2002 Buick Rendezvous - Timing Belt

Symptoms of a Bad Timing Belt

The timing belt, also known as a cam belt, is a toothed belt that connects the crankshaft and camshaft(s) of an engine. This is necessary to ensure these parts rotate in sync to maintain appropriate timing of the valves and pistons to keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently. Timing belts are typically made of rubber or a similar material and are reinforced with nylon cords. Though timing belts are typically durable and long-lasting, they will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. It's important to service a vehicle's timing belt and components at the manufacturer's recommended maintenance interval, which can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle - typically between 60 and 100 thousand miles. When replacing a timing belt, it's also a good idea to replace any belt tensioners or pulleys that keep the belt at its proper timing and tension, and depending on the location of the timing components, replacing the water pump might also be recommended. If a timing belt is loose or slipping, you may notice a loss of performance or rough engine operation. In extreme cases, a loose or broken timing belt will cause the engine to stall and may result in serious damage if the pistons and valves collide. Ensuring that you replace your timing belt before this occurs can help keep your engine running for as long as possible. For your next timing belt service, O'Reilly Auto Parts carries replacement timing belts, tensioners, timing belt kits, and water pumps to help you complete your repair.