Timing Belt and Timing Chain Replacement in Athens, GA
Timing keeps the top and bottom of your engine in step. If it slips, the valves hit the pistons and the engine is done. Athens Import Auto Repair does timing belt and timing chain replacement in Athens, GA. Our goal is to do it before it fails, not after.
Timing Belt and Chain done right, by people who know imports
Some engines use a rubber belt that must be changed on a schedule. Others use a metal chain that should last, but often does not. The guides and tensioners wear out first, and we know which engines are at risk.
One customer brought us a Mini Cooper S with a bad chain. We replaced the chain parts. While we were in there, we cleaned the oil pump screen too. That is the kind of care we bring. Call 706-353-3880.
BMW four cylinder engines from about 2012 to 2015 are known for worn timing chain guides. Mini Cooper engines from 2007 to 2012 rattle on cold start when the chain tensioner fails. Audi and VW 2.0 turbo engines had a weak chain tensioner in early years too. Honda and Acura V6 engines use a belt that is due around 105,000 miles. Older Toyota and Lexus V6 and V8 engines use belts, and so do Subaru engines before 2013. The Porsche 944 needs its belt and rollers on a strict schedule. We do every one of these jobs in Athens, GA.
Signs your timing belt or chain needs attention
- You hear a rattle on cold start that lasts a few seconds. That is the classic chain sound.
- You hear a whine or a tick from the front of the engine.
- The check engine light is on with a cam or crank timing code.
- The engine cranks but will not start after a loud snap.
- You have a belt engine, and the miles or years are past due.
- Oil or coolant is leaking from the timing cover.
What our timing service includes
Timing belt kit
We replace the belt, the tensioner and the idler rollers. The tensioner is the part that keeps the belt tight.
Water pump with the belt
On most belt engines the water pump runs off the timing belt. We replace it at the same time, which saves you labor later.
Timing chain kit
We replace the chain, the guides and the tensioner. The guides are the plastic rails the chain rides on, and they get brittle with age.
Cam and crank seals
These seals sit behind the timing parts, so we replace them while we are in there.
Oil pump screen check
Broken guide pieces can clog the oil pickup screen, so we check it and clean it.
Timing check and reset
We set the timing to spec with the right tools. Then we scan the car to make sure the cams are in step.
How a timing job works
Tell us the sound or the miles
Maybe you hear a cold start rattle. Maybe your belt is past due. Either one gets our attention.
We inspect and confirm
We check chain stretch with a scan tool. For belts, we pull the cover and take a look.
We quote the full kit
Your quote lists the chain or belt, tensioner, guides, water pump and seals. You approve it.
We replace and verify
We set the timing with locking tools. Then we scan the engine to make sure it is right.
Why drivers trust us with timing belt and chain
We know which engines fail
BMW, Mini, VW and Audi chains all have known weak years, and we watch for them.
Special tools on hand
Import timing jobs need locking tools made for each engine, and we have them.
We do the extras
While the cover is off, we fix what is behind it. That means the water pump, seals and oil screen.
These guys have helped our family out of binds numerous times. They are friendly, fair, accommodating and do great work!!!
Beckler, D., customerTiming Belt and Chain FAQ
Do you do timing belt and timing chain replacement in Athens, GA?
Yes. Athens Import Auto Repair replaces timing belts and chains on imports only. We work on BMW, Mini, Audi, VW, Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Porsche and more. Call 706-353-3880 to set it up.
Why does my Mini Cooper rattle when I start it cold?
A cold start rattle on a 2007 to 2012 Mini Cooper is almost always the timing chain tensioner. The tensioner keeps the chain tight, so when it fails, the chain slaps the guides. Fix it soon, before the guides break too.
When should I change the timing belt on my Honda?
Honda says every 105,000 miles or 7 years for its V6 engines. That covers the Accord V6, Odyssey, Pilot and most Acura models. Do the water pump at the same time, since it runs off the belt.
Is a timing chain supposed to last the life of the engine?
That was the idea, but it does not always work out. The chain itself is strong, but the plastic guides and the tensioner wear out. BMW, Mini, VW and Audi all have engines where this happens.
What happens if a timing belt breaks?
On most import engines the valves hit the pistons. That bends the valves and can ruin the engine, which is why we change belts before they break.
Why do you check the oil pump screen on a chain job?
Because when chain guides break, small pieces fall into the oil pan. They can block the screen that feeds the oil pump, so we drop the pan and clean it. We did this on a Mini Cooper S Clubman, and it runs like new.
Related services
Hear a rattle on cold start?
Call us or book your visit. We will check your chain or belt before it is too late.
Open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. After hours, leave a message or send the form and we will call you back.
Send us a message
Tell us your car and what you notice. We will call you back during shop hours.
If the form does not show, call 706-353-3880.