Timing is Everything (Timing Cover Replacement)
August 25, 2024
There’s an important part in your vehicle that shields your timing belt, timing chain or cam belt from the debris and gunk that can be kicked up from the road. It’s called the timing cover. It’s important because the timing belt or chain is what coordinates parts of your engine called the camshafts and crankshaft. When they’re in sync, all runs smoothly. When they’re not, it can cause some serious engine problems.
If your vehicle has a timing belt, without the protection of the timing cover, that belt can come loose from the timing gears or break. If your vehicle has a timing chain, the cover keeps engine oil circulating around it which lubricates it. When that starts to leak because of a bad gasket, the chain may not be getting adequate lubrication.
If your vehicle has a timing cover problem, you may notice engine oil leaking if a gasket is not sealing tightly. You may hear a strange metallic sound coming from the engine. Another sign that timing is off is that you notice you’re losing power when you’re going up a hill.
Usually, the timing cover will not wear out. But if you drive on roads where you’re getting a lot of debris and dirt kicked up into your engine compartment, the timing cover can get damaged and affect your vehicle’s operation. It eventually could lead to engine problems, so if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned, have one of our technicians inspect your timing cover and gasket.
Gary Knurek GoodYear
1973 Livernois
Troy, Michigan 48083
248-362-0350
Need Service?
More articles from Gary Knurek, Authorized GoodYear Dealer

Why is My Vehicle Overheating?
October 11, 2026
When it comes to your vehicle overheating, the signs can be loud and clear when you have a problem. You may see a thermometer-shaped warning light come on or a temperature gauge whose needle is pointing in the red zone. When either of those happen, its important to take quick action to avoid se... More

Grinding, Jerking and Slipping
October 4, 2026
Gone are the early days of driving when people had to manually shift gears in their vehicles. Now, though, we are spoiled by automatic transmissions that seem like theyll go forever. Like everything mechanical, automatic transmissions can develop problems. Signs trouble is brewing sometimes s... More

Save Your Tires and Fuel: Why TPMS Is More Than a Warning Lightc
September 27, 2026
You know that little light on your dashboard that looks like a tire? Dont ignore it. Its a lot more than a warning light. Its trying to tell you something that can protect your tires, improve your fuel economy and keep your vehicle traveling safely down the road. Its called TPMS. The abbreviati... More
