Timing Belt Replacement in Artarmon — Don’t Risk an Engine

The timing belt (or timing chain) is one of the most critical components in your engine. It synchronises the crankshaft and camshaft, controlling when each valve opens and closes in relation to the pistons. If a timing belt fails, the consequences can be catastrophic — bent valves, damaged pistons, or complete engine destruction. At Brumby Motors in Artarmon, we replace timing belts and chains to manufacturer specification, including all associated components.

Timing Belt vs Timing Chain — What’s the Difference?

A timing belt is a rubber toothed belt that requires replacement at set intervals — typically every 5–10 years or 60,000–120,000 km depending on the engine. A timing chain is metal and generally lasts the life of the engine if serviced correctly — but can stretch or have tensioner issues on some engines. We’ll identify which your engine has and what the correct service interval is.

What’s Included in Our Timing Belt Replacement

• Timing belt removal and replacement with new, correct-spec belt
• Tensioner and idler pulley replacement — always replaced at the same time
• Water pump replacement — recommended as it is in the same access area
• Coolant replacement — while the cooling system is open
• Cam and crank seals — replaced if showing any weeping
• Serpentine/accessory belt inspection and replacement if due
• Full re-check and road test

Vehicles With Known Timing Belt Requirements

• Honda — Accord, CR-V, Jazz and older Civic (pre-2012 on many models)
• Toyota — Camry, RAV4, HiLux, Prado, Landcruiser (older petrol and diesel)
• Subaru — all EJ and EZ flat-four engines
• Mazda — older MPS, 6 diesel and some CX-5 diesel variants
• Volkswagen — older 1.6, 2.0 TDI diesel engines
• Volvo — older 4- and 5-cylinder petrol and diesel
• Mitsubishi — Pajero, Outlander older V6 petrol

Frequently Asked Questions — Timing Belt Artarmon

Q: How do I know when my timing belt is due?

A: Check your logbook for the last timing belt replacement date and mileage. If you don’t have records, or if you’ve recently bought the car, we’ll check the belt visually and advise based on the mileage and your engine’s specification. When in doubt, replace — it’s far cheaper than the alternative.

Q: Why replace the water pump at the same time?

A: The water pump is driven by the timing belt on most engines and sits in the same access area. Replacing it at the same time adds relatively little cost (mostly just the part) but saves the labour of accessing the same area again when the water pump fails — which, on older engines, is common.

Q: What happens if the timing belt breaks while driving?

A: On most modern engines — called interference engines — the pistons and valves occupy the same space at different times. When timing is lost, they collide. This causes bent valves, damaged pistons and often a destroyed engine head. Repair costs can exceed $5,000–$10,000. Prevention costs a fraction of that.

Q: Do timing chains need replacing? A: Timing chains are designed to last the engine’s life with proper oil servicing. However, some engines — notably VW/Audi TSI and BMW N-series — have known timing chain tensioner issues that cause chain rattle and stretch. If your engine rattles on cold start and then quietens, book a diagnostic immediately.