How to tell if a car has a timing belt or chain

Today we are going to learn about a vitally important element in our car's engine. You already know that there are engines that carry Timing belt, while others use a distribution chain. In some older engines the pinion cascade system was also used, but it was a minimal use.

In this article we are going to teach you identify with a quick visual inspection in the engine compartment if we are dealing with a model with a belt or chain for distribution. We will also talk about what the distribution itself is, as well as the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of each of the distribution systems.

What is distribution and what is it for?

La distribution of a car is an essential system. takes care of synchronization crankshaft turning -with the corresponding rise and fall of pistons- with the opening and closing of valves (Moved by the or Camshafts). Keep in mind that the crankshaft rotates at thousands of revolutions per minute, so it must function perfectly.

In case the distribution fails, the valves will open when the piston reaches Top Dead Center (PMS) and a very serious fault. Practically, the engine will have to be completely rebuilt, changing valves and pistons and checking the rest of the mechanical parts. That is why everything must work properly and it is important to carry out the corresponding maintenance.

Related article:

The piston, heart of the engine: what is it, function, parts, characteristics, price

Visually check if we have a timing belt or chain

Depending on the vehicle it will be easier or more complicated to find some detail that tells us by quick visual inspection if that particular car has a timing chain or belt. You already know that we do not always have a wide engine compartment with a lot of space, to which we must add that some have many bulky covers that prevent us from seeing much.

First we must identify the type of motor based on its placement, that is, we must know if it is a transverse or longitudinal engine. It is usually very easy to detect. In the case of transverse engines, as a general rule, distribution usually goes on the right side of the vehicle, to the left as we look at it from the front. Meanwhile, in longitudinal engines it is usual to go in the front, in the part closest to the bumper. In any case, there can always be exceptions.

We will almost always have the auxiliary strap system at a glance. This belt or belts, you know, are responsible for moving auxiliary systems such as the Alternator, Water Pump or the compressor air conditioner among others. Usually, the distribution system is located behind these auxiliary belts, also known as accessory strap.

However, for safety usually well covered in both timing belt and chain systems. However, when the distribution is made by chain these lids are metallic. Keep in mind that when this transmission is carried out by chain, the system is lubricated with oil. Added to this is that an adjustment system for the chain tensioner can be seen from the outside.

When the distribution is by belt there's no lubrication, so it doesn't need to be that tight. However, it is important to protect it from dust, dirt or other elements that would accelerate the wear and degradation of the toothed belt. Also, let's not forget the habit of some animals of getting into the engine compartment to take shelter in winter. It is usually protected with plastic caps Quite sturdy, but somewhat flexible.

Chain vs. Strap

A few years ago practically all engines used a timing belt., with very few chain drives. In addition, those equipped with a chain used to be large engines, with a lot of force. However, this trend has changed in recent years and there are already many mechanics with a timing chain, even in engines of around 1.0 liters of gasoline.

By the way, since we have mentioned gasoline engines, whether an engine is diesel or gasoline does not influence whether it uses a timing chain or belt.

It is not smart to say that the chain is better than the strap, or vice versa. They are different systems and each one has its advantages and disadvantages. What is true is that both systems have improved a lot in recent years, both in reliability and in operation and efficiency.

Related article:

Timing belt: breakage, change, prices, better chain?

Distribution chain

Chain Advantages

The main advantage of the timing chain is that, in theory, it is created to withstand the entire life of the car. In other words, it does not require scheduled maintenance, which for many customers who do many kilometers can tip the balance for one model or another (or one engine or another). Thus we should save enough in car maintenance over the years.

But of course, as always when talking about a mechanical element, breakdowns can occur. Due to the price of the components and the greater difficulty of access, in this case, the repair is much more expensive than in the case of the strap. This means that a single failure could lose all or part of the saving of the chain compared to the belt.

Chain Disadvantages

Meanwhile, the main disadvantage of the distribution chain it is a noisy system. We are talking about a metallic chain that transmits the movement between the sprockets, turning all of this at many revolutions per minute. Obviously, and although it has improved a lot in recent times, it is noticeable more than the strap. Finally, they are more expensive components that partially raise the final price of the vehicle.

Timing belt

Advantages of the strap

The timing belt has the advantage that it is a cheapest system to manufacture and, therefore, the cost of the engine (and the car) is cheaper. Furthermore, it is a remarkably more silence while using the vehicle, improving driving comfort. For mechanics it is also easier to handle when going through the workshop.

The timing belt is made of synthetic materials such as rubber or rubber, having internal teeth to ensure that there is no slippage between the pulleys and the belt itself.

Related article:

Timing belt

Disadvantages of the strap

The main drawback is that the strap does require maintenance and it is very important to follow the deadlines. In cars from 15 or 20 years ago, it used to be recommended to replace the belt and the entire distribution kit at around 80.000 kilometers although, like everything else, there were manufacturers that lengthened it and others that shortened it. In the current ones, maintenance has been quite lengthy, so much so that it is common to find programs that recommend doing it around 150.000 kilometers or even more.

Accessory belt to move other auxiliary systems, such as the air conditioning compressor.

How much does it cost to change the timing belt

Contrary to what many users think, the timing kit for a belt driven car is not too expensive. The problem is that it is a laborious operation and that it takes many hours of labor, so the timing belt change operation rises. Likewise, there are cars in which it is simpler and others in which it is complicated, forcing to disassemble more or less components. The replacement cost is usually between 600 and 1.200 euros approximately.

Images 2, 4 and 5 – 3ndymion, Pete, Matt