Why Does the Car Timing Belt Skip Teeth?
2 Answers
The reason for the car timing belt skipping teeth is that it has become loose, and it can be fixed by tightening it at a repair shop. The timing belt is a crucial component of the engine's valve timing system, ensuring accurate intake and exhaust timing by connecting to the crankshaft and maintaining a specific gear ratio. The use of a belt instead of gears for transmission is due to the belt's lower noise, minimal self-variation, and ease of compensation. The timing belt plays a connecting role—linking the upper part to the timing pulley on the engine cylinder head and the lower part to the crankshaft timing pulley. The timing pulley is connected to the camshaft, which has cams that contact small rocker arms. The rocker arms generate pressure through the power transmitted by the timing belt, performing a lifting function.
As a mechanic with years of experience, I must say timing belt tooth skipping is a common issue. The main cause is belt aging—after tens of thousands of kilometers, the material becomes brittle and loose, unable to withstand engine operation. Tensioner problems are another culprit; if it fails, the belt goes slack and skips teeth with movement. Don’t overlook external contamination, like oil leaks coating the belt, making the surface slippery and prone to skipping. Improper installation is also a pitfall—misaligned teeth during installation lead to misalignment under load. The consequences are severe: timing disruption causes valves and pistons to collide, destroying the engine. I recommend checking the belt every 60,000 km—don’t cut corners on safety. Regular maintenance saves a lot of trouble.
