At What Mileage Should A Timing Chain Be Replaced?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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When does a timing chain need to be replaced? The timing chain normally needs to be replaced

between 80,000 and 120,000 miles

unless there is a specific problem. Issues with the chain are common in higher mileage vehicles.

How do I know if my timing chain needs replacing?

  1. Engine misfires or runs poorly. …
  2. Metal shavings found in the oil. …
  3. Engine won't start or fails. …
  4. Check Engine Light is on. …
  5. Engine rattles while idling.

How long does a timing chain usually last?

The metal links in the chain move on the tooth sprockets on the end of the crankshaft and crankshaft so that they rotate together. The timing chain normally needs to be replaced

between 40,000 and 100,000 miles

unless there is a problem.

Can a timing chain last 200 000 miles?

In a well-maintained engine, a timing chain can last

up to 300,000 miles

or even longer.

How much does it cost to replace timing chain?

Replacing the timing chain is a complicated job, and the labor costs can be quite high. For most cars, a timing chain replacement costs

between $413 and $1040

, or you can order the parts themselves for $88 and $245.

Is a timing chain better than a timing belt?

Most automakers recommend replacing the timing belt every 60,000 to 105,000 miles.

Timing chains are heavier and more complex than timing belts

, but they also last much longer. Really, unless there's a problem, timing chains don't have a replacement interval.

What happens when a timing chain breaks while driving?

No matter which type of engine you have, a broken timing chain will cause your engine to immediately stop running and turn off. … However, if the timing chain breaks,

the piston and valve will collide

. The result will be a damaged cylinder head, valve, piston, cylinder, and/or camshaft.

Do timing chains break?


Yes timing chains can break

. This is relatively rare. Timing belts on interference engines may break and cause bent valves and significant damage. Timing chains often last the life of the engine.

What causes the timing chain to go bad?

A timing chain can

break with either too much or not enough tension

. If the chain does not have enough tension, it can develop slack. … A chain with too much tension can also fail, as it is placed under excessive stress. Tension increases friction and heat in the chain, which can result in failure.

What cars have timing chains instead of timing belts?

  • Most BMWs.
  • Most Mercedes.
  • All Cadillacs.
  • Alfa Romeo 159.
  • Chevrolet Corvette.
  • Dacia Duster, Sandero, Sandero Stepway.
  • Honda Jazz.
  • Mazda with Skyactiv-G engine.

What a bad timing chain sounds like?

Listen for a metallic sound that resembles

a rattling or scrapping noise

. The sound can be intermittent or constant, but it will be a metal to metal contact. … If you hear a rattle, metal to metal slapping or scraping coming from inside the cover, it indicates a timing chain noise.

Can timing chain ruin engine?

A broken timing chain will cause

an engine to not start or fail while driving

. If the belt is already broken, the engine won't have enough compression to start. If it breaks or jumps while driving, the pistons will be damaged from contact with the valves. The valves themselves will bend and potentially ruin the engine.

Can low oil cause timing chain to jump?

Timing chains

can stretch from low oil

, and from dirty oil. The proper lubrication is just not there. Chain stretches, tensioners give up, chains can “skip a gear tooth”.

When should a motorcycle timing chain be replaced?

As its name implies, the timing chain controls the valve timing of the motorcycle's engine. If it stretches, the bike will not run correctly, or will make unnatural sounds, so it should be checked and replaced

every few thousand miles

.

How much play should there be in a timing chain?


1/2 inch total deflection

is the standard max.

Will thicker oil stop timing chain noise?

Heavier oil will not quiet hydraulic lifter noise. Quite likely you will get the opposite effect because thicker oil takes longer to reach the top of the engine. …

The noise will usually go away as the motor and oil heat up

. If the tapping continues after the vehicle is warm, you may have one, or more, faulty lifters.

How do you know if your timing chain tensioner is bad?

A bad tensioner will usually be accompanied by noise. This noise could be some type of

squealing or rattling coming from the timing cover area

. Also, when your timing belt is loose, it will cause some drivability issues usually under high load or high rpm.

Will check engine light come on for timing chain?

illuminated check engine light: the car's computer monitors engine operation to ensure emissions don't get too high. a stretched timing chain will hurt engine performance and increase emissions. if this happens, the computer

will turn

on the check engine light and store a diagnostic trouble code.

Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.