Can You Put Deodorant on a Timing Belt- [Answered!!]

No, we do not recommend you to put deodorant on a timing belt. If you apply deodorant to your timing belt, the squeaky sound of the belt may stop but the squeaky sound will come back within minutes, and will also lead to further damage to related engine parts. It is always recommended to check the belt alignment. Also check for a bad pulley or a damaged belt.

But there’s still much more to know. So, stay with us till the end to learn all the necessary details.

Why Shouldn’t You Put Deodorant on a Timing Belt?- 3 Reasons

There are quite some demerits of using deodorant on your timing belt. Here we have described why we shouldn’t be using it.

Works for a Short Time

Applying deodorant to the timing belt is a short-term remedy. After applying it, the sound stops for a while, but it comes right back. Also, the sound might become much more. That’s because the deodorant will stick to the surfaces in high temperatures.

Battery Might Die

The second reason you shouldn’t apply deodorant is that your battery might die. Applying deodorant will make the timing belt slip. Thus, it won’t be able to spin the alternator properly. 

And, if the alternator fails,  it won’t be able to charge your car battery. As you keep driving, you’ll use up the charge in your battery, but it won’t be able to recharge. Thus, eventually, your battery will die. 

Greases Pulleys and Tensioners 

The timing belt is connected with tensioners and pulleys. If you apply deodorant on the belt, it’s bound to get to the pulleys and tensioners. Eventually, the deodorant will make them greasy. And it’ll greatly affect their functionality. 

Since the deodorant isn’t solving your problem permanently, you’re bound to fix the system some time soon. The mechanic will charge you extra to clean this off when you do. Even if you are a DIY person, it’ll surely take some effort to clean them properly.

Summary:

It’ll only stop the noise for a short time. The alternator might fail causing a dead battery. The deodorant will also grease the pulleys and tensioner.

Squeaky Timing Belt?- Reasons and Solutions

Since applying deodorant isn’t a great idea, what can you do? Here, we have provided some alternate and better solutions for you according to the problem:

Reason 1: Misalignment

Misalignment between the belt and pulley damages your belt significantly. It may cause uneven or excessive tooth wear or even tensile failure. Misalignment is one of the main reasons for belt drive failure. 

Solution: Fix Belt Alignment

In order to prevent and fix these issues, the belt has to be properly aligned. So, how to fix timing belt alignment? 

There are mainly two types of alignment problems you can face. They are: angular and parallel. 

To determine which type of misalignment you have, take a straight edge tool. Choose two pulleys that will be measured to determine alignment. Then put the straight edge tool across the diameter of the pulleys. 

Now see how many points of contact the line has. A properly aligned pulley and belt system will have four points of contact. 

If a pulley has only one contact point, you have an angular misalignment. For that, you have to adjust the angle the pulleys are mounted. Adjust the misaligned pulley so that you get all four contact points.

Moreover, if a pulley has no contact with the straight edge, you get parallel misalignment. In that case, the position of the misaligned pulley has to be adjusted along its axis.

It may even be that you have a combination of parallel and angular misalignment. For that, you have to alternate between the measurements and make proper adjustments. 

When you’re sure that both of them are aligned, compare between two different pulleys. Repeat the process. This way, you can adjust the alignment between your multi-pulley system. Also, check if the belt teeth are properly aligned with the pulley. 

Reason 2: Worn Out Pulley

If the tensioner pulley is worn out, it won’t be able to apply proper tension to the belt. Thus, your belt will make squeaky sounds while running. The engine might overheat and the engine light might also catch fire.

Solution: Replace Pulley

In that case, you have to replace the pulley. So, how to replace worn out pulleys?

Replacing it is a fairly easy process. You’ll need the following tools for it:

1. Ratchet Wrench
2. Socket Set
3. Pulley tensioner bar
4. New pulley

Then, just follow the steps below:

Step 1: Firstly, you’ll have to remove the timing belt. To do that, take your tensioner bar and fix it on the bolt of the pulley. Pull the bar down and go clockwise to remove the belt from the pulley. 

Step 2: Now, take a ratchet with related socket as per your engine nut and bolt requirement. With it, unscrew the bolt from the pulley. Remove the bolt and then pull off the pulley. 

Step 3: Now, take your new pulley and put it in place of the older one. Then, screw in the bolt first with your hand and then with the ratchet.

Step 4: Finally, take the timing belt around the pulley. With your tension bar, push the pulley down, so the belt is loose. Put the belt under the other pulleys. Relieve tension from the pulley you changed.

Speaking of the squeaky timing belt, if you notice a squeaky sunroof, don’t apply WD-40 on the sunroof if you don’t want further damage.

Reason 3: Damaged Timing Belt

A lot of friction and heat is produced within the engine. This heat eventually worms out the timing belt no matter how much you take care of it. Eventually, it’ll be damaged and unfit for driving as it won’t be able to grip the gears.

Solution: Change Timing Belt

If you have a worn-out or damaged timing belt, it’s best to replace it with a new one. There’s a time limit for using your timing belt. So, when to change my timing belt? 

The general rule is to change the belt every 60,000-100,000 miles. However, there should be a different recommended number for your specific model. You can find it in the manual. 

So, how to change the timing belt? First, you’ll need to have these tools:

1. Wrench
2. Pliers
3. Pulley Puller
4. Electric screw drill
5. Hammer
6. Cheater bar and socket
7. Paint, Brush/ Marker

 Here, we have prepared a guide for you:

Step 1: First, you have to take off the serpentine belt. To do it, loosen the nuts with a wrench and push the alternator down. Also, remove any other pulleys that are on top of the timing belt cover.

Try to pull out the pulley with your hands. You’ll have to use a puller to pull it out if you can’t. Install the puller tool on the pulley by attaching the bolts which hold them. Then, just tighten the puller bolt, and it should come off. 

Step 2: You have to unbolt the top and bottom timing cover bolts. For that, just take off the bolts with the wrench.

Step 3: You need to memorize how the belt lines up with the cogs. So, take some paint, a brush, or a marker and mark the pulleys and the belt.

There are timing marks on the camshaft, crankshaft and on the engine body. Although, due to dirt or damage, these marks might become less visible overtime. In that case, mark both the sprocket and the timing belt at the point of contact aligning with the mark on the engine body. 

Then, you’ll be able to match the point of contact when you reattach the timing belt.

Step 4: Now, loosen the bolt on the tensioner pulley with a wrench. Take your pliers and with them, push down on the pulley. Tighten the pulley bolt to make it stay in the loose position. This will allow you to remove the belt.

Step 5: Now, you can just pull the old timing belt out easily.

Step 6: Finally, take your new timing belt and slip the belt onto the cogs. Do it according to the marks you’ve marked earlier in step 3. There are also timing belt books you can purchase that show the lineups.

Step 7: Loosen the tensioner pulley bolt to tighten the belt. Adjust the belt tension properly according to your manufacturer’s recommendation. You can watch the video to find out how to adjust the timing belt tension.

Put the bottom timing cover back in place and install the bolts. 

Step 8: Put the harmonic balancer back on. You can firmly hammer it a few times to make it slide in. Then, screw in the bolt. Install the top timing cover. Now, rotate the engine for two complete revolutions with the cheater bar and socket. 

Step 9: Recheck the alignments one more time. If the belt tension is perfect, you’re good to go. But if it isn’t, readjust the tension following step 7.

Step 10: Now, Put the top cover, remove pulleys and serpentine belt on. Make sure the belt is snug properly.

With that, your timing belt has been replaced. Start the engine up to see if the squeaky sound you were facing has gone away. 

How to Maintain a Timing Belt?- 2 Tips

A properly maintained timing belt won’t squeak or cause you any other trouble. You can follow the tips below to properly maintain your timing belt.

Tip 1- Timing Belt Inspection

It is a good practice to inspect your timing belt after every 30000 miles. Check it for frayed edges, cracks, or any sort of damage. Also, check if the belt is missing a tooth or if there’s any oil on the belt.

If that’s the case, it’ll hamper the valve timing. The inlet and outlet valves won’t open and close at the same time.

Also, check if the timing belt and its surroundings are clean. A dirty timing belt will be prone to premature wear and tear.

Tip 2- Inspecting Timing belt Tension

Check to see if the timing belt is properly tensioned. A loose timing belt will skip teeth and cause engine misfire. And, if it’s too tight, it’ll cause premature wear on both the engine compartments and itself.

Also, check if the tensioner works properly. If it’s faulty, the timing belt will become misaligned due to improper tension. 

Although your timing belt doesn’t need lubrication, you can lubricate the timing chain.

In case, you wonder whether your car’s timing belt can affect power steering, check this out to know the facts.

Summary:

Check the belt after every 30000 miles for damage, missing tooth, and dirt. Also, check if the belt is properly tensioned and the tensioner works properly.

FAQs

Bottom Line!!

Now we want to hear from you. 

Did you get to know all about how you can put deodorant on a timing belt?

Here’s a parting tip. We suggest using modern EPDM belts for longevity and smooth experience.

Thanks for staying with us till the end.