Longton Mechanic - Timing Belt Services & Snapped Timing Belt Repairs

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

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

If your worried that your Mg 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.

When replacing the Mg 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

Mg Longton:- Timing Belts Fitted

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

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

Mg 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 Mg model

Mg Alternators
Replacement Mg alternators fitted

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mg Starter Motors
Replacement Mg Starter motors installed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Replacement Mg Timing Belt or Cambelt

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

High compression diesel engines are normally interference engines

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

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

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

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

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

Generally Mg belts should be replaced every 60,000 miles or less. So, if you have just bought a secondhand Mg 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 Mg Owner's manual for your model for the recommended changing frequency

Longton Brake Servicing - New Disc Brakes & Pads

Braking increases hydraulic brake fluid pressure

Modern Mg braking systems use hydraulic links to transfer stopping power

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

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

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

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

Mg Hydraulic Disc Brake and Drum Brake Systems

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

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

Drum Brakes are an older system than Mg 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

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

In hydraulic braking systems, braking pressure operates a slave cylinder

Mg Brake Servicing - Mg Brake Discs and Pads

The brake pads on your Mg should wear first

if the Mg 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.

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

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

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

Mg Brake Servicing & Inspection Longton

Lubricate Hand Brake Linkages

Top Up Brake and Clutch Fluid Levels or

Wheel cylinder condition

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

Brake pipe Condition

ABS warning light operation

Handbrake function and travel

Brake calliper operation

Replace Brake Fluid if necessary

Correct brake pad movement and level of wear

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

Adjust handbrake

Auxiliary handbrake shoes where appropriate

General brake disc condition

Hydraulic brake pipe fittings and joints for corrosion and leaking

Brake drum condition

Hand brake linkage condition

Mg Steering System

Common symptoms of Mg steering alignment problems include:-
Vehicle Drift - Your Mg 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 Mg steering system is uneven tyre wear

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

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

Your Mg steering inspection can include:-

Mg Tyre wear and wheel alignment

Correct Tyre Pressure - inc Spare

Wheel Bearings for wear - play or noise

Steering Linkages for wear and corrosion

Tyre Condition - inc Spare

Steering Condition

Power Steering Reservoir Levels and Top Up

Steering Rack Gaiter condition

Correct wheel nut torque to manufacturer's recommendations

Correct wheel balance, including spare

Mg Brake Servicing: Brake Discs, Pads & Hydraulics

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

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

Braking increases hydraulic brake fluid pressure.

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

Modern braking systems use hydraulic links to transfer stopping power.

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.

Mg Clutch Operation

The Mg 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 theMg transmission system

Mg 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 Mg clutch disc and pressure plate are replaced. Replacing the Mg Clutch is a major operation and it is sometimes advisable to replace a number of items, often supplied as a Mg Clutch kit:-
Mg clutch disc
pressure plate
release bearing
pilot bearing - bushing (when required)
internal Mg clutch slave cylinder

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

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

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

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

Mg Fuel Injection Systems

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

EFI - Electronic Fuel Injection
The Mg 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

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 Mg vehicles

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

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

Longton Maintenance - Mg Oil Change

Oil & Filter Change
A new Mg oil filter and oil change shouldn't need a specialist Mg 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 Mg engine fails

Anti Oxidants
Preventing internal engine oxidation in your Mg 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

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 Mg recommended oil change guidelines to ensure you validate your warranty.

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 Mg running smoothly

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 Mg engine thus, changing the lubrication properties.

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 Mg engine minimising the effects that water, particles, and fuel combustion residus can have on Mg performance
Once they have absorbed the maximum amount of water and other contaminants; the risk of corrosion and failure in your in your Mg engine increases

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

Mg Exhaust Fitting 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 Mg exhaust system allows poisonous gases from the fuel combustionto vent into the atmoshpere away from the driver and cabin