Changing the timing belt is one of those things that scare car owners the most because it is a long and usually very expensive job when done by a mechanic. Most of the time, it is simply the chain tensioner that malfunctions, not always the belt (unless it is really old). Most of the time the belt breaks due to a too compressed pulley or a broken chain tensioner causing it to come into contact with the belt cover itself.
Steps
Step 1. Listen
A broken chain tensioner will normally make noise. It could be some kind of squeak or rattle coming from the belt cover. Also, if the chain tensioner is loose, there will be problems with the maneuverability of the machine when there is a lot of weight or at high revs. If the chain tensioner is not tight enough, it will not keep the valves properly synchronized at the lower end and this will cause jamming, loss of energy, engine shutdowns or even inability to start.
Step 2. With the engine running, stand on the side of the car where the pulleys are and try to figure out where the noise is coming from
If you hear noise coming from the engine and not from the machine accessories, it will probably be the belt rattling due to the low tension of the chain tensioner.
Step 3. With the engine stopped, remove the accessories from the front of the machine so that you can remove all the covers
Once done, check how tight the belt is. There should be some slack on the opposite side of the chain tensioner, but not too much.
Step 4. With all covers removed, check the movement of the idlers and the tension itself
You will see well if something is broken.