Longton Mechanic - Timing Belt Services & Snapped Timing Belt Repairs

When replacing the Chevrolet timing belt: The water pump, if run off the same belt should be replaced and as a matter of precaution change the engine coolant at the same time to maximise pump life
Rollers, tensioner and thermostat may also need replacing

If your worried that your Chevrolet timing belt has reached that crucial time when it’s safer to change it than risk having the timing belt snap and causing damage to the engine and valves just fill in our simple enquiry form or contact us on 0800 0407 429 to arrange an estimate for a service and new timing belt or use our simple form and we'll get your local garage to contact you.

Worried that your Chevrolet timing belt will snap?
Use our form to get a replacement Chevrolet timing belt estimate

Depending upon the engine arrangement and any components operated by the timing belt there may be other parts reaching the end of their safe service life and need replacing along with the timing belt. Generally, they work out cheaper to replace at a milestone service as they’re unlikely to last another 60,000 miles and will add an additional labour cost; you may also need breakdown recovery if they fail without warning

Chevrolet Timing Belts Longton

We can help source most Chevrolet Replacement Timing Parts for local fitting

Chevrolet Body Panels
Replacement Chevrolet panels fitted & sprayed to match - Light Chevrolet Panel damage repairs

Chevrolet Oil Change & Filters Replaced
Chevrolet Air filters, pollen filters; oil filter & fuel filter replaced, engine oil changed - Multigrade or Synthetic oils

Chevrolet Starter Motors
Replacement Chevrolet Starter motors installed

Chevrolet Alternators
Replacement Chevrolet alternators fitted

Chevrolet Suspension System
Chevrolet replacement shock absorbers & springs fitted for front or rear suspension problems, broken springs. Custom suspension systems installed, lowering springs fitted

Chevrolet Autoelectrics
Chevrolet electrical faults diagnosed - OBD fault finding - Chevrolet engine fault codes checked & service lights reset - ECU problems, key coding and CANBUS systems checked

Chevrolet Brakes
Routine Chevrolet servicing, replacement Chevrolet brake pads & discs fitted, Chevrolet hydraulic pipework and joints inspected, repaired or replaced for a complete braking system overhaul

Chevrolet Timing Belt - Chevrolet Cambelt
Chevrolet Timing Belts replaced as part of a planned Chevrolet service or if the Timing Belt on your Chevrolet has snapped then a full engine inspection for valve & piston damage

Chevrolet Electrical Components
Chevrolet electrical faults repaired using Chevrolet OEM components - Chevrolet sensors checked e.g. Lambda sensors, air flow meters etc

Chevrolet Paint Resprays
Paint resprays for minor scratch damage to the Chevrolet paint surface or coating; Custom paintwork to make your Chevrolet different using metallic paints, pearlescent pigments or company colours.

Chevrolet Engines
Chevrolet Engine repairs, cylinder head skimming, valves & pistons

Chevrolet Cooling System
Replacement Chevrolet radiators fitted, cooling system pipework inspected for leaks and cooling fluid replaced to keep your Chevrolet engine at its optimal operating temperature

Chevrolet Tyres
Steel wheels, alloy wheels and tyres repaired and replaced with cheap tyres, run-flat tyres or low profile & performance tyres depending upon your budget and driving requirements. Part-Worn tyres may be available for your Chevrolet model

Chevrolet Performance Spares
OEM Chevrolet parts fitted or replaced with alternative performance parts

Chevrolet EGR Valves
Replacement Chevrolet EGR valves - ensure the exhaust gas recirculation system is functioning correctly on your Chevrolet - The EGR valve helps your Chevrolet burn fuel more efficiently by recirculating a portion the exhaust gas through combustion chamber and helps reduce Chevrolet engine emissions; a broke or sticking EGR valve can be the cause of an MOT failure due to excessive emissions

Chevrolet Clutches
Chevrolet clutch repairs Longton - Checking for leaks and repairing-replacing the clutch master-slave cylinder and fitting a new Chevrolet Clutch kit

Chevrolet Gearboxes
Chevrolet Manual & Automatic gearbox servicing & repair - Fitting a new or reconditioned Chevrolet gearbox

Chevrolet Fuel Pumps
Often replaced at a milestone service if the fuel pump is operated by the Timing belt

Chevrolet Exhausts
Chevrolet Engine manifolds, Front box, Back box, catalytic converter and exhaust pipes for Chevrolet Exhausts fitted & welded

Replacement Chevrolet Timing Belt or Cambelt

If the timing belt snaps it will most probably cause serious engine damage. The camshaft stops turning with some of the valves left in the open position. In a Free Running Engine there is enough clearance between a fully open valve and the piston head to avoid serious damage. In an Interference Engine there is no clearance and the engine relies upon accurate timing to keep the valves and piston head separated. With a broken timing belt; the inertia helps the crankshaft to rotate freely forcing the pistons to strike the open valves resulting in damaged valves, pistons, and possibly even damage to the cylinder head

Since Chevrolet Timing Belts are hidden inside the engine they tend to be forgotten when purchasing a used Chevrolet

High compression diesel engines are normally interference engines

The toothed belt connecting the engine crankshaft to the camshaft is known as the Cambelt or Timing belt

Often it is prudent to replace a combination of items associated with the timing system. Most of the needed Chevrolet parts can be obtained as timing kits containing the appropriate timing components; such as: Chevrolet timing belt
timing belt tensioners
timing belt tensioner idler roller
front lower crank shaft seal
water pump gasket

Timing belts must be replaced at a specified manufacturer's interval. The timing belt should also be inspected regularly and replaced immediately if there is any evidence of cracking or fraying cuts or excessive wear

The Timing Belt synchronizes the camshaft to the crankshaft position ensuring the valves open and close at the correct time in relation to the piston. Some vehicles use a cam chain in place of the belt or a timing gear system instead

Generally Chevrolet belts should be replaced every 60,000 miles or less. So, if you have just bought a secondhand Chevrolet that has 40,000 to 80,000 miles then it is important to know if the timing belt has been replaced or needs replacing. Check the Chevrolet Owner's manual for your model for the recommended changing frequency

Chevrolet Services - Chevrolet Hydraulic Braking System Servicing and Repair Longton

Chevrolet brakes can last for thousand of miles depending on use and regular service

The hydraulic brake fluid is a non-compressible liquid so braking pressure is transferred via the brake pipes to the wheels and operates a slave cylinder piston that forces the brake pads against a brake drum or brake disc

Modern Chevrolet braking systems use hydraulic links to transfer stopping power

The enforced contact between the brake pads and brake drum or brake disc increases friction to slow down or stop the vehicle

The brake pedal controls the Master Cylinder (a fluid filled hydraulic piston) that transfers stopping power to the brakes

Braking increases hydraulic brake fluid pressure

Chevrolet Disc Brakes and Drum Brake Systems

Drum Brakes, if fitted, are usually found on Chevrolet rear wheels

Drum Brakes are an older system than Chevrolet disc brakes and use two half moon shaped brake shoes that move outwards during use to apply a frictional stopping force against the inside of a brake drum

Chevrolet disc brakes have a pair of high friction brake pads mounted either side of a brake disc

Hydraulic braking pressure forces a brake calliper to press the brake pads against the disc to apply the necessary stopping force

In hydraulic braking systems, braking pressure operates a slave cylinder

Chevrolet Brake Servicing - Chevrolet Brake Maintenance & Parts Replacement

If the Chevrolet brake discs warp then they should be replaced immediately

Chevrolet Brakes will safely function correctly without the need for replacement for many thousands of miles

The brake pads on your Chevrolet should wear first

if the Chevrolet brakes overheat and are allowed to cool with pressure still applied for m the brake pads/shoes then it is possible for the disc to warp.

Chevrolet brake discs will wear and need replacing eventually and should be inspected for pitting

Chevrolet Brake Servicing & Inspection Longton

Auxiliary handbrake shoes where appropriate

Handbrake function and travel

Adjust handbrake

Brake drum condition

Replace Brake Fluid if necessary

Wheel cylinder condition

And carry out the following maintenance of your Chevrolet braking system:-

Hydraulic brake pipe fittings and joints for corrosion and leaking

Brake pipe Condition

Hand brake linkage condition

ABS warning light operation

Brake calliper operation

Clean and remove brake dust and loose corrosion and dirt from drums

Top Up Brake and Clutch Fluid Levels or

Correct brake pad movement and level of wear

General brake disc condition

Lubricate Hand Brake Linkages

Chevrolet Steering System

The tyres will need to be replaced much sooner than necessary until the steering rack is adjusted to bring your wheels into correct alignment

Common symptoms of Chevrolet steering alignment problems include:-
Vehicle Drift - Your Chevrolet tends to pull left or right when travelling in a straight line
Modern Power steering and Drive by Wire Systems do not have the same mechanical linkages between the steering column and drive wheels making it difficult to 'feel' how the steering is performing.

One of the first signs of a potential problem with your Chevrolet steering system is uneven tyre wear

The tyre tread is rapidly removed from the inner or outer tyre edge of your front tyres

Chevrolet steering inspections:-

Power Steering Reservoir Levels and Top Up

Steering Linkages for wear and corrosion

Chevrolet Tyre wear and wheel alignment

Correct wheel balance, including spare

Tyre Condition - inc Spare

Correct Tyre Pressure - inc Spare

Wheel Bearings for wear - play or noise

Correct wheel nut torque to manufacturer's recommendations

Steering Rack Gaiter condition

Steering Condition

Chevrolet Brake Servicing: Brake Discs, Pads & Hydraulics

The hydraulic brake fluid is a non-compressible liquid so braking pressure is transferred via the brake pipes to the wheels and operates a slave cylinder piston that forces the brake pads against a brake drum or brake disc.

Brakes can last for thousand of miles depending on use and regular service.

Modern braking systems use hydraulic links to transfer stopping power.

Braking increases hydraulic brake fluid pressure.

The enforced contact between the brake pads and brake drum or brake disc increases friction to slow down or stop the vehicle.

The brake pedal is attached the Master Cylinder; a fluid filled hydraulic piston.

Longton Replacement Chevrolet Clutch

The centre of the clutch disc has a spline pattern that matches splines on the power input shaft of the transmission system

Engaging the clutch forces the clutch against the flywheel transmitting power from the crankshaft to the transmission shaft

Chevrolet Clutch failure often occurs when one or more of the high friction surface materials wears out on the disc. Even when the pressure plate is engaged and a clamping force is applied, there is no longer sufficient friction to transmit power without the clutch slipping. Normally the Chevrolet clutch disc and pressure plate are replaced. Replacing the Chevrolet Clutch is a major operation and it is sometimes advisable to replace a number of items, often supplied as a Chevrolet Clutch kit:-
Chevrolet clutch disc
pressure plate
release bearing
pilot bearing - bushing (when required)
internal Chevrolet clutch slave cylinder

Disengaging the clutch acts on heavy-duty release springs to isolate the pressure plate so that the disc is no longer pressed against the flywheel

The Chevrolet clutch disc is, not surprisingly, a disc with each side covered in a high friction material. It is designed to engage with the high-friction surfaces of the pressure plate and flywheel. It is also designed to transmit power to theChevrolet transmission system

The pressure plate comprises heavy-duty release springs, a metal pressure ring acting as a high friction surface to interact with the clutch disc, a thrust ring (or thrust fingers) for the release bearing, and release levers

When the clutch is dis-engaged the clamping force is removed so the clutch disc spins with the flywheel and no power is transmitted

Chevrolet Engine Efficiency - Fuel Injection

EFI - Electronic Fuel Injection
The Chevrolet fuel injection system is controlled by a mini-computer or Electronic Control Unit (ECU) that assimilates data from a series of temperature sensors and oxygen or lambda sensors providing feedback to help optimise fuel efficiency and power under a variety of conditions

Chevrolet Re-Mapping Longton
The Chevrolet ECU can be replaced with a programmable ECU or re-mapped to electronically alter the engine performance characteristics

Chevrolet Fuel Injection
Fuel injection systems mix fuel with just the right amount of air for optimal combustion & energy release in an internal combustion engine

Chevrolet Engine Mapping
The Chevrolet ECU controlling engine performance is pre-programmed with software containing embedded data on engine performance for different combinations of engine speed and acceleration

LPG Petrol or Diesel Metering
Fuel Injection systems have replaced carburetors for the accurate mixing and delivering of petrol, lpg or diesel fuel in modern Chevrolet vehicles

Chevrolet Engine Oil Change

Synthetic Oil Change - Longton
Modern synthetic oils can last longer than old petroleum based multigrades because they are more inert with a laboratory designed molecular structure and fewer natural catalytic impurities that increase oil breakdown compared to the cheaper engine oils

Oil & Filter Change
A new Chevrolet oil filter and oil change shouldn't need a specialist Chevrolet engineer and is minimal compared to the cost of an Engine Rebuild; with regular maintenance and routine servicing working out cheaper than disaster recover when your Chevrolet engine fails

Oil Change Masterclass
Keep a small amount of the engine oil used in your next oil change in a sealed container; then when you check your oil level with the dipstick you can compare the lubricity or lubricating properties of the oil against your fresh oil:- If the oil on the dipstick seems thin compared to your reference oil sample; it may be time to get an oil change to keep your Chevrolet running smoothly

Oil Change Frequency
The mechanics rule of thumb with traditional multigrade engine oils used to be "change the oil every 3000 miles" but many vehicle manufacturers indicate 5000 to 7000 miles. Initially, follow the Chevrolet recommended oil change guidelines to ensure you validate your warranty.

Oil Composition
Engine Lubricating Oil is composed of hundreds of chemicals; some can interact chemically, polymerise, oxidise and break down with the extreme conditions of temperature & shear forces pulling the oil molecules apart in your Chevrolet engine thus, changing the lubrication properties.

Anti Oxidants
Preventing internal engine oxidation in your Chevrolet motor is the job of sacrificial anti-oxidants present in the lubricating oil; Anti oxidants are sacrificed to protect your engine and will eventually be depleted making it necessary to change your oil regularly

Moisture Scavengers - Detergents - Acidity Regulators
Moisture scavengers, detergents and acidity regulators prevent all kinds of contaminants degrading and abrading the internal moving surfaces of your Chevrolet engine minimising the effects that water, particles, and fuel combustion residus can have on Chevrolet performance
Once they have absorbed the maximum amount of water and other contaminants; the risk of corrosion and failure in your in your Chevrolet engine increases

Chevrolet Replacement Exhausts Longton

The exhaust pipework helps muffle and deaden the noise from the fuel combustion process

Explosions from the instantaneous ignition of the compressed fuel and air igniting in the combustion chamber creat a lot of noise that needs to be silenced in the urban environment

Corroded exhaust pipes allow fumes and noise to escape; increasing the risk of poisonous carbon monoxide entering the cabin and significantly increasing noise making detection an easy task

The Chevrolet exhaust system allows poisonous gases from the fuel combustionto vent into the atmoshpere away from the driver and cabin