The timing belt or chain keeps the crankshaft and camshafts turning in step. On most diesel 4WDs, if it breaks or jumps a tooth, the valves hit the pistons and the engine is badly damaged. Replacing it on time costs far less than the repair.
Belt or chain?
Belts have a set replacement interval in your logbook, usually somewhere between 80,000 and 150,000 km depending on the engine. Chains last longer, but they stretch, and the guides and tensioners wear. Navara YD25s and some Pathfinders are known for chain wear, for example.
Signs it needs attention
- A rattle from the front of the engine, especially on cold start
- The engine misfiring or running rough
- Oil leaking around the timing cover
- A check engine light with timing-related fault codes
- Kilometres past the logbook interval with no record of a belt change
What we do
- Timing belt replacement with new tensioners and idler pulleys
- Water pump replacement while we're in there, where the pump is driven by the belt
- Timing chain, guide, tensioner and sprocket replacement
- Cam and crank seals
- Setting the timing to the manufacturer's specification
We do this work on Toyota, Nissan, Ford, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Holden, Mazda, Hyundai and Volkswagen engines, petrol and diesel.
If the damage is done
If a belt has already let go, we can strip the engine down and tell you what's damaged. When a rebuild doesn't stack up, we can supply and fit a replacement from our used 4x4 engines. Used parts we supply come with our 3-month Silver warranty, and you can upgrade any part to Gold (6 months) or Platinum (12 months) when you buy.
Warranty
Our workshop work carries a 3-month or 5,000 km workmanship warranty, whichever comes first. The details are in our terms of sale.
Book a timing belt or chain job
Call us on (08) 8984 4804 or book online. The workshop is at 141 Coonawarra Road, Winnellie, open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.