Despite their similar names, timing belts and timing chains are not the same components. Note that a timing chain is a physical linked chain, like a bicycle chain. This is opposed to the rubber loop typically found in a standard cambelt setup. Each configuration has upsides and downsides.
With competitive price and timely delivery, SBT sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
The main benefit of a timing chain is that its metal construction makes it much more hardwearing, and far less prone to periodic replacement. Timing chains need constant lubrication to function properly, are louder in operation than rubber or fabric-type belts and can cause far more severe and widespread damage on the rare occasions that they fail catastrophically.
Moreover, timing chain tensioners are controlled by engine oil pressure. This means it becomes even more critical to maintain this at the correct bar level at all times. By contrast, water pump pressure dictates the proper functioning of cambelt tensioners, which is why you’ll often get a recommendation to replace your water pump at the same time as having a new timing belt fitted.
We know that a cambelt is a vital component of internal combustion engines. However, what does a timing belt do, exactly, and how do different types of timing belts play similarly crucial roles in a variety of other systems and mechanisms?
Timing belts are typically ridged with a circumference of protruding rubber teeth, and in an engine, it’s these teeth that enable the loop of timing belt material to turn the camshafts via the crankshaft as the various parts rotate at a consistent ratio of speed. Together, these components are thus responsible for opening and closing the intake and exhaust valves in an engine.
When a cambelt is in good working order and functioning correctly, the opening and closing of these valves are maintained at an optimal rhythm to match the up-and-down motion of pistons within the engine’s cylinders, allowing for the smooth and efficient functioning of the entire apparatus as the engine cycles through each of its various strokes (usually intake, compression, power, and exhaust).
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Automotive Timing Belts.
In the case of a broken or failing timing belt, engine valves can be left stuck in an open position. This risks serious damage to the mechanism of so-called interference engines if they can be struck repeatedly by the pistons. Non-interference engines avoid this particular complication by keeping the valves and pistons separately confined. However, the engine will still be immobilised without a functioning cambelt installed.
As timing belts loop around a series of pulleys to connect up all the relevant engine components in sequence, they tend to rely on a number of tensioners to keep the ideal tension on the belt along its full length. These will usually need to be replaced along with new cambelts, as they’re almost always roughly the same age as the main belt and have a similar expected lifespan.
Due to the particular role timing belts play in synchronising the rotation speed of two differently sized shafts, there are many variables to be taken into consideration when assessing the correct belt size for the application and system you need it to fit.
Key factors to consider include cambelt width, material, and the number of teeth or pitch. Common timing belt pitch ratings include 3mm, 5mm and 8mm, but the correct choice will depend entirely on the specifics of your system or project, as well as overall power transmission requirements and the various shaft speeds in the mechanism it’s being fitted to.
Both the environment in which the timing belt is being fitted to work in and the subsequent suitability of material choices will also have a profound impact on the precise sizing and configuration of the best timing belt for your needs.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Audi Timing Belt Replacement. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.