What does a car sound like when it's timing belt is bad?

Question

more specificly on a 1994 Honda Civic

Answer 1

The old timing belt sound just like a new timing belt. They cannot be diagnosed by sound - period. If you have old timing belt (older than 60K - just to be safe), they need to be replaced immediately.

I also own 1994 Civic EX. And these cars will have severe valve damage if the timing belts were to break. If you are NOT sure how old it is, and you are pretty sure you will hold the car for another 30K to 50K miles, you might as well do it now.
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Some people below seems to be confusing timing belt with other belts. Timing belts have teeth and they do NOT slip nor make anykind of noise when they are old.


Good Luck.

Answer 2

You can't really tell from performance if the belt is worn. The first sign is usually that the engine won't start because it has slipped a tooth or two, and then after confirming that it isn't a fuel or electrical problem with the engine you will need to remove the timing belt cover and check the alignment marks. Sometimes the engine will sound different when trying to start after the timing has slipped (usually faster).You will need a tech manual for the correct positioning. If your engine uses a belt tensioning devise you can reposition the belt and tighten it so it won't slip again; Otherwise you will have to buy a new belt. This can be a bear of a job on some cars especially in the cold.

Answer 3

It doesn't sound like anything, it breaks and the car just stops. Sometimes, though rarely, engine damage can occur too. Do you have over 100k miles on it? Has the belt ever been changed out? If not, do so. It's a bit on the expensive side but worth the peace of mind. Some of the older cars and new ones now have timing chains instead of belts. Over time (they last much, much longer than belts & sometimes never break), they tend to stretch and like a bicycle chain that's loose you will hear a clanging noise as the signal to change it before you get stranded. Your car does not have a chain however. Take your car to a trusted or qualified mechanic to do the job. It's not a do-it-yourself thing.

Answer 4

Bad Timing Belt Noise

Answer 5

Timing Belt Sound

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What does a car sound like when it's timing belt is bad?
more specificly on a 1994 Honda Civic

Answer 7

Well, if it is old but not worn, it won't make any different sound than a new one. If it's broke your engine would be screwed because I am pretty sure it is considered a close tolerance engine and it would be history. Get it replaced if it has 60,000 miles on it or more. Preventative maintenance is the key to keeping a car running practically for ever.

Answer 8

honestly it sounds like the car is falling apart under your feet. there is no power to the car so if that is what is going on take it in immediately! i had a 240sx that had the timing belt go bad on me while i was driving up a huge hill. that was not a good thing. don't wait until the belt snaps on you.

Answer 9

Normal people have cars inspected by an independent mechanic before purchase. Tires and Timing Belt replacements are part of the routine maintenance schedule by the way, not warranty items.

Answer 10

If the timing belt is bad, don't worry about the sound.
It will soon stop.