Auto belt and chain drive spares

Belt and chain drive car parts – essential details on function, installation, fault diagnosis, and lifespan

Belts, chains, and rollers are drive components intended to transfer torque from the engine shafts and to the auxiliary assemblies. These components being in good working order directly impacts the performance of the engine, alternator, water pump, power steering pump, air conditioning, oil pump, and other important unit.

The design of belts, chains, and rollers

Belts, as a rule, consist of alternating layers of polyamide, durable elastomeric material, and tension cord made of fibreglass. Their working surface can be either cogged or ribbed to meet the requirements of the pulleys of the auxiliary assemblies.

Chains are used only to drive valvetrains. They consist of links made by plates connected to moving rollers. Less common are silent chains which consist of packs of plates connected in a particular way.

Rollers are intended to adjust a belt’s tension, prevent it from vibrating excessively or changing its path. They consist of a pulley with a smooth, toothed, or ribbed surface and a bearing inside of it. can be also fitted with a spring or hydraulic mechanism, the main aim of which is to adjust the position of the component to keep the belt under tension. Chain mechanisms have similar components but are fitted with a special plate.

Maintenance tips

• Examine the drive every 30 to 60 thousand km. This will enable you to detect wear and to prevent their tearing and other issues.
• Always replace oil on time. A contaminated lubricant might result in clogged tensioner grooves and subsequently a loose belt or chain drive. In turn, this can cause its slipping.
• Always replace all elements of the drive at the same time. The performance and condition of some components affect the service life of the others.
• Keep the engine compartment clean and eliminate leaks as quickly as possible. Dirt and technical fluids can significantly reduce the service life of a belt drive.
• Installing and dismantling belts, chains, and rollers should be done by professionals. It is very easy to damage new parts without the necessary tools and skills.

Malfunction symptoms

Humming, whistling, and grinding noises coming from the engine compartment as well as poor performance of assemblies are the signs that an inspection of the components is necessary. For example, if there are issues with the drive belts of auxiliary assemblies, you may notice that the battery won’t fully charge and headlamps and lights are dim. The engine can overheat and, occasionally, be difficult to start. An examination allows for the detection of peeling cord, the absence of one or two teeth, worn-out edges of the belt, and sagging. Cracking sounds are usually caused by incorrect roller alignment.

Malfunction causes

Many malfunctions of belts, chains, and rollers are caused by their incorrect installation. For example, bearings will fail very quickly in components that lack proper alignment. Furthermore, vibrations can cause the belt to wear out faster and pulleys might be damaged as well. The deterioration of the components may be connected to bad protective covers which allow dirt and foreign objects to get between the contacting surfaces. The wear and tear of engine seals and gaskets is also very dangerous as oil might get on the components causing their slipping. Contamination of the lubricant or an insufficient amount thereof impair the operation of the tensioner. This causes sagging of the drive belt and leads to its premature deterioration.

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