What Causes the Buzzing Sound After Replacing the Timing Belt?
4 Answers
Replacing the timing belt and hearing a buzzing sound is usually due to the timing belt being installed too tightly, which needs to be addressed promptly to avoid causing other faults and losses. Additionally, a new belt that is overly tight may also produce noise during transmission, which is a normal phenomenon. Under normal circumstances, as long as the operation is smooth, the timing belt will loosen, and the abnormal noise will disappear after a certain mileage of running-in. When replacing the timing belt, adjusting the belt's tightness is crucial. If it's too tight, it can cause excessive tension and make the belt prone to breakage, affecting its lifespan. If the belt is too loose, it can easily slip, leading to misaligned timing, resulting in car shaking, inability to accelerate, insufficient power, increased fuel consumption, and other phenomena.
Hey, I've encountered this situation before - a humming noise after replacing the timing belt, which is mostly caused by installation issues. If the belt tension isn't adjusted properly, being too tight is like plucking a guitar string, creating that humming sound; too loose and it slips, which also causes noise. Another common reason is the belt not being properly aligned with the teeth - if it's installed crooked, it'll create friction and noise when running. It could also be that the tensioner or idler pulley is old and worn out, and wasn't checked when replacing the belt, causing unbalanced rotation and strange noises. From my experience, it's best to go back to the shop for a check-up right after replacement, listening to the sound to judge the position. If you keep driving like this, severe wear can cause the belt to break, damaging the engine valves, which would be costly and time-consuming. Regular checks are essential - generally, replace the belt every 50,000 kilometers to prevent these headaches and ensure smooth, safe driving.
As a car owner, I've replaced the timing belt a few times. After the last maintenance, there was a buzzing sound, and I figured it might be an issue with those pulleys. The tensioner pulley spring might have loosened or aged, causing the belt to become unstable and produce vibration noises. Sometimes, installation workers overlook replacing the pulleys, pairing a new belt with old pulleys, which can easily lead to noise due to incompatibility. I looked it up, and the buzzing sound could also be caused by a misaligned gear shaft, damage to the bearings from improper disassembly during belt replacement, or loose engine mounts indirectly affecting it. Recalling that day's drive, the sound was more noticeable at high RPMs and disappeared at low speeds, indicating the issue was manageable. I quickly went back to the repair shop for a check-up. The mechanic used a stethoscope to locate the problem and easily adjusted the tension to fix it. My advice is not to delay—minor noises can hide major risks. Addressing them promptly can save you trouble and money. Regular maintenance is key.
The timing belt just replaced is making a humming noise. I suspect it's mostly due to the belt itself not being installed properly or issues with related components. For example, improper belt tension—too tight causes excessive friction and continuous noise; too loose leads to slipping and also produces a humming sound. Additionally, problems with the pulleys, such as worn idler pulley bearings causing uneven rotation, or a failed tensioner pulley spring not functioning properly, can disrupt the belt's operation. If the gears are misaligned during the belt replacement process, causing uncoordinated movement, noise naturally occurs. I've tried listening to the engine sound in a quiet garage, and the rhythm of the humming matches the engine speed, making it easy to locate the issue. For prevention, it's best to replace the accompanying pulleys and bearings when installing a new belt to avoid old parts dragging it down. Persistent noise isn't just annoying; over time, a broken belt can damage the engine, so prompt troubleshooting is the safest and most reliable approach.
