Belts & Hoses – Warning Signs

Belts & Hoses – Warning Signs

Belts & Hoses seem like minor parts of your engine, but they play a vital role. If something goes wrong with them, your engine won’t run. These parts don’t often offer direct signs something is wrong, so it’s important to perform visual checks, listen for unusual sounds, and have your belts and hoses inspected regularly. If you notice any of these symptoms, bring your to Balbriggan Service where our professional technicians can properly diagnose your vehicle and get you back on the road safely.

Belts & Hoses - Balbriggan Service Centre

Hoses

There are several types of hoses your vehicle’s engine needs to run properly.

Top radiator hose: carries engine coolant to the radiator for temperature reduction of coolant

Bottom radiator hose: returns the cooled fluid to the water pump and on throughout the engine

Bypass hose: carries cold fluid from the water pump past the thermostat for faster engine warm-up and helps maintain constant engine temperature

Heater hose: circulates hot coolant to and from the passenger compartment heating system

Look for: cracked or broken hoses, hardened or lost flexibility, bulged or swollen hoses, or signs of leaks are present.

Hoses - Balbriggan Service Centre

Timing Belts

The timing belt in your car’s engine is a toothed or ribbed belt that is the sole component that keeps the camshaft(s) and crankshaft in sync. A failed timing belt can cause extensive and expensive engine damage, that’s why it’s important to replace it at OE scheduled intervals. Similar to other belts, your timing belt will degrade with time and usage.

Look for:

worn or sheared teeth; worn lands between the teeth; the back of the belt is cracked or worn; a damaged or worn edge; difficulty starting your car; and grease or oil contamination.

Listen for:

a high pitched shrieking or whirring sound, especially when the engine starts. This noise may also be heard while the engine is idling.

Timing Belt - Balbriggan Service Centre

Belt Tensioners:

A belt tensioner is a pulley that maintains the constant belt tension and torque required to drive a vehicle’s multiple accessories. It’s imperative to ensure these belts are doing their job and keeping the belts they support in the proper place to prevent more damage to your engine.

Look for:

A belt tensioner is a pulley that maintains the constant belt tension and torque required to drive a vehicle’s multiple accessories. It’s imperative to ensure these belts are doing their job and keeping the belts they support in the proper place to prevent more damage to your engine.

Listen for:

A squealing or rattling coming from the timing cover area.


Contact Balbriggan Service Centre Today by Phone: 016905608 or Email: info@balbrigganservicecentre.ie
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