Either timing belts or timing chains are used to synchronize the rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft in internal combustion engines. As a vehicle owner, you don’t have any choice to select between a timing belt or a timing chain. Because any one of these is fitted by the car manufacturer.
You can not decide to replace the timing belt with a timing chain or vice-versa. Each of them has its advantages and limitations. In this article, we will discuss the difference between Timing Belt vs Timing Chain. To understand the difference between timing belt and timing chain. First, we need to understand the timing belt and timing chain.
What is Timing Belt?
The timing belt is a type of synchronous belt manufactured from reinforced rubber with fiberglass consisting of teeth similar to gears. Multiple pulleys (such as driver, Driven, and Idler) along with timing belts are used to transfer synchronous motion from one shaft to another shaft.
Since timing belts are manufactured with rubber, they wear out during operation and need to be replaced after a certain time. For example, a car timing belt needs to be replaced after an approximately 60,000 km run.
What is Timing Chain?
The Timing chain utilizes metal sprockets and chains to transfer synchronous motion from one shaft to another. Tear and wear in timing chain parts are negligible compared to timing belts because they are manufactured in metal. Therefore generally timing belts very rarely require maintenance in their complete life cycle.
But this comes with the disadvantage of the requirement of continuous lubrication. Therefore timing chains are generally housed inside the engine and get lubrication from engine oil for efficient Operation.
In old designs, timing chains were noisy and caused vibrations in the engine. But this scenario is improving with new designs. This is the reason most luxury car manufacturers incorporate timing chains instead of timing belts.
Timing Belt vs Timing chains
| Parameter | Timing Belt | Timing Chain |
|---|---|---|
| Application Example | Both have applications in internal combustion engines to coordinate the rotation between camshaft and crankshaft. Therefore they ensure that inlet and outlet valves always open and close on time. | |
| Material | Reinforced Rubber | Metal |
| Noise and Vibrations | Low | High, But improved designs have low voice and vibrations. |
| Lifespan | Need Replacement after certain time period. | Can work till product lifetime. |
| Lubrication | Not Required | Get lubrication from engine oil. |
| Size | Relatively Large | Compact |
| Cost | Low | High |
Commonly Asked Questions
Both have their advantages and limitations. Timing belts are low in cost and during operation noise and vibrations are also small. Whereas timing chains are high in cost but they have a relatively long life.
It can cause heavy damage to the engine.
The timing Belt Does not require any lubrication. Whereas the timing chain lies inside the engine. Therefore gets lubrication from the engine.
We will keep adding more information on the difference between timing belt vs timing chain. Please add your suggestions, comments, or questions on the timing belt vs timing chain in the comment box.
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