Timing chainlifespan

Did you not just read that last symptom? If your front wheel bearing is giving out, you’ll experience a multitude of symptoms…and the worst being losing a wheel. Pretty sure you don’t want to put yourself in that position. Do the smart thing and get it replaced asap.

If you ignore everything in this article, then here’s what you’ll end up with: Three wheels. Losing a wheel is well past the point of being a warning sign. But if you don’t pay attention to the warning signs, it’s exactly what will happen. As the front wheel bearings wear and tear, they’ll eventually disintegrate, leaving you with something that can’t support the wheel anymore. And then the wheel will head off on a new journey.

Timing chainreplacement

If one of your front wheel bearings starts to fade and die, then you’ll end up with one wheel that isn’t being used quite properly. That will lead to uneven wear on your front tires, with one looking more worn out than the other. Or at least worn in a different pattern. It’s always a smart idea to pay attention to your tires. Give them a visual inspection every now and again, so that you can spot excess wearing, bubbles, low tire pressure, or uneven wear and tear. It can help you spot a big issue, like a front wheel bearing failure.

In a nutshell: You can find out if your car has a timing chain or timing belt by checking your owner's manual, which will also provide a recommended replacement interval for the part.

Timing chainreplacement cost

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Is it time for your car's timing belt or chain to be replaced? FixMyCar can help you find a reliable local garage to get the job done.

The easiest way to find out which timing component your car has is to check your owner's manual. If you've lost it or don't have access to it, the other option is to have a look in the engine bay.

All manual vehicles have a timing belt (also known as a cambelt) or timing chain. It's easy to find out which one your car has - this guide explains how.

This is something that hopefully you already know: Your car shouldn’t make noises, beyond the engine noise and your stereo. Any other noise should get your attention. Dying front wheel bearings can result in a whole range of noises, including groaning, grinding, scraping, and growling. Those noises will be coming directly from the front wheels. So, if your front wheels are talking to you, listen to them.

Timing chain or beltchecker

Look, I don’t want to have to tell you this, because you should already know it. Pay attention to how your car feels on a daily basis, so that you know the moment it starts to feel abnormal. If one of the front wheel bearings begins to fail, the handling in your car will likely change. The handling will feel loose, as though the wheel isn’t fully attached, because that’s essentially what’s happening as the bearing wears out and can no longer support the wheel. This can also result in the car pulling to the left or to the right when you’re on a straight stretch.

Toyotatiming belt or chain

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Cars with a timing belt have a plastic cover near the engine block (often to the left-hand side), which provides easy access to the belt. It needs changing at regular intervals, which is why the removable cover is necessary.

Timing belt or chainlist

Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Writer. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.

A timing belt is typically made of reinforced rubber, which can stretch and crack with old age. It is found outside the engine and is usually quieter than a timing chain.

Here’s something your steering wheel shouldn’t do: Shake. If it does shake, you’ve got issues. That issue could be a busted front wheel bearing. If the bearings aren’t supporting the wheels, the steering system might vibrate, leading to a steering wheel that’s as jittery as you after a third cup of coffee.

The owner's manual for your car will tell you the manufacturer-recommended replacement interval for the timing belt or chain. Generally:

Timing belts and chains perform the same function - controlling the engine's timing so that the valves and cylinders open and close at the right time. Learn more about how an engine works in this guide.

Timing beltvstiming chaincost

Our certified mobile mechanics come to your home or office to complete your repair. We make the process easy from start to finish by offering upfront pricing, online booking, after-hours support, and a full warranty.

Timing beltvstiming chainpros and cons

The average price of a timing belt replacement is £470.90, according to FixMyCar's data, and for a timing chain replacement, you can expect to pay £988.20.

Timing chains need replacing every 80,000 to 120,000 miles. However, some may last 200,000 miles or more with the right care.

Our certified technicians come to you with a wrench and a smile. Do what you’d normally do at home (or the office) - catch up on yard work or a favorite TV show, make dinner - while your vehicle is being serviced.

However, there are two key differences between them: what they are made of and where they are located. A timing chain is made of metal, so it tends to last a lot longer. It is housed in the engine and lubricated with engine oil.

In cars with a timing chain, you won't see a plastic cover. There is no easy access to the engine block - it has a sealed metal cover for two reasons. Firstly, the timing chain needs to be lubricated with engine oil, which must be sealed into the system, and secondly, the chain needs to be replaced far less often than a belt.

We perform over 600 repair and maintenance services including oil changes, brakes, diagnostics, belts and hoses, and more. The best part? We come to you with all the necessary tools and parts.

Depending on your repair, you will receive an instant quote or one directly from one of our advisors during business hours.