#Xterra bad timing belt symptoms install#

Poor quality control may also be a factor. Lower quality belts may have a reduced service life over the OEM specification. There are many reputable brands of timing belts that can fit a given vehicle. If you wait too long to replace a timing belt trying to stretch out its useful life, you are likely to end up with a more expensive repair than if you just replaced the timing belt in the first place. The number one cause of a failed timing belt is age. If you’ve recently purchased a vehicle and you don’t know when this maintenance was last performed, you should strongly consider replacing the timing belt. Timing belts typically last 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on the vehicle and how it is driven. The sound will remain there until it’s replaced, or the timing belt gets so worn that it breaks apart. If the timing belt wears out, it may start to become loose and possibly make a ticking sound as it continues to deteriorate. The timing belt is connected to lots of pulleys and is surrounded by a lot of other components. At that point, rebuilding or replacing the engine is the only fix. If not enough lubrication gets to the internals of the engine, complete engine failure may occur. This will cause a significant drop in the oil pressure of the engine. 4) Low Oil PressureĪs a timing belt starts to get excessive wear, pieces of its teeth will come loose and break off into the oil pan of the vehicle.

#Xterra bad timing belt symptoms install#

The only thing you can do at this point is to install a new timing belt before the engine gets seriously damaged (if that hasn’t already occurred). The most common reason for this happening is when the timing belt totally snaps apart. Whenever there is no synchronization between the rotating crankshaft and camshaft, the piston could get damaged and end up bending the valves as it comes in contact with them. The engine timing will then be off, resulting in a very rough idle or a stall. If your timing belt has worn out or missing teeth, then it will likely slip out of its position, skipping one or more teeth on the belt. This is one of the main symptoms of a faulty timing belt. 2) Rough IdlingĪre you experiencing rough idling from your engine? If so, then you may be experiencing lots of jerkiness and shakiness as you’re behind the wheel. Without a timing belt, the valves don’t open and close at the right time (if they move at all).Īlthough the engine may have the capability of firing the injectors and the spark plugs, there is no way to suck in air and expel air at the precise time it is necessary. If your timing belt snaps or slips off a pulley, your engine will stall. Below are five of the most common symptoms of a bad timing belt that you should watch out for.Īs soon as you suspect a failing timing belt, you should have your car towed to a repair shop to avoid the chance of completely breaking the belt (if it hasn’t already fallen off its pulley). When you have a worn, cracked, torn, or broken timing belt, there will be some obvious signs that will show up.

Related: Difference Between a Timing Belt and Timing Chain Top 5 Bad Timing Belt Symptoms Since the timing belt in the engine is constantly subjected to stress and harsh conditions, it’s critical to follow the car manufacturer’s recommended timing belt change interval. Extensive engine damage often occurs when a timing belt snaps. If the timing belt were to break or become worn out, you could be stranded with an inoperable vehicle. This synchronization allows the cylinders to fire at the right time and keep the engine running the way it is supposed to. The function of the timing belt is to rotate the crankshaft and camshaft of the engine and to make sure they’re synchronized in their rotation.