Cambelt replacement in Erdington

The cambelt, or timing belt, keeps the engine's valves and pistons moving in step. On many engines they share the same space at different moments, so if the belt snaps or jumps a tooth they meet, and the repair can run to a rebuilt or replaced engine.

That is why belts are replaced on a schedule rather than when they fail. Your car's maker sets the interval in miles and years, whichever comes first; it is in the service book, and every service we do includes advice on when yours is due.

We replace the belt along with its tensioner and pulleys, which wear alongside it. Where the belt also drives the water pump, it is usually worth replacing at the same time, as it is hard to reach any other way.

Ford's EcoBoost petrol engines and the Transit 2.0 EcoBlue diesel use a wet belt, which runs in the engine oil. When it starts to break up, the debris goes where the oil goes, so these belts need watching closely. As Ford specialists, this is routine work for us.

Some engines use a timing chain instead, which normally lasts much longer but can stretch. A rattle for a few seconds on a cold start is the classic sign, and worth having looked at.

Any questions? Call 0121 377 7738 and ask.