Cambelt is one of the vital parts of the engine. As a driver, you need to know about it and when should it be replaced.

If you want to know everything about cambelt, you’ve come to the right article. Cambelt is one of the vital parts of the engine. As a driver, you need to know about it and when should it be replaced. This article from Philcarnews.com will explain everything you need to know about cambelt.

What is the meaning of cambelt?

Cambelt is known for the very important belt in the engine. It is a belt equipped with teeth that synchronizes the camshaft and the crankshaft rotation. It is also called the timing belt. As the name implies, this belt accurately “times” the upward and downward movement and the valves’ opening.

Cambelt is known for the very important belt in the engine

Do all cars have a cambelt?

Most of the cars have it but not all are equipped with the cambelt. Modern cars instead have a chain called the timing chain. It is a unit that is maintenance-free and it is seldom to be replaced.

 What does a cambelt do?

The cambelt is responsible for regulating how the engine works. It regulates the closing and opening of the valves to be done in precise timing.

This is to ensure the proper combustion will occur inside the engine. The primary role of a cambelt is to take control of the sequence and timing of the closing and opening of valves.

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The cambelt is responsible for regulating how the engine works

What are the reasons behind replacing/changing a cambelt?

Like most of the parts in a car, cambelt will also wear out. If this happens, it can result in a lot of expensive damage to the engine. In older vehicles with engine damage, it will not be worth repairing.  To be specific on the reasons, read it below.

Once the timing belt or cambelt breaks, it will cause the engine to stop running. The engine will need repairs depending on the damage. There are two kinds of engines: noninterference and interference engine.

If the vehicle is equipped with an interference engine, the expensive repair is expected because the engine can be damaged severely. On the other hand, the engine will stall in a non-interference engine if the cambelt breaks. 

Like most of the parts in a car, cambelt will also wear out

Also, further damage to the engine is only limited, unlike the interference engine. It is because the fully opened valves in an interference engine will be smashed by the upward movement of the piston.

Another reason for replacing a cambelt is that it stretches over time. Stretched cambelt will produce a rattling noise that you can hear from the cambelt area. Other symptoms include slow pickup and a lack of power. You can also check if the engine light is coming on.

To prevent the damages to the engine caused by the cambelt, you can check its condition. The cambelt or timing belt is only protected by metal or plastic covers.

Ask your mechanic to inspect your cambelt once in a while. He/she will only need to remove the cover then do the visual check of the condition of your cambelt.

When should you replace a cambelt?

As discussed, the cambelt is a very vital part of the engine. It handles the operation of valves closing and opening as well as the camshaft. Not addressing damage or worn out belts can cause extreme damage to the car.

For your information, the cambelt is a lot quieter than the timing chain. But, this quietness is not that good as a worn-out belt will not give any audible warning. It is not that obvious if you already need to replace your cambelt. So the question now is when to replace it.

There are many variations at which time you need to replace a belt. Some manufacturers suggest either mileage or time-based change. It depends on which one will come first. To be accurate, it is advisable to always follow the manufacturer's recommendation and instruction regarding this matter. 

There are many variations at which time you need to replace a belt

The change could be from 40 000 to 100 000 miles, or four to six years. You can see this frequency for belt changing in the manufacturer’s manual. Also, you can have your mechanic check on your cambelt and ask if it needs to be changed already.

Moreover, remember that the one listed on the manual for interval change should be the maximum. It is always to change it ahead of time to prevent serious damage to the engine. Replacing the belt may take a few hours work because it involves removing the engine block apart then putting it back again together.

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Are there other components needed to be replaced together with the cambelt?

There are other components that you may replace if you are changing the cambelt. These are the water pump and the timing belt tensioner. It is recommended to also change these two but not necessary.

It will also require extra effort and labor. The tensioner is known to fail and leak in some cars. This usually happens at higher mileage. Meanwhile, the water pump will be worn out as time passes by.  

Is it hard to replace a cambelt?

Yes, it may be hard to replace a belt but with the proper knowledge, skills, and tools the job can be done. Consult also with the car’s manual for the right instructions. The work also depends on the car.

In some cars, work is easy while others may take a lot of time and work. If the car only has a four-cylinder engine, the job can be made for a few hours only. However, if the car is mounted with a limited space engine, it will be a hard task to do.

It may be hard to replace a belt but with the proper knowledge, skills, and tools the job can be done

What are the signs of a worn-out timing or cambelt?

There is often no visible sign if the cambelt is already worn out. This is because it is deeply fitted inside the engine. According to a technical head, a driver is fortunate if he/she can hear a slapping or rattling noise from the engine.

This is very rare and even car experts may not predict the failure of a cambelt. Also, not like any other replacement parts in the car, you may not see any difference in your car even while driving.