What causes a timing belt to stretch?

Rubber stretches when it gets warmer and then contracts as it cools again. Extremes of hot and cold can cause the rubber to develop minor cracks in the outer surface of the belt. This can cause the timing belt to need replacing faster.

How do I know if my timing belt is stretched?

Signs of a Stretched Timing Chain

1. Backfiring. If your engine backfires, it could be due to a loose timing chain.
2. Power Loss. If your vehicle loses power, without warning, your timing chain might be loose.
3. Rough Running.
4. Timing Cover.
5. Crankshaft Test.
6. Check Engine Light.

What happens if timing chain stretches?

When a timing chain is loose or stretched, you might experience misfires while driving because the timing between the valves and pistons is out of sync, which affects the combustion in the engine. A stretched chain can skip a gear on the cam or crankshaft so that the engine’s timing falls out of calibration.

How long will a stretched timing belt last?

Depending on what schedule you may read, including information distributed by the manufacturers themselves, the average life span of a timing belt is between 60,000 and 105,000 miles or after 7 to 10 years regardless of mileage.

How often do timing belts break?

every 60,000 to 100,000 miles
When to replace your vehicle’s timing belt Often times, it just breaks. That’s why most manufacturers recommend you have your vehicle’s timing belt replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Refer to your owner’s manual to see what is recommended for your specific model.

Is a timing chain supposed to be tight?

AFAIK there is no real spec on the tension of the chain, at least I have never seen one. To tight would be not being able to get the gear onto the cam dowel, to loose would be having slack on the gear before the engine is run. Like I said as soon as the engine starts the chain will be a little looser.

Is a stretched timing chain bad?

A stretched timing chain contributes to poor engine performance and increased emissions, triggering the check engine light and the storing of a diagnostic trouble code. A mechanic will need to inspect the code and prescribe the necessary repairs.

How much does it cost to change a timing belt?

The average cost to replace a timing belt will be anywhere from $300 to $500 in total (more for larger cars, trucks, and SUVs). The timing belt itself will usually only cost less than $50 but the majority of a timing belt job is spent on labor. The cost of the labor will be anywhere from $250 to $450 or more.