The gas distribution mechanism is an integral part of the design of any vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine. Its main element, which must be given special attention, is the timing system drive, which connects the crankshaft and camshafts with a rigid coupling and ensures the synchronous operation of the pistons with the valves.
The best timing manufacturers
Like any mechanical element, the timing drive requires regular maintenance and replacement: even in those systems that are declared by the manufacturer as maintenance-free, experienced mechanics recommend preventive replacement at intervals of 200-250 thousand kilometers. As consumables, it is best to prefer the products of the following manufacturers:
-
Lemfoerder
-
Sachs
-
Boge
-
Continental
-
Ina
-
TRW
-
Reinz
Before giving a choice in favor of this or that brand, you should study the lists of manufacturers who are suppliers to the conveyor of a particular car brand. For example, choosing a timing belt for BMW and preferring an original spare part, with a 90% probability it can be argued that a part made by INA or Lemfoerder will arrive in a box with the manufacturer's logo.
Timing types
There are currently two main types of the gas distribution mechanism drive.
Timing belt drive
It is a special belt made of cord fabric rubber. The inner side has pronounced teeth designed to firmly engage the drive and driven gears. It is installed, as a rule, under a special cover on the front of the engine and requires regular replacement – about once every 50-60 thousand kilometers.
Advantages
-
Reliable construction;
-
You can replace it at almost any service station;
-
Inexpensive;
-
A wide variety of models in different price ranges;
disadvantages
-
In order to replace the timing belt for some car models (for example, Audi), you need to disassemble half of the engine compartment;
-
Replacement every 50-60 thousand kilometers;
-
They require careful monitoring of the condition of the belt;
Timing chain drive
It is considered more reliable and unpretentious in operation. Many car manufacturers position it as maintenance-free, but service manuals speak of the need to replace it every 200-250 thousand kilometers. Gears are used instead of belt tensioners in this situation.
Advantages
-
Long service life;
-
Durability and reliability;
disadvantages
-
The complexity of the replacement, the need for special devices;
-
During maintenance, they often require replacement of additional elements – tensioners, dampers, guide sprockets;
-
More expensive compared to belt drive;
-
The chain tends to stretch and jump, as a result of which the car stops working correctly;
Timing drive selection parameters
Finding a quality timing drive is easy. All that the user needs is to read the operating instructions for the car and clearly follow it when choosing. In addition, you can also read the reviews of experienced users on the Internet, highlighting both the weak and strong points of a particular manufacturer.
It is necessary to consider the choice of a timing belt with reference to a specific car brand and its type.
Choosing a timing belt for prior
Without exception, all engines installed on Lada Priora are equipped with a timing belt drive, which experienced car owners recommend changing as often as possible. The optimal replacement interval is every 20-30 thousand kilometers. In their opinion, the domestic manufacturer Balakovo has the best price-quality ratio – it is he who is the supplier to the conveyor for AvtoVAZ. Speaking of imported components, great belts can be found in Continental, Dayco, Gates catalogs.
Choosing a timing belt for a grant
The structural similarity of Lada Granta with other AvtoVAZ models can be seen with the naked eye, including the timing drive. The belt drive also requires regular replacement, and among manufacturers, car owners recommend paying attention to the products of Dayco, TRW, Ruville.
Choosing a timing belt for viburnum
Lada Kalina is a people's car, undemanding in maintenance and unpretentious in operation. The timing belt drive, installed under its front cover, requires replacement every 40-50 thousand kilometers. You can prefer both the original belt with the AvtoVAZ brand, and its analogues produced by Balakovo, TRW, Gates;
Choosing a timing belt for Logan
A foreign car Renault Logan can be called a stretch: its production has been established in our country for a very long time. A simple and unpretentious 1.4-liter engine has a belt drive of the gas distribution mechanism, which requires replacement every 50-60 thousand kilometers. The products of such manufacturers as Ruville, Gates, Ina are recommended as used spare parts.
!
In the following articles, we will reveal all the secrets of choosing the right air filter and the subtleties of choosing an engine oil.
Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.