Engine and piston movement synchronized with the smooth and toothed rubber belt is known as the timing belt. It use to synchronize cam and crankshafts, replaced the standard chain drives overhead camshafts were begun into engine technology in the 1970s.
From highly saturated nitrile (HSN), a special high-temperature grade of rubber timing belts was introduced by Gates. The first belt was made of polyurethane with steel cord tension members. After so many developments in technologies, polyurethane was changed by very strong and temperature-resistant rubber materials. Many companies including Dayco started producing automobile timing belts.
The tension members are replaced with fiberglass which provides very good flex and is very low in lengthen.
Later then developments in engines supported by the style of transparency camshafts, and synchronous belt drive systems become more common in engines nowadays and this style was also supported by many advantages of synchronous (toothed) belt drives as well as:
- More easy drives
- supple belt routing
- lesser cost
- Low lengthen behavior and friction losses
- Constant timing over engine life
- Lower fuel utilization
- Less discharge
The crankshaft drives the camshaft(s) and actuates the valves using a belt or a chain. The timing belt is broadly used by car manufacturers because of its advantages over the chain, namely reduced space, including lighter and quieter running.
Now a day, one out of every five passenger cars and light trucks use a timing belt to broadcast power from the crankshaft to the camshaft(s). There is a difference between the serpentine belt and the timing belt. Do not Mix it.
Most 4-cylinder and V-6 engines, as well as a few V-8s, use a timing belt. The timing belt is serious to the engine because it sets the engine’s intake and exhaust valves in motion.
The Benefits of using a Belt Contain
- Less Vibration
- A chain drive system shows a lower transmission error.
- A belt drive system can be optimized to be equal to or better than a chain.
- Reduced Noise n Creep/Wear
- Current belt technology provides less than 0.1 percent total length change.
- Durability/Capability
- A belt drive system uses fewer components and part numbers.
Timing Belt Working in Car
The timing belt is made of rubber that keeps the camshaft and crankshaft synchronizing because the valve timing is always right. If the valve timing is off engine won’t run correctly. In fact, it will not run at all. The belt or chain also regulates the power steering and water pump. It is tightened with a tensioner in a car engine.
In four Stroke Engine, Timing Belt Works in four Strokes are:
- The intake stroke
- The compression stroke
- The combustion stroke
- The exhaust stroke
The timing belt is replaced after every 60,000 to 90,000 miles or it has been checked otherwise it created the problem and it should never be ignored
Timing Belt symptoms
If the timing belt is worn out or broken. It creates the following bad belt symptoms or maybe having more. It is necessary to have a certified technician or mechanic check the timing belt and change it if essential.
- Rough Idling of the Engine
- Misfire of the Engine
- Smoke from the Engine
- Oil Pressure Decline
- Pistons or Valves That Are Broken
Timing Belt Cost for Cars
The replacement cost of a timing belt is dependent on the service spent on the changing job. In some cars, It is harder to gain access to the timing belt and for economy cars with small engines the service should be cheaper because it is easier to disassemble and replace the new one but in bigger engines like trucks engine it will be paying more due to bigger engines. It is easy to replace belts in normal cars as you use them in daily life. You can simply do it in 30-60 minutes using this guide.
Min $ |
Max $ | |
Volvo C30 |
160 |
600 |
Volvo C70 |
140 |
635 |
Volvo S40 |
155 |
700 |
Volvo S60 |
200 |
330 |
Volvo D70 |
170 |
410 |
Volvo S80 |
170 |
400 |
Volvo V40 |
220 |
465 |
Volvo V50 |
155 |
700 |
Volvo V60 |
200 |
335 |
Volvo V70 |
160 |
400 |
Volvo XC60 |
200 |
240 |
