various Noises Coming from the Engine

When the tensioner becomes faulty, the belt and pulleys can generate high-pitched whining or chirping noises due to the belt rubbing on the pulleys. If the tensioner fails completely, the noise might escalate into squealing or grinding. If the timing belt tensioner is driven by oil, the noise might be most prominent during start-up, when oil is just beginning to circulate throughout the engine.

The tensioner’s rubber material will eventually wear out with age and mileage due to the heat and friction inside the engine.

Timing Belt Tensioner FAQ

What Causes Timing Belt Failure?

A timing belt is typically made of rubber material with teeth on one side that transfers torque between various engine components. The rubber material will wear out with age and mileage due to the heat and friction inside the engine.

Rubber teeth can wear down and no longer be able to grip the gears. This frequently results in the timing belt sliding, which can potentially damage the engine. The belt can also crack under stress. As the material cracks, it’s more prone to snapping.

Can You Drive With a Bad Timing Belt Tensioner?

You shouldn’t continue to drive with a faulty timing belt tensioner. This can result in severe engine damage and might leave you stranded.

The post Symptoms of a Bad Timing Belt Tensioner and FAQ appeared first on In The Garage with CarParts.com.

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