Signs Associated With Subaru Timing Chain Tensioner Issues

Imagine you are in a rush, as you’re running late for work, and you enter your Subaru to drive it towards your office. Suddenly, your Subaru stops in the middle of the road, and you don’t have any idea why or what has just happened. Isn’t it scary as a darkest dream?

Many drivers who visit our store located near you in Birmingham, Alabama, with their cars, have had the same experience. However, after a discussion with the driver, we found out that they had noticed something was not quite right, but they ignored it. In fact, they noticed symptoms of a bad timing chain in the tensioner or other parts of this critical component of the car.

Since this issue is a serious problem and remains largely unknown to many Subaru owners, in this blog, we at Franklin Automotive, located near you in Birmingham, AL, will explain what you need to know about timing chain failure symptoms before it becomes completely broken.

What is a Timing Chain?

Before diving into the symptoms, let’s quickly understand what a timing chain does. The timing chain of your Subaru connects the crankshaft and camshaft, ensuring that the engine’s valves open and close in precise timing with the pistons. This synchronization is vital for the engine to run efficiently. It is made like a chain of metal to last longer, unlike the timing belt, which is made up of rubber.

Symptoms of A Failing Timing Chain in Your Subaru in Birmingham, AL

A failing timing chain can cause a wide range of engine problems. Here are the most common symptoms you should watch for, such as,

Rattling Noise from the Engine

One of the first and most noticeable signs of a failing timing chain is a rattling noise, especially when the engine is idling. This sound may come from the timing chain striking other components due to being loose or worn out. In some models of Subaru, the engine has hydraulic tensioners, and you might notice that the noise is most prominent upon start-up when the oil is just beginning to circulate throughout the engine. If you hear unusual noises from the engine of your Subaru, drive into any of our garages located near you in Homewood and Birmingham, AL.

Engine Misfires

The role of the timing chain is to synchronize the engine’s moving valves and pistons, ensuring they operate in perfect harmony. When the timing system is working correctly, the valves open and close at the ideal moment in the pistons’ travel. If the timing chain becomes stretched or misaligned, the exhaust or intake valves could remain open when the spark plug fires, and the combustion process in your Subaru will not begin. Simply, when the timing chain of your Subaru stretches or becomes loose, it can throw off the engine’s timing. This misalignment may lead to misfires and disrupt the combustion process. A misfire will cause your engine to run roughly and inefficiently, and could lead to damage. If you are noticing misfires, drive into any of our garages located near you in Mountain Brook and Birmingham, AL.

Difficulty in Starting the Engine

If the timing of the engine comes far enough out of whack, it may even cause the engine to stall. A faulty timing chain can make it harder to start your car, especially after it has been sitting for a while. The chain’s inability to properly align the engine’s components can prevent it from turning over smoothly. If the timing belt breaks completely, there will be no connection between the engine’s crankshaft and camshafts, and the engine will stall and be unable to start. The timing system operates the engine valves, and without it, the engine simply can’t get going. If your timing belt snaps, have it towed to Franklin Automotive, located near you in Pelham and Trussville, AL. Our expert technicians will work efficiently to restore it.

The Best Auto Repair Shop to Address Timing Chain Issues in Birmingham, AL

As we explained in this Blog, there is no good answer to how long you can drive with a bad timing chain. You should not plan any other journey before our auto repair technicians inspect your engine and, if necessary, fix or replace the timing chain of your Subaru.

We at Franklin Automotive are a team of specialists who are truly passionate about European cars and serve the Birmingham, AL area. Our ASE-certified expert technicians know how to diagnose a faulty timing chain and repair it promptly. We provide you with loaner cars and a shuttle service (limited to 10 miles) to help you save time.

We can also offer you a great deal and a fair Subaru timing chain replacement cost, accompanied by a guarantee of excellent artistry and a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty on our services and repairs. Call or visit us today to book your appointment.