Timing belts and chains are vital parts of an engine that contribute to an engine’s smooth operation, and every car is designed with either a timing belt or timing chain. No car has both.
Despite their similar responsibility; there are slight differences between these two. That leaves you wondering what could be the difference between a timing belt and a timing chain.
Timing Chain
The timing chain is part of a system internal combustion engine that helps to synchronize the camshaft and crankshaft so that your vehicle’s engine valves can easily open and close appropriately during each exhaust strokes and cylinder’s intake.
Timing chains have a longer lifespan, and from timing chain vs timing belt cost analysis, chains are more expensive, but they don’t need frequent replacement. They also help drive the cams and support to operate valves that deliver fuel to the extracts and combustion chambers.
In other words, the timing chain plays the role of a connection link, connecting both the upper part of your vehicle’s engine (valves and cylinder heads) and also the lower part which includes the (crankcase and piston).
It looks like the chain found in a bicycle and it makes more noise than a timing belt. Proper synchronization between strokes occurring and the valve timing in the car’s cylinders is necessary for the provision of good engine performance, adequate power supply, and good fuel management.
The crankshaft’s four-stroke engines rotate twice faster than that of the camshaft, and the timing belt is needed to synchronize them.
One of the disadvantages of the timing belt is that it tends to stretch after a certain period of use, which makes banging and scratching noises when driving.
Damage to your vehicle’s timing chain tensioner can cause it to decline during an engine operation.
Timing Belt
Timing belts make less noise when compared to timing chains and direct transmission.
They also possess less friction, which helps achieve less contact with the piston and valves, preventing the valves from striking the piston. The timing belt has a tooth-like shape or a round belt with teeth on the surface.
A timing belt has the same functions as the timing chain and even in the same manner, but instead of chains, they are made of rubber and fiberglass. The belt is used to control the camshaft’s operation and it’s mounted on the ribbed gears close to the ends of the camshafts and crank.
Timing belts have a lesser lifespan than the timing chain. They are lighter, less expensive, and operate more quietly.
A timing belt also connects the engine camshaft to the crankshaft or the other way around so that the valves open and closes rhythmically in link to the piston’s position.
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