What happens when a timing belt goes bad?

More often than not, it is actually the tensioner that goes bad, not always the belt (unless it is really old). Most of the time a belt will break due to a seized pulley or bad tensioner allowing it to contact the timing cover. Listen. A bad tensioner will usually be accompanied by noise.

Why is my timing belt tensioner making a noise?

If the noise remains, it may be the timing belt tensioner. Warning: Running the engine with the belt removed will keep the battery from charging and can set a check engine light. Make sure you keep this to a minimum and turn the engine off once you determine whether the noise changes.

What are the symptoms of a bad belt tensioner?

Squeaking or Grinding Noise. One of the most common symptoms of a failing belt tensioner is unusual noise coming from either the tensioner or the drive belts. If the drive belt noise resembles a squeal or a squeak, it is possible that the belt tensioner is loose. This is especially the case when starting the engine first thing in the morning.

What does the pulley on the timing belt do?

The snakelike timing belt on the side of the engine is essential for maintaining your car’s performance. It is controlled by a round pulley called a tensioner that keeps the line taught as it rotates. More often than not, the tensioner goes bad before the timing belt does.

What are the signs of a bad belt tensioner?

The most common symptom of a bad or failing drive belt tensioner is noise from the belts or tensioner. If the tensioner is loose the belts may squeak or squeal, especially when the engine is first started.

What sound does a timing belt make?

The big sign that a timing belt is about to jump or break is clanking sounds. These sounds can be metal sounding or like a jingle sound. It will kind of sound like you is shaking your keys or a metal chain. These sounds occur because the timing chain is getting loose and hitting things as it spins.

What causes rattling noise from a timing belt?

If the timing belt or the timing belt tensioner gets damaged , it will get loose and will start to vibrate and make a rattling noise. You must always change your timing belt if you notice any cracks to avoid any additional damage to the engine.

What is your timing belt noise telling you?

When the timing belt starts to wear out, it may create a ticking sound inside the motor. This warning sign may also be an indication of low oil pressure or the engine not having the proper amount of lubrication.