Five Signs Your Timing Belt Tensioner is Faulty

In most cars, the timing belt is a crucial component of the internal combustion engine (some have a timing chain). This is in charge of making sure the camshaft and crankshaft are spinning simultaneously.

In this manner, the engine's valves will operate according to schedule. The intake and exhaust strokes of the engine's cylinders should coincide with how the valves operate.

The strong rubber and nylon-reinforced cords that make up a timing belt are its two major components. Numerous pulleys and gears are constantly in touch with the belt.

The belt eventually becomes too loose as a result of wear and tear. Because of this, a timing belt tensioner is employed to keep the belt in place.

It will essentially be like having a faulty timing belt if the timing belt tensioner malfunctions because it won't be able to perform its intended job. Your engine will have a variety of issues as a result, including poor performance.

You should be sure to replace your timing belts and chains along with any tensioners according to the manufacturer's schedule for doing so. In order to schedule your timing belt kit replacement before it becomes too loose or breaks, you can search online for vehicle service near me garages. If the timing belt/chain does snap, in such case, a complete engine replacement is what you'll probably be looking to do.

Here are five of the most typical indications that your timing belt tensioner needs to be replaced. It may be time to change your tensioner if you observe more than one of these: 

1.     Check Engine Light

The timing of the valves will be off if the timing belt is loose as a result of a defective tensioner, which would trigger the check engine light. The check engine light will then turn on on the dashboard, indicating that there are issues with the engine. Since the check engine light by itself can indicate a myriad of problems, you could use a car diagnostic tool to scan for any fault codes and validate the problem. Have the engine management light issue identified and required repairs made before scheduling your next MOT testing service to avoid a failure.

2.     Knocking Sounds

The timing belt will start to knock around and hit the timing cover and other components inside the timing cover when it becomes loose. If the sound does not exactly resemble knocking, it can sound more like slapping. If you start to hear this sound, search online for car services near me garages and book your car in as soon as you can with a competent mechanic fully diagnose and repair the issue.

3.     Engine Not Turning Over

The camshaft and crankshaft are not synchronised due to a loose timing belt caused by a broken tensioner. You won't be able to ignite the combustion of the fuel and air in the chamber as a result. The vehicle won't start when you turn the key in the ignition, yet the engine might begin to sound.

4.     Grinding Noises

The pulleys themselves will generate grinding or rattling noises if the timing belt doesn't have a tight grasp on them. This will undoubtedly occur if the pulley bearing fails.

5.     Engine misfires

An engine misfire is caused when the cylinder's valves open or close too quickly. If the timing belt is unable to move both the crankshaft and camshaft simultaneously, this will occur. Check your car's MOT status and repair this problem before your next MOT test to prevent failing the emissions test.

A Timing Belt Tensioner's Lifespan

The manufacturer may not have specified a suggested change interval for the tensioner, unlike the timing belt itself. The timing belt should typically be replaced between 75,000 and 100,000 miles, and in almost all cases, the timing belt tensioner should be replaced at the same time.

While the tensioner's lifespan is really considerably greater than the timing belt's, you'll save a lot of money in the long run if you replace it together with the water pump when you change the timing belt. This is because the tensioner is frequently fairly difficult to access.