Cambelt Services
(Cambelt servicing, Cambelt Maintenance & Cambelt Replacement)
If you have any concerns about your cambelt, or it’s time for a replacement, visit or phone your nearest Elite branch and we’ll have you back on the road in no time.
The cambelt on a car often referred to as a timing belt, is one of the most essential components of an engine. Whilst some car manufacturers have switched to metal timing chains, most cars on the road still use a ribbed rubber cambelt. Timing chains sit inside the engine and get lubricated by the engine oil with cambelts usually on the outside of the engine.
What Does A Cambelt Do?
A cambelt is typically a rubber belt with a set of teeth that synchronises the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft. It has to be in a specific configuration to keep the pistons and crankcase in sync with the valves and cylinder head.
As tough as cambelts are, they don’t last forever and when it fails, you will be left with a hefty repair bill. The damage can be so severe that it’s usually not worth repairing older cars. That means it’s in your best interest to get a cambelt replacement as close to the manufacturer’s recommendations as possible.
When Should I Book A Cambelt Replacement?
For the most part, there are usually no signs indicating any underlying problems. However, you might hear a rattling or slapping noise before the cambelt goes but even experts can’t predict exactly when a cambelt might fail. Here are a few additional things which could act as an early warning sign:
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- Timing belt creating a high pitched noise when starting the car or idling
- Trouble starting your car
- Unusual revs could indicate the timing belt is loose
- Your car starts behaving strangely when your revs are between 2,000 and 4,000 RPM
- Leaking engine oil or coolant
- Vibration and excessive heat can be caused by misalignment of the cambelt
- Unusual exhaust emissions or more smoke than usual
- Cracking along the cambelt
- Glazing on the shiny underside of the cambelt means it is stiff and inflexible
- Erratic behaviour on longer journeys
- Lost teeth on the belt
How Often Should I Replace My Cambelt?
Unfortunately, the answer is not straightforward as it depends on the type of car. Most manufacturers suggest a cambelt replacement based on either time (duration) or mileage change, depending on which comes first.
There are several variations between car manufacturers with some stating 40,000 miles and others up to 100,000 miles or from four years up to six years. It’s best to consult your vehicle handbook to find the specified change frequency but a good garage should also be able to identify whether a cambelt change is needed as some will check it during a routine car service.
Cambelt Replacement At Elite Garages
When it comes to cambelt, our experts recommend getting it replaced, or at least have it checked, if you’ve owned your vehicle for 5 years or driven more than 40,000 miles. Always treat the manufacturer’s intervals as the maximum frequency as it’s safer to get it done sooner.
When a cambelt snaps, it delays the timing which can cause the pistons to collide with the valves in the cylinder head. Considering that this happens repeatedly at a rate of over a hundred times per minute, the damage to the engine can be irreversible. The cost of repairs when it fails is astronomical compared to fitting a new cambelt so it’s not worth the risk.
If you have any concerns about your cambelt, or it’s time for a replacement, visit or phone your nearest Elite branch and we’ll have you back on the road in no time.
Additional resources:
FAQs
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Category: Cambelt Services
Most manufacturers recommend replacing the cambelt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or every 5-7 years, whichever comes first. Read more about how long a timing belt lasts here..
Category: Cambelt Services
Your car’s cambelt won’t last forever; with increasing wear, it becomes more and more prone to breaking. If the cambelt snaps while the engine is running, it can cause the valves to collide with the pistons, resulting in bent valves and potentially damaged pistons and cylinder walls. If you don’t change it then it might break!
Category: Cambelt Services
While all vehicle components require maintenance, it’s particularly important to pay attention to your car’s timing belt. Unfortunately, there aren’t always clear signs that a cambelt has reached the end of its life and even experts may have trouble diagnosing it without a deeper dive. However, click this link to find out the signs that a cambelt replacement is imminent, as many people have reported these as the main indicators.
Category: Cambelt Services
Most manufacturers recommend replacing the cambelt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or every 5-7 years, whichever comes first. However, this can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, so it’s always best to check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations. Remember to treat the manufacturer’s intervals as the maximum frequency as it’s safer to get it done sooner, especially considering the damage it can cause if you don’t