Camshaft Timing Belt

The timing belt ensures all the various parts of the engine are synchronised

The most immediate effect of a broken
timing belt will be jammed cylinder valves.

The Camshaft Timing Belt (or Cambelt) connects the crankshaft at the bottom of the engine with the camshafts at the top of the engine. The teeth on the belt and on the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets ensure that the valves open and close at exactly the right times. The intake valve opens to allow fuel and air into the cylinder, then closes as the mixture is compressed then ignited, then the exhaust valve opens to allow the waste gasses out.

Cambelts are lighter, quieter and more fuel efficient than metal timing chains, but require replacement at manufacturer recommended intervals. If the belt breaks when the engine is running, it is possible that valves can become stuck in the open position, and bent by contact with the piston

During the Cambelt replacement, the hydraulic tensioner that keeps the belt tight
should also be replaced to prevent future failure as a result of reusing worn parts.

On many vehicles, the pump that circulates coolant or antifreeze around the engine is also driven by the cambelt. Replacing this pump at the same time as the cambelt avoids the risk of the pump leaking or seizing as a result of worn bearings.