contents
- How does a timing chain work?
- Timing chain or toothed belt: what’s the difference?
- Maintenance and care of the timing chain
- Change the timing chain
- Is there a timing belt or timing chain in my car?
- How long does the timing chain last?
- Conclusion
How does a timing chain work?
Timing chains have been installed in internal combustion engines since the beginning of the 20th century. They transmit the rotary motion of the crankshaft to the camshaft to ensure that pistons move and that the intake and exhaust valves in the cylinder open and close at the right time. Thus, the timing chain ensures that all essential components of the internal combustion engine interact in the correct sequence and move the car.
Timing chain or toothed belt: what’s the difference?
In addition to the one that is installed much more frequently today Timing belt made of rubber or rubber, the timing chain can be used as a simple simplex or double duplex roller chain. Although it requires more space in the engine compartment, the timing chain has the advantage over toothed belts that it can transmit greater forces and bridge the gaps between engine components better. Timing chains will be happy accordingly in more powerful engines used – car manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes or Porsche have traditionally built timing chains almost exclusively.
Maintenance and care of the timing chain
If the timing chain or toothed belt quit their service, you may have to contact one Total loss of the engine calculate because the processes get mixed up. Compared to the toothed belt, however, this risk is much lower with the more robust timing chain. Because while a toothed belt has to be changed more often due to its material, they are Maintenance intervals a timing chain much less often.
Nevertheless, the interaction of pistons and valves in the engine only works if the timing chain is always oiled, clean and taut. With increasing use, chain links can become lengths and disturb the processes in the engine. In the worst case, the timing chain can skip or tear. And guide elements of the timing chain, such as slide and tensioning rails, are also subject to wear and should be checked regularly.
They are possible causes of a defect the timing chain:
- Timing chain wear at high mileage
- Lengthening of the timing chain, i.e. decreasing tension
- Lack of oil in the timing chain or poor oil quality
- Exceeding the specified service life
Whether the timing chain is worn or has lost tension with advanced mileage can be determined, for example, with a Rattles or clicks can be recognized immediately after a cold start or, even better, with the help of a Diagnostic device in the workshop.
The skill Signs of a defective timing chain be:
- Rattling, clacking, scraping or grinding when starting the engine from a cold slightly above idle speed
- Unusual noises when driving
- Clearly noticeable rattling in the area of the timing drive when the bonnet is open
- Increased fuel consumption of the engine
- The engine runs unevenly and loses power
Change the timing chain
Should you actually have to change the timing chain, professional help is recommended: Because that Removal of the timing chain is complex and when inserting the correct connection from camshaft to crankshaft must be guaranteed in any case.
Because a repair in the workshop is in the four-digit euro range, it may be worth taking a look when buying a used car known timing chain problems of the manufacturer or the vehicle model. At best, the timing chain has already been changed for affected used vehicles or the manufacturer’s goodwill regulations apply in the event of damage.
Is there a timing belt or timing chain in my car?
You can find out whether your car has a timing chain from a professional in the workshop or by looking at yours Service booklet – if no timing belt change is noted there, you are driving with a timing chain.
How long does the timing chain last?
Whether timing belt or timing chain – it always applies that an internal combustion engine requires regular care and maintenance in order to last a long time: Regular oil changes and the Check the engine and its add-on parts are popular for service in the workshop. Because if the timing chain and guide elements are always well lubricated, you can prevent or at least delay any weak points in the engine function. So there is a good chance that you will not have to change the timing chain during the entire life of the car.
Conclusion
The timing chain is essential for ensuring that the internal combustion engine runs correctly. In some car models, it is installed instead of a toothed belt and scores with a larger one Robustness and durability. Nevertheless, the timing chain can be so heavily used or worn out over the life of a car that it has to be replaced. Noticeable noises or a the engine runs unevenly indicate a possible defect in the timing chain. If you recognize this in good time, you can have the timing chain replaced and avoid engine damage.