Why Does the Timing Belt of a New Car Make Abnormal Noises?
3 Answers
Reasons for abnormal noises from the timing belt of a new car: 1. It may be caused by friction between the timing belt and the timing belt cover. You can try loosening the screws on the timing belt cover by half a turn and observe if the noise persists; 2. Abnormalities in the accessory belt; 3. Abnormalities in individual engine bearings. The timing belt is a crucial component of the engine's valve 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. However, since the lifespan of a belt is inevitably shorter than that of metal gears, it is essential to replace the belt regularly.
As a mechanic frequently working with new cars, I've noticed several common situations where the timing belt produces abnormal noises in new vehicles. The most common issue is improper tension adjustment during belt installation - an overly tight belt will emit a high-pitched squeal, while a loose one creates a flapping sound. Another possibility is the normal running-in phenomenon of new components, which typically disappears after a few hundred kilometers of driving. I've also encountered cases where small screws fell into the belt housing during factory assembly, producing clicking sounds during rotation. Quality defects in the water pump or tensioner pulley bearings are potential causes too, with such noises becoming more pronounced as engine speed increases. My recommendation is to first document the specific operating conditions when the noise occurs - whether during cold starts or after the engine warms up, and how the sound changes at different RPMs.
Last year, I encountered this issue with my brand-new car—a squeaking sound from the engine bay during cold starts. The dealership technician said the new car's belt material was relatively stiff and needed time to break in with the pulleys, suggesting it would quiet down after driving a thousand kilometers or so. However, my friend's car had the same problem, and upon inspection, it turned out the tensioner pulley was misaligned, causing the belt to rub against the side guard. Nowadays, some new car models use non-brand belts to cut costs, which have poorer wear resistance, and the surface rubber layer is prone to cracking and developing burrs. If the abnormal noise persists after the engine warms up, especially getting louder during acceleration, it's crucial to investigate promptly. Don’t delay like my neighbor did, whose belt skipped teeth and damaged the valves, resulting in a repair bill over ten thousand yuan for the engine.
