MOSCOW, December 7 - RIA Novosti, Sergey Belousov. The timing drive (timing) is still a stumbling block for designers and the subject of heated debate among car owners. At modern motors the most popular foreign cars in Russia - Kia Rio And Hyundai Solaris- installed chain drive Timing, which the owners of these machines are incredibly happy about. In the same time Volkswagen concern AG decided to abandon the problematic piece of iron in favor of a belt when creating latest version 1.4 liter turbocharged engine EA211/CZCA, which is now installed on VW Polo sedans, liftbacks that are in demand in our country Skoda Rapid and Octavia, as well as some Audi models. The chain is more reliable - some say, but the belt is lighter and lasts almost longer in modern units - others fend off. RIA Novosti, together with experts, found out what are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of timing drive.
chained
It is widely believed among motorists that the timing chain is more proven: it never breaks and is designed for long term operation. However, not everything is so clear. According to Pavel Kuznetsov, head coach of Rolf Yug, the chain drive is designed for the entire life of the engine, but its real resource directly depends on driving style. The fact is that the chain tends to stretch, and its condition must be monitored no less than the condition of the belt. For example, among fans of chip tuning and adherents of an aggressive driving style and fast speeds this node serves only 60-80 thousand kilometers. For an ordinary owner, it will be enough for 200 thousand kilometers of carefree driving.
“The service life of the timing chain depends not only on the operating conditions of the car, but also on its mass,” adds Dmitry Parbukov, head coach of the Audi Center Varshavka. “In addition to a sharp change in engine load, the resource of such a drive is reduced due to untimely replacement motor oil".
According to Aleksey Balashov, director of the Avilon Hyundai service department, the manufacturer recommends checking the chain once every 100 thousand kilometers: in this case, it is possible to timely detect a malfunction of the tensioners and sprockets of the gas distribution mechanism.
Everyone knows that eternal cars, like perpetual motion machines, can not be. How to recognize the imminent death of the timing chain drive and what will happen if these signals are neglected? Dmitry Parbukov assures that the probability of breaking the original chain is extremely low. Over time, it can stretch out, then when the engine starts, the driver will hear a characteristic rattle. In the future, such sounds will be accompanied by the entire operation of the motor. IN modern machines report a malfunction on-board computer It means that you need to urgently go to the service.
“Up to a certain point, the tensioner compensates for the tension. After, during a cold start of the engine, the chain links on the gear may jump, a blow will occur piston group valves - all this will entail costly repairs. In rare cases, a break can occur," says Pavel Kuznetsov.
"The high cost of repair is due to the complex design of the chain drive: the chain is usually located in hard to reach place. Plus, it is heavier and noisier,” adds Aleksey Balashov. In addition, a car with a timing chain drive and a mechanical transmission cannot be left “in gear” when parking on a slope: the moment transmitted from the wheels through the box will affect crankshaft, after which the chain stretch will manifest itself faster. Pavel Kuznetsov advises using a handbrake in such cases.
Why do manufacturers use chains? According to Balashov, such a timing drive is compact, able to transmit more power at the same size. It allows you to apply layout solutions that are not possible with a belt: for example, the location of the timing mechanism at the rear of the engine. With a chain, you can make the motor more compact, which in harsh conditions environmental restrictions allows you to gain a competitive advantage. According to Kuznetsov, turbocharged engines are often equipped with such a drive, on which, after a “turbo lag”, a sharp, one might say, shock increase in torque follows.
All belts?
But what about cars? concern VAG who decided to suddenly ditch the chain in favor of a belt on one of their most popular engines? "The transition from timing chains to belts is due to the advent of modern materials, - says the head coach of "Rolf Yug". - Once the service life of the timing belt did not exceed 40 thousand kilometers, the chain drive was then presented as a "unit for the entire service life", but, as we already understood, this is not so. With the advent of durable materials, belts began to serve 150-180 thousand kilometers and withstand sudden loads. So the manufacturers began to return to the belt drive."
Belts are lighter, they do not need oil to operate, the engines are quieter, besides, it is cheaper for the automaker to produce such units, and it is easier for the consumer to repair them. IN official instructions To Lada Vesta and XRAY is told that the replacement drive belt Timing on 1.6-liter 16-valve VAZ-21129 units is carried out every 180 thousand kilometers. It would seem that there is nothing to think: the belt is definitely better. But this is not entirely true either.
For example, a 1.6 liter Renault engines K4M (and this popular models Logan, Sandero, Duster) the belt together with the rollers must be changed every 60 thousand kilometers. The service life can be significantly reduced if it gets on the belt technical fluids, for example, oils from internal combustion engines. You also need to monitor the condition of the rollers and toothed pulleys. Usually a harbinger of a break is a suspicious noise from the engine.
"In case of improper maintenance the belt will break, and this will happen at the most inopportune time,” explains the director of the Avilon Hyundai service department. “It is impossible to determine the remaining life of the belt, so it must be changed by mileage or by time.”
The head coach "Rolf Yug" advises when operating a car in the city to calculate the replacement time not by mileage, but by engine hours. In conditions of constant traffic jams, as well as when exposed to dust, sand and dirt, the belt quickly becomes unusable and simply breaks. On most modern engines, when a belt breaks, an impact occurs piston-cylinder group valves, resulting in costly repairs. By the way, on older cars, the manufacturer constructively excluded such an outcome.
Experts interviewed by RIA Novosti could not unequivocally answer the question about the cost of replacing the timing belt and chain. Dmitry Parbukov and Aleksey Balashov believe that the belt drive is cheaper and easier to replace. The manufacturer provides a replacement in the composition Maintenance, therefore, it is a less expensive pleasure than replacing the chain, when you need to disassemble most of the engine.
Pavel Kuznetsov claims that the cost of replacing the timing chain and timing belt is about the same. The fact is that the price of work varies depending on the configuration of the accompanying attachments- these are rollers, tensioners, and dampers are also needed for the timing chain. As a rule, the timing belt also rotates the cooling system pump - it should also be replaced along with the belt, which makes the service more expensive. In a chain drive, the pump is most often driven by a separate belt.
The gas distribution mechanism of modern engines for cars. Chain or belt drive.
The timing chain drive has a longer history of use, but the timing belt is used more and more often and is installed on all large quantity engines.
Such giants of the global automotive industry as Volkswagen and Toyota use a timing belt drive system even on their V-shaped six-cylinder and eight-cylinder engines. But the chain transmission of the timing mechanism does not give up its positions. The chain is traditionally used on German Opel and BMW. Let's see what's the difference?
Timing chain drive, pros and cons
Chain transmission in gas distribution mechanisms has been used for a long time and successfully. However, there are some nuances here as well. This type of transmission often gives itself out as a metallic "rattling" during operation. This small flaw, since, the current engine manufacturers are enough great attention pay both to noise reduction of engines, and soundproofing of interiors of cars.
In the vast majority of vehicles well-known manufacturers engine noise in the car is almost not felt. Recently, the installation of single-row chains has come into fashion. This reduces noise, but also reduces reliability. Breaking such a circuit can lead to quite unpleasant problems.
The advantage of a two-row chain is that if one branch breaks, the engine will continue to run. It is sometimes quite difficult to diagnose the state of the circuit only by the noise level, since the noise of the circuit merges with the operation of other systems and mechanisms of the engine, but the repair can be fully compared with the overhaul of the engine.
Often, to replace the timing belt, you have to remove both the engine itself and the cylinder head. Therefore, when buying a new car, you should pay close attention to diagnostics. However, the chain also has quite serious advantages.
It is not affected by atmospheric factors, it is not afraid of either moisture or sand. During operation, the metal chain practically does not stretch, and this, in turn, guarantees precise observance of the valve timing even at the limiting engine operating conditions.
Timing belt drive
Considering belt driven engines, it is worth noting that timing belts are made from high quality elastic materials. Due to this, arising during engine operation torsional vibration extinguished sufficiently. And it prolongs life a lot. camshafts. As they say, the engine runs softer.
Diagnosis of the belt is also not difficult. Its condition can even be assessed visually. If signs of wear are detected, the belt is simply changed. It is also recommended to change the timing belts upon reaching a certain resource.
With a fairly low price, both the belt itself and its replacement, it has long been in the category of consumables. The use of a belt drive allows the engine itself to be made both smaller and lighter. There are, however, obvious downsides.
Under the influence of temperatures, elasticity is lost, the ingress of water, oil, dust, reduces the resource and leads to the so-called aging. A broken belt can lead to a rather complicated and expensive repair.
What is better?
Having made a comparison, it is quite difficult to unambiguously answer the question. Manufacturers widely use both the first and second options. Volkswagen began to put a belt on almost all engines, and BMW remained more an adherent of a chain drive.
On some Audi engines the manufacturer uses both the chain and the belt at the same time. The belt controls one of the camshafts, and the chain synchronizes their work.
What type of timing your engine will have is not so important. The main thing to remember is that the belt is consumable, therefore, it should be changed on time and only high-quality and from well-known manufacturers should be used. The condition of the chain also needs to be monitored, and if the question arose of replacing it, then change it. In any case, the choice is yours, or rather, the manufacturer.
» What to choose: chain or belt, poles and cons
Car buyers often wonder what is better to choose a timing chain or timing belt?
In the driving environment whole line critical issues that do not have a clear answer. These include, for example, disputes about mechanical transmission and "automatic", front and rear wheel drive, gasoline or diesel engine version, etc. The dilemma between the chain and belt drive of the gas distribution mechanism is also very relevant, and there is no single correct solution to this issue.
Features of the timing chain device.
If almost all motorists are familiar with a belt drive, then the use of a chain as a timing part is much less common, which means that not everyone has come across it. Most older models of engines used double row chains which were almost impossible to break. It stands on toothed gears and actuated the gas distribution mechanism, synchronizing the work with the flywheel. crankshaft. Today, single-row chains are used, reminiscent of the chain of a conventional bicycle. During operation, it receives constant oil lubrication, which not only facilitates operation, but also reduces its heating. Due to the need to install an additional bath with lubrication, the block and cylinder head need to be seriously lengthened, which negatively affects the size of the motor and weight.
Advantages and disadvantages of using a chain in a gas distribution mechanism.
The main advantage of the timing chain transmission is an increased resource that is absolutely independent of the vehicle operation factors. Chains are not afraid of frost or heat. Tolerates rain and snow. These factors do not have any significant effect. Thanks to the use of chains, the working phases of the gas distribution can be much more accurately adjusted. The chain is pulled out much more slowly, and throughout almost the entire service life there will be no violation of the set settings and, as a result, loss of power of the power unit. We also highlight the fact that chain drive motors are able to withstand more serious overloads than motors with a belt.
Advantages and disadvantages of using timing belts.
The "pluses" of using a timing belt include its elasticity. In the process of functioning, this quality allows you to maintain the integrity of the beds of the shafts. The belt is much less noisy. and no additional lubrication is required. While the stretched chain needs to be replaced, the belt can be easily tightened by means of a special tensioner, often working automatically. Replacing the timing belt drive is much cheaper, and the size of the motor on which it is installed is very small.
Among the shortcomings of timing belts, its exposure to external factors operation. The belt is very “afraid” of any oil leaks and is extremely negative about water getting on its surface. The main disadvantage of belts is the susceptibility to breakage when worn too much, which in the vast majority of cases leads to bending of the cylinder head valves. Eliminating such annoyances will be extremely expensive.
Chain or belt?
Majority largest manufacturers prefers chain drives. So concerns Opel and BMW put them on almost all their cars. German concern Volkswagen and Ford Focus applies chains on mid-price and top models. Company Peugeot also equip their modern engines such as a chain. However, for example, Japanese and South Korean companies often install belts, regardless of the class of car, and among the same Bavarians, many motorists remember the excellent M40 power unit, which used precisely the timing belt transmission.
For drivers, we would also recommend chains. They are noticeably more reliable, and have a significantly lower risk of breakage with all the ensuing consequences. Yes, the maintenance of timing chain drives is more expensive, but due to the increased functional resource, the chain has to be changed almost twice as often as the belt, which roughly equalizes all the necessary costs.
Chain advantages:
- increased reliability
- designed to last the life of the car
- low chance of breaking
Flaws:
- high noise level
- costly repairs if broken
- difficult access for repair
Chain replacement
It is worth choosing a specific day to replace the chain, as this requires a lot of work and tools, but for different models Cars take different times to replace. It is better to replace official dealer, their working practice is much higher and fewer unforeseen situations may arise. But do not forget that their prices are higher and spare parts are more expensive.
For a high price you get:
- original spare parts
- guarantee for labor and spare parts
- quality work
If the price of spare parts is high for you, there is an option to buy them yourself in a store, but you will no longer receive a guarantee. You decide.
Timing replacement
You can essentially replace the timing belt in the garage yourself, if you know all the necessary nuances of your engine, but all this also depends on its design features, it is likely that the internal combustion engine will have to be removed from the support, which you will agree is not very convenient without a lift.
On small engines, this is not at all difficult to do than on larger ones, and even more so V- figurative engines where the belt length can be three meters and installed on five overrunning rollers, 4 camshaft pulleys, a pump pulley, and a crankshaft, and the distance between the engine and the side member is 10 centimeters, so you might think that it is easier to change the chain or the belt. So the choice is yours!
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Gas distribution mechanism of the engine - principle of operation
Analyzing the reasons why modern engines, we have determined that this happens when the timing gear drive (timing) fails. More precisely - belt breaks or the timing chain is stretched, depending on which drive this mechanism has, belt or chain. In our today's article, we will discuss which of these timing drives is more reliable.
What came first, the belt or the chain?
Before telling which of the types of drives began to be used on engines internal combustion first, let us briefly dwell on the device and the meaning of the gas distribution mechanism for the motor. Timing belt consists of three main components:
- Valves (let into the combustion chambers of the engine air-fuel mixture and release the products of its combustion from there, located in the cylinder head);
- The camshaft (responsible for the frequency of the valve timing, forcing the valves to open and close, is located in the cylinder head);
- Camshaft drive (transmits torque from the crankshaft to the camshaft, located between the crankshaft and camshaft).
The camshaft drive appeared in overhead valve engines in the middle of the 20th century. In the most common lower-valve engines up to this time, the rotational force from the crankshaft to the distribution was transmitted through a gear mechanism. The device of an overhead valve engine with a camshaft, which received from the crankshaft through the drive, made it possible to make the motors more powerful.
IN first internal combustion engines with overhead valves, a metal chain was used to transmit torque. It was two or three rows - to increase reliability, and "walked" using a roller mechanism, which included tensioners, dampers and a restrictive pin that prevented the chain from "playing" during operation. Subsequently, the roller mechanism gave way to a gear mechanism, which had a number of advantages, one of which was quiet operation under high loads. The chain itself was also transformed - instead of the previous two or three rows, a single-row chain was used.
The first use of a belt drive in the timing design dates back to 1956 - it was then that the chain gave way to a belt in an internal combustion engine installed on an American racing car Devin Sports Car.
Devin Sports Car is one of the first cars with a timing belt drive.
At that time, timing belt drives were mainly used on, which allowed engineers to achieve increased torque and power from motors.
Mass arrival of the timing belt in automotive industry happened three decades later. Today, most car models have three and four-cylinder engines with a timing belt drive, and a chain mechanism in the design of six and eight-cylinder power units uses a limited number of manufacturers (BMW, Toyota, Mitsubishi and others).
There is also the so-called hybrid timing drive, in which there was a place for a chain and a belt. But this type of mechanism for transmitting torque from the crankshaft to the camshaft has not received wide distribution.
A feature of the chain drive is not only the presence of a system of checks and balances in the "face" of tensioners and dampers. The chain needs constant lubrication and therefore passes through the so-called oil bath. power plant. The belt does not need lubrication - and this already simplifies operation this mechanism, which contains tension roller, pulleys and frame responsible for keeping the belt in "bridle". Currently widely used timing belts, which, due to the specific shape of the teeth (trapezoidal or rounded), reliably adhere to the surface of the roller and pulleys, ensuring the transmission of rotational force without jerking.
Understanding the main distinctive features chain and belt drive of the gas distribution mechanism, let's proceed to consider the main issue - positive and negative aspects each of them. Let's start with the "pioneer" - the timing chain drive.
Timing chain: advantages and disadvantages
Despite the fact that today in most cases in the design this drive Timing uses a single-row chain, it is considered more preferable than a belt drive. We list the main advantages of the timing chain - this is durability and reliability. Made of durable steel, the chain is practically unaffected mechanical damage, it endures temperature extremes and other weather disasters. For an engine with a timing chain drive, such a breakdown as valve bending is not typical, although it sometimes happens when the car owner does not respond to alarm signals from the extended chain - a rattling that cannot be heard even at very loud work engine. The resource of the chain in the drive of the gas distribution mechanism is estimated at 100 or 200 thousand kilometers. When approaching such vehicle mileage values, it is strongly recommended to check the condition of the chain, tensioners and dampers, and if it turns out that the chain is stretched or the rollers are worn out, a replacement will be required.
Timing chain in the engine
And now let's dwell on the shortcomings of the timing chain drive. There are more of them than advantages, but they do not outweigh the main advantages of this type of mechanism.
Design complexity - the condition of the chain is difficult to visually assess by simply opening the hood, since it is located in the cylinder head and in the block itself. When the time comes to check the degree of wear of the chain links or tensioners, dampers or limiting pin, it is necessary to perform a number of laborious operations for disassembling and subsequent assembly of the block head and cylinder block - only this diagnostic method is considered the most reliable.
Large mass - a metal chain adds extra pounds to the weight of the engine, which directly affects not only the dynamics of the car, but also such important indicator like fuel consumption.
Noisiness - even a new, well-tensioned chain makes a noticeable noise during operation, which (especially on diesel engines) can be drowned out by applying fairly dense soundproofing materials engine compartment.
Expensive maintenance - the cost of the chain and other drive parts is quite high, and the work of replacing them will also cost the owner of a car with a timing chain engine a pretty penny.
Timing belt: pros and cons
In contrast to the timing chain drive, the belt drive has a number of positive properties, thanks to which it has become so widespread in modern engine building.
timing belt
Its obvious advantages include:
Simplicity of design - the belt drive does not need lubrication, its mechanism consists of parts that are easy to replace without the help of specialists.
Light weight - the belt is made of fiberglass and neoprene, which have a small mass. Together with lightweight rollers and pulleys, the timing belt drive allows you to reduce the weight of the engine, which has a positive effect on the dynamics of the car and the fuel “appetite” of its power unit.
Quiet operation - the elastic belt does not emit the noise characteristic of a metal chain, which ensures acoustic comfort in the car.
Cheap maintenance - the cost of the belt and other parts of such a drive is much lower than the chains and other elements of such a timing mechanism. Simple design drive provides access to all its elements, which reduces the cost of timing maintenance.
Along with such positive qualities, the timing belt has one negative property- despite the apparent strength of the structure, it is prone to breaks at the most inopportune times. As a rule, this happens due to the rapid wear of the belt or drive parts under the influence of high or low temperatures, contamination of its surface, engine operation with increased load. According to the regulations of many automakers, the life of the belt does not exceed 50 - 60 thousand kilometers: it is recommended to replace all moving parts of the mechanism on such a run. In addition, a periodic (every 10 thousand kilometers) check of the condition of the belt is recommended. If this is not done, then as a result of a broken belt, the valves of the engine may bend, and this, in turn, is fraught with costly repairs.
Finally, advice: no matter what type of timing drive you prefer, periodically check the condition of the chain or belt and, if necessary, replace the worn parts of this assembly with new ones.
For many experienced motorists when buying a car one of important factors is the type of timing gear drive - chain or belt. As for newcomers, they often ignore such important point, assuming it is not significant. In fact, this is an important design point on which the operation of the car depends in the future. Let's figure out which is better and more reliable - a timing belt or a timing chain. But for this it is worth understanding the features of the work of each of them, the advantages and disadvantages.
Operating principle
The main task of the timing (gas distribution mechanism) is to organize the process of supplying the finished product to the engine fuel mixture and elimination of gases after its combustion. The supply of fuel mixed with air is carried out through special valves that open and close at a strictly defined period of time. By the way, camshafts are responsible for the latter process.
In most car models, the engine structurally has two camshafts, which are located in the upper part of the engine and are responsible for the processes of opening (closing) the valves. Such engines are often referred to as "DOHC". But how are these camshafts rotated? This is where the timing chain or belt is connected to work, the condition of which the motorist must monitor with special attention. This moment very important, because the life of the engine as a whole depends on it.
By the way, damage to the timing chain or belt is very frequent malfunction in the practice of many motorists. In this case, the valves may not have time to close, and the pistons hit them with all their force. Bottom line - expensive overhaul. That is why the reliability of this element is one of the key factors.
Timing chain mechanism: pros and cons
Now you can consider in more detail the features of the gas distribution chain. What are the benefits? In principle, it is one, but very significant - durability. Chains are able to move away without replacement much more mileage. Sometimes you can travel up to 350-400 thousand kilometers without any problems in work. For people who often and a lot drive a car, this is a big plus, for example, the same taxi drivers. As a result, the potential risks of getting an engine overhaul on one “fine” day are minimal.
But there are also disadvantages - the high noise of the timing chain. Of course, in a cabin with good sound insulation, they will not interfere, but here the matter is different. Many experts are able to catch engine malfunctions by the sound of its operation. But when the chain rattles, it is almost impossible to do this. In addition, if given element still fails or requires replacement, then you need to be prepared for a complex and expensive process. There is no way to save here.
Timing belt: pros and cons
The main advantages of this type of drive are low level noise, unlike the chain mechanism. The motor with a belt runs much quieter, which allows an experienced craftsman to identify the slightest malfunctions. And yet, if it becomes necessary to replace the belt, then it is much cheaper to do it. That is why the owners of a car with a belt drive try not to delay the replacement and do it every 40-50 thousand kilometers.
As for the shortcomings, there are many more. As we have already mentioned, the belts "walk" relatively little. As practice shows, on most cars they are torn without overcoming the 100,000th barrier. This is what caused the haste of many motorists with a replacement. As for the procedure itself, it is unlikely that it will be possible to do it yourself - it is advisable to go to a specialized service. Such work often costs about 25-30 thousand rubles (a single tariff rate no - a lot depends on the requests of the service station).
The need to periodically replace the timing belt gives the motorist a lot additional problems, for example, from the search for a quality car service and a store with original spare parts. In addition, you have to constantly monitor the timing of belt replacement, so as not to miss the moment. If you buy a used car with a belt, then it is better to install a new belt almost in the first place.
So which is better?
After all the above, we can draw certain conclusions. Based on the positions of reliability and economy in the future, the chain drive looks more attractive. The main thing - when choosing a car, immediately be interested in the type of engine. It happens that the selected model can only have a chain or, conversely, a belt drive.
conclusions
In any case, the presence of a timing chain or belt rarely becomes a determining factor when choosing a car. But it is also not necessary to completely discard this factor, because, as we have already figured out, it is quite important in terms of further operation. Good luck.
