EASTSIDE BAVARIAN: YOUR TRUSTED TIMING BELT REPAIR SHOP
You may think your engine simply as a gas-burning hunk of steel, but in reality, it is a highly-tuned machine, regardless of if you are driving a frugal vehicle or a precision-tuned BMW M5 or Audi S8. If the timing of the engine is off, it will ruin your driving experience, not to mention harm your vehicle. Your timing belt helps to keep the valves opening in your engine, keeping the crankshaft in sync with the camshaft. Even being slightly off can reduce power, leading to slow pick up and rattling noises.
If it is that time to replace your timing belt or if you are experiencing issues, you can bring your vehicle in to Eastside Bavarian for an evaluation. Please give us a call at 425-391-1990 or schedule an appointment online.
HOW DOES A TIMING BELT WORK?
Your vehicle’s timing belt is one of the most crucial parts that keeps your car running. It links the camshaft (which opens and closes the engine’s valves to allow air and gas in and out of the engine) to the crankshaft, which manages the pistons of your engine. In most vehicles, the timing belt also operates your vehicle’s water pump, oil pump, and injection pump.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT?
Each manufacturer has a recommended mileage and age interval for the replacement of the timing belt. If your timing belt breaks or cracks, it can cause severe damage to your vehicle We strongly recommend a strict adherence to the manufactures replacement schedule and in many instances would recommend the replacement some 15K miles prior to the manufactures recommended mileage. We also recommended timing belt replacement by 4-8 years of age (BMWs 4 years, Audis 8 years).
HOW MUCH WILL A TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT COST?
For preventive reasons, replacing a timing belt can cost anywhere between $500 and $2,500; some timing belt replacements also include a water pump and thermostat or cam seals. While this may sound expensive, it is most cost-effective to get your timing belt replaced when the manufacturer recommends and at the first sign of trouble, rather than wait for conditions to get worse. If not treated quickly, a broken timing belt can also cause severe engine damage, including damage to your vehicle’s valves, and pistons, costing significantly more than when done on schedule as preventive maintenance.
