Supply chain: service, change and price

Some cars do not have a timing belt, but there is engine chain. Stronger, the timing chain has no replacement intervals and can last the entire life of your vehicle. However, it must be in good condition so as not to age prematurely. The timing chain is also heavier, so you consume more fuel.

⛓️ Timing chain or belt?

Как timing belt, distribution chain is a fundamental part of your engine as it controls and synchronizes multiple organs:camshaftthen crankshaft и injection pump... In most cases, the timing chain also drives water pump.

Thus, the distribution circuit is involved in the combustion of the engine, since it is its action that allows synchronization of opening and closing. valves through the camshaft. It also helps cool the engine through the water pump.

While the timing belt is rubber, the chain is steel. As such, it is significantly more durable than a belt and also has a much longer life span as it can generally last the lifetime of your vehicle, unlike a timing belt which needs to be replaced periodically.

However, the timing chain has some disadvantages compared to the belt:

• Son the weight : a heavier chain leads to higher fuel consumption and environmental pollution.
• Son noise : Timing chain steel is noisier when running than belt.
• Son The Grand Prix : in case of damage or breakage, the timing chain is more expensive than the belt. It doesn't need to be replaced periodically, however, and you end up costing less over the life of the vehicle.

Another difference with the timing belt: the timing chain is constantly flooded with water.machine oil in a sealed case. Therefore, in order to properly maintain the timing chain, it is important to ensure that it is properly lubricated. To do this, you must make sure that you change the oil at the intervals recommended by your manufacturer.

As with the belt, the timing chain is tensioned by stretched... The channel also has hobby which guide it in the engine.

🚗 Which vehicles have a distribution network?

The trade chain enjoyed some popularity among manufacturers in the 1990s. Today, because its weight leads to more fuel consumption and therefore more pollution, the supply chain is less privileged than a belt that is lighter but also quieter.

However, many engines still have a timing chain as it remains more economical throughout the life of the vehicle and, above all, is much more stable. Here is a partial list of vehicles with a distribution chain:

• . Mercedes engines all chains;
• . BMW Diesel cars and in general most BMW engines;
• . Mini from 2011 to 2014;
• Most Saab Diesel ;
• Most cars are equipped with Hyundai and Kia CRDI engine ;
• Almost all Toyota D4-D engines as well as the manufacturer's hybrid engines;
• Most of anything Honda engines after 2005;
• Most Kia, Hyundai and Mazda engines ;
• Some rare Renault (Scenic 2.0, Laguna 2.0 and 3.0, 1.6 dCi, 1.7 dCi and 2.0 dCi engines and TCE engines).

We can add Opel, Audi or Volkswagen engines. Outside Germany and Asia, timing chain engines are less common: a few Peugeot or Ford, as well as a few Chrysler.

🔧 Is it worth changing the supply chain?

The timing belt wears out, so it needs to be changed periodically, every 160 kilometers ou every 5-6 years average. A timing chain, on the other hand, can last the entire life of your vehicle if properly cared for.

However, you must remember to periodically change the oil in the engine in which the timing chain is filled. In addition, it is important to periodically check the timing chain when your car starts to reach mileage, every 200 kilometers about.

🗓️ When to change the supply chain?

The timing chain has no replacement intervals, unlike the belt. This saves on maintenance as it costs on average to change the timing belt. 600 €.

The fact remains: the timing chain can wear out prematurely, fail or even break, even if it is much stronger than the belt. This is often due to poor maintenance of the chain, which must be constantly doused with oil.

If this is not changed and the timing chain is not properly lubricated, it will wear out faster and will have to be replaced to prevent damage. Do not delay replacing the timing chain if it is damaged, as a break could be serious for your engine and could break on its own.

The distribution chain can also relax over time. In this case, you can usually re-tension it without changing it, unlike the timing belt, which must always be replaced if it sags or comes off.

⚠️ What are the symptoms of the HS timing chain?

Even if it does not have a replacement interval, the timing chain may be damaged or sag. Here are the symptoms of a sagging timing chain:

• Extended or offset chain about its axis;
• sound abnormal, usually clicking sound;
• Presence metal particles In oil.

An open or slack in the timing chain will also affect the performance of your engine. Then you will experience the following symptoms:

• Power loss ;
• Difficult start ;
• Breakdowns and jerks ;
• Engine light is on ;
• Engine vibration.

💶 What is the distribution chain price?

The price of a timing chain is usually higher than a belt. If you need to count 600 € average to change the timing belt, the price of changing the chain can go up to 1500 €... This price is due, in part, to the disassembly time, since many parts must be put in to access the chain.

Simultaneously with the latter, the rest of the timing kit is changed, which includes the tensioners and timing shoes, as well as the water pump when it is part of it and is not driven by the auxiliary belt.

If the timing chain is loose, it can usually be tightened without changing it. Calculate the price 150 € to tighten up your distribution chain.

That's it, you know everything about the timing chain and how it differs from the belt! As you can see, the chain has many advantages over the timing belt. Its main quality is strength, which guarantees a longer service life than a belt.