When it comes to major engine services, timing belt replacements are one of the most important. Neglecting a timing belt service can lead to catastrophic issues, including engine failure. In this article, we will discuss what a timing belt does, why it’s important, and how often you should have it replaced on your vehicle.

What is engine timing?

Before we talk about the timing belt itself, let’s go over engine timing. Your engine is divided into two main parts, the bottom end, and the cylinder head. These parts are connected with head studs or bolts and are sealed with a head gasket.

The bottom end of an engine contains the rotating assembly, including the crankshaft, connecting rods, and pistons. Moving parts also use bearings, which aid in reducing friction between metal components. The rotating assembly transfers the power generated by the engine to the transmission, and eventually to the wheels.

The cylinder head is where the valvetrain, ignition, and fueling system live. The valvetrain contains the camshaft(s), valves, valve springs, and associated hardware. The fuel rail, injectors, and sparkplugs (gasoline only) are housed in the cylinder head. These parts work together to control the intake of air and fuel, the timing of combustion, and the expulsion of exhaust gases.

Engine timing keeps the cylinder head rotating with the bottom end, ensuring proper engine operation. Adjustments in timing can impact fuel economy, performance, and other aspects of engine operation, but that is a topic for a separate article. Correct timing is essential to engine function.

What is a Timing Belt, and What Does It Do?

The rotating parts in both the cylinder head and bottom end of the engine need to operate very precisely. This is where the timing belt comes in. The belt connects the bottom end to the cylinder head, ensuring both parts of the engine are in precise time with the other.

What are Timing Belts Made From?

Most timing belts are made of a reinforced, high-density rubber composite. Some belts use neoprene, polyurethane, or even Kevlar to increase strength and resilience. In addition to the forces generated by the engine, timing belts need to resist extreme heat, weather, and exposure to harmful fluids like oil, gas and diesel, and coolant.  

Why Do Timing Belts Fail? 

Timing belt failure is usually attributed to age and poor maintenance. Even on a well-maintained car, an old belt will still succumb to weakening, stretching, and cracking. A belt that has prolonged exposure to fluids can also weaken. A compromised belt is much more likely to fail catastrophically.

What Happens When a Timing Belt Fails?

The outcome of a timing belt failure will depend on if you have an Interference or Non-Interference engine you have in your car.

The pistons and valves cross paths on an interference engine in the combustion chamber. When the engine is in time, the movement of the valves and pistons occurs in a way that prevents them from making contact. When the timing belt breaks or fails, the timing will be off, meaning the pistons and valves will most likely contact each other. Depending on the engine rpm and severity of the contact, the valves will bend or break. This will normally require a cylinder head replacement and in some cases an entirely new engine.

Non-Interference engines do not have the same risk of catastrophic failure. The valves and pistons never cross paths. If a timing belt failure occurs, the car will simply stop running as the camshaft(s) will no longer be operating the valves. Once the belt is replaced and the engine is re-timed, it will run as it did before with little other work needed.

It’s worth noting that the vast majority of vehicles on the road today, particularly those made in the last 15 or so years, utilize interference engines due to performance and fuel efficiency benefits.

How often should I get my timing belt replaced?

Timing belt replacement is a major service and can be pretty expensive, well over $1000 in most cases. Luckily, timing belts can last a long time. If you take care of your vehicle, you should plan on doing a timing belt replacement every 90,000-100,000 miles. Between these intervals, the belt should be checked periodically to ensure no significant wear has taken place.

Despite being expensive, a timing belt service will always be cheaper than replacing a cylinder head or entire engine. The long intervals between replacements give owners time to prepare for the cost, and knowing you have a new belt means you can confidently drive without fear of it breaking.

Timing Belt Replacement at Becker Service Center

If your car is due for a timing belt replacement, schedule an appointment with Becker Service Center. Our Naperville repair shop is staffed with ASE-Certified technicians with the knowledge and skills to service your car. Submit an appointment form or give us a call to schedule today!

You’ve started noticing a whining noise when you turn, a squealing when you start your car, and your steering feels different while you drive. You go to a repair shop, and they tell you it’s time to replace your power steering pump. How much should you expect to pay to get it replaced? What’s involved in the job?

What is Power Steering?

The power steering system assists in turning the steering wheel. Without it, you would have to work a lot harder to turn the wheel, especially at low speeds or when stopped. Power steering is something a lot of people probably take for granted. If you’ve ever hopped behind the wheel of an older car that doesn’t have it, you know what a difference power steering makes.

The power steering system is driven by a pump running off the engine. The fluid is pressurized by the pump, and directed by a valve into a chamber divided by a piston, located in the steering rack. One side of the piston receives more fluid depending on the direction the steering wheel is turned. The difference in pressure between the two sides allows the wheel to be turned with ease.

Manufacturers are now moving to electric power steering systems, which do not utilize a pump. Fuel economy improves without the pump sapping power from the engine.

With that said, many cars on the road today use hydraulic power steering, and the system will be prevalent for many years to come.

What Causes Power Steering Pump Failure?

There are a few reasons why a power steering pump can fail. Here are some of the more common ones:

Low Power Steering Fluid

The hydraulic fluid used by the power steering system also works to keep the pump lubricated and cool. If the pump operates with low fluid for extended periods, it can overheat or succumb to excess wear. The life of the pump will be shorter as a result.

Fluid Leak

A fluid leak is not a direct cause of failure, but if enough fluid leaks from the system, the pump will be operating with less than adequate lubrication.

Snapped Belt

The power steering pump runs off the engine via a belt. If the belt breaks, the pump will not have any power driving it, preventing it from working.

Dirty or Contaminated Power Steering Fluid

If the fluid in your power steering system is dirty or contaminated, it can contribute to premature power steering pump failure.

Age

An old power steering pump can fail simply from years of use. High mileage cars still using the original pump can see an age-related failure occur.

How Much Does a Power Steering Pump Replacement Cost?

Now that you understand power steering and the function of the pump, we can start talking about the replacement itself. The cost of a repair is split into two categories: labor and parts.

When replacing a power steering pump, the parts involved generally include the pump itself, fresh power steering fluid, and in some cases new power steering lines. Lines can be reused if they are in good condition. However, replacing them at the same time will ensure you don’t have more problems down the road.

Power Steering Pump Cost

The price of a power steering pump varies significantly by vehicle. They can be as little as $100 or up to almost $1000 on the high end. Again, it depends on the vehicle. German cars typically have more expensive components, while Asian and domestic makes will be more affordable. For most passenger cars, the price of the pump will likely be in the $150 to $500 range.

Labor Cost

Unfortunately, there is no exact price for labor either. On some vehicles, the pump is easily accessible and requires little disassembly to get to it. The time it takes the technician to replace the pump determines the labor cost. A readily accessible pump will cost far less to replace than one that requires a lot of wrenching to reach. At Becker Service Center, our labor rate is $138 an hour. 

How much should I expect to pay?

 While the price of this repair can vary, expect to pay between $500 and $800 to get your power steering pump replaced. Depending on your car, the cost could exceed that price, or fall below it. The best way to know for sure is to talk with the service advisors are your repair shop.

Power Steering Pump Replacement in Naperville, IL

 Becker Service Center is your destination for power steering service in Naperville. Our team of technicians and friendly service advisors will provide you with the best service and competitive prices on this repair, getting you back on the road with functional power steering fast, the first time. Give us a call or schedule an appointment online today!