How to Replace the Timing Belt of Ford Escort?
3 Answers
It is recommended to replace the timing belt of Ford Escort at a professional repair shop. Here are the relevant details: 1. Insufficient Tension: If the amount of depression is too large, it indicates insufficient belt tension. If there is almost no depression, it indicates excessive belt tension. Insufficient tension can easily cause the belt to slip. Excessive tension can easily damage the bearings of various auxiliary machines. Therefore, the relevant adjustment nuts or bolts should be loosened to adjust the belt tension to the optimal state. 2. Wear Condition: The wear condition of the belt: old belts with severe wear reduce the contact area between the belt and the pulley sharply. At this point, applying slight pressure on the belt will cause it to sink deeply into the pulley groove. The rubber of the belt also faces aging issues. If the belt rubber is severely aged, it is necessary to replace the new belt in time.
Let me tell you, replacing the timing belt on a Ford Escort is no small matter. I often help friends with this kind of job, and it requires patience. First, open the engine hood and disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery to prevent short circuits. Then remove the outer cover, which usually has several screws to take off. Locate the position of the tensioner pulley, loosen it to release the tension before removing the old belt. When installing the new belt, make sure it fits snugly onto the gear teeth—not too loose or too tight—and gently adjust the tension with a wrench. Finally, reassemble all the components and start the engine to check if the sound is normal. If you don't have professional tools, don't force it, as you might damage the engine. Timing belts should be replaced every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers; otherwise, a sudden break could ruin the engine, costing you both money and time. It's best to keep some spare parts at home or seek guidance from a professional for safety.
I've changed my car's belt a few times myself, saving money and learning skills. Before replacing the timing belt on a Ford Escort, park in a shady spot and wait for the engine to cool down. Have basic wrenches and sockets ready, and gently pry off the outer cover to avoid damaging plastic parts. Loosening the tensioner is crucial—don't tighten it directly; slowly loosen and remove the old belt. When installing the new belt, align each gear mark exactly as before and tighten it just right. After finishing, start the engine to check if the idle is stable. Don’t rush to drive long distances; take a short test drive nearby to check for unusual noises. The whole process takes about one to two hours, and even beginners can learn it. You can also share tips with friends for DIY projects. Remember not to exceed the interval recommended in the car’s manual to avoid major issues and wasted time later.
