Everything About Timing Parts & Kits

As we hear the word timing, we get an idea of some parts rotating at different speeds to give output at the same time. Timing parts comprise timing belt or timing chain, camshaft gear, crankshaft gear, water pump, idler bearing, water pump gasket, hardware such as nuts or bolts. This timing belt or timing chain synchronizes the rotation of crankshaft and camshaft, so that the inlet and exhaust valves open and closes at specific times during each stroke. These belts or chains are fitted in a four-stroke engine, let it be cars, trucks and even in two-wheelers. Timing kit which is also known as timing repair kit contains timing belt or timing chain, tensioner bearings, chain sprocket, one or two idler bearings, hardware such as nuts, bolts and washers, water pump gasket and water pump.

Usually there are three types of timing systems: the gear type, belt type and chain type.

1. Gear type - This system is very rare to be seen. Some engines which had camshafts in vehicle engine blocks used to have a gear type. This system had all the gears connected to each other with one or two idler gears. All these gears' teeth were engaged in one another to give drive to the engine.
2. Timing Chain Type - As technology started advancing, engineers removed camshaft from the engine block and placed it on the cylinder head. This revolution came to be known as overhead cam (OHC). To synchronize this system with crankshaft, timing chains and sprockets are used. This system is like a bicycle. The chains are more tough and durable and are even used today.
3. Timing Belt - The latest technology we have today is the high quality timing belt. It is made up of high-quality rubber with nylon reinforced cords. Timing belts are widely used because they are lighter and cheaper and they operate more quietly.

Timing parts such as timing belt or timing chain synchronizes the rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft. The camshaft in the engine controls the inlet and exhaust valves. The inlet valves for air fuel mixture and exhaust valve for burnt mixture. The timing belt or timing chain helps the movement of the crankshaft which moves the piston up and down creating all four strokes. These timing belts or timing chains are even responsible for the rotation of the coolant pump. If the timing is perfect, the car will have a smooth start of the vehicle engine, better pick up, better mileage, less vibration, less engine noise and no misfires.

The timing system has several moving parts including camshaft wheel, crankshaft wheel, water pump, timing belt, tensioner bearing and idler bearing. All these parts are behind the timing cover. The crankshaft is fitted in the engine block, which handles the movement of the piston, which is connected with the connecting rod. The camshaft has its function of rotating its eccentric cam lobe, which allows the inlet and exhaust valve to open and close. All this has to work in perfect harmony as the engine valves and pistons actually occupy the same space in the cylinder but at different times. All these parts such as crankshaft, camshaft, water pump, idler bearing and tensioner bearings are connected with timing belt or timing chain which rotates to make the vehicle engine in motion.

If your timing is well synchronized then there is no point of worry. It will give a smooth start with good mileage and performance. If a car has a timing chain, it gets lubrication from engine oil. If the engine oil loses its viscosity, there are chances of timing chain noise. The high quality timing belt is usually made up of rubber material with teeth on one side to control gears and other components. The rubber material will become worn with age and kilometers. If the timing chain or timing belt breaks because of ignorance or any other reason, they usually cause a lot of damage to the vehicle engine. Sometimes, engines are irreparable and have to be replaced with a new one. Other problems are noise from idler bearing, tensioner bearing. Too tight or too loose fitment of belt results in change of engine timing and in some cases wear of water pump bearing. Even manufacturers give specific kilometers to change the timing belt. It varies from 50000 kilometers to 100000 kilometers. Some vehicles are fitted with warning indicators in their cluster, showing time to replace the car’s engine timing belt.

If you want to repair your car timing parts & kits all by yourself, then let’s face it that you will need some auto body tools. You can always start by building your own tool chest. Searching for some tools needed to repair your car timing parts & kits? Don’t worry! We are here to help you out. Here are some common tools that you will probably end up needing while repairing your car timing parts & kits.

• Set Of Spanners
• Set Of Special Tools To Set Engine Timing
• Screwdriver Set
• Basic Socket Wrench Set
• Belt Tensioner Gauge

The brands which we use make a statement about who we are and who we will be in the future. There are several car lovers who are emotionally attached to a specific brand for their car parts. So if you are searching for a particular brand for your Timing Parts & Kits, then you have arrived at the right place. Have a look below:-

• Beck/Arnley Timing Parts & Kits
• Dayco Timing Parts & Kits
• Dorman (OE Solutions) Timing Parts & Kits
• Gates Timing Parts & Kits
• SKF Timing Parts & Kits
• Blue Streak (Hygrade Motor) Timing Parts & Kits
• Elgin Timing Parts & Kits
• Dayco Import Timing Parts & Kits
• Sealed Power Timing Parts & Kits 

Till now you must have understood what car timing parts & kits actually is, but are you still thinking that what are its associated parts? So let’s just dig out what its components are:-

• Timing Belt
• Tensioner Assembly
• Variable Camshaft Timing Solenoid
• Timing Belt Kits Without Water Pump
• Timing Belt Kits With Water Pump
• Timing Kits

There are a lot of factors which should be considered when you are thinking of replacing car timing parts & kits. First you have to decide that if you require some related parts of car timing parts & kits or a whole car timing parts & kits. Then after that the next step is to decide what type of make and what type of car timing parts & kits you are actually dealing with and from where will you get a brand new one. After that the next point which should be considered is that from where you are going to get it replaced and how quickly it needs to be done. Timing belt kit comprises timing belt, hardware for tightening, water pump gasket, tensioner bearing and idler bearing which costs approximately $200. It is always advisable to change all bearings and water pumps while changing the timing belt.

There is a certain procedure that must be followed accurately while changing the timing belt kit, which helps in smooth running of an engine.

Removing - Place the vehicle on two post ramps. Disconnect the battery negative terminal. As most cars are advanced and are fitted with electronic equipment, removing terminals will not create faults in the ECU. Remove the timing cover. We will need Special Tools for this process like camshaft lock, crankshaft lock, FIP lock, tensioner bearing tool and belt tensioner gauge. Take the first piston on TDC level by rotating the crankshaft. As you rotate the crankshaft, you will find a hole near the gearbox, from that hole you may see a mark on the flywheel or a separate hole to fix the special tool. Lock the hole with a special tool and the crankshaft will be locked. With this you will see the overhead camshaft will come in position where both the valves will be in the closed position of the first cylinder. There is a special groove at the end of the camshaft, fit special tool at its end. With this, camshaft will be locked. The same way FIP has a special hole in its gear wheel, lock it with a special tool. Loosen the tensioner bearing with a special tool, the belt will be loose and can be removed. Remove all the idler bearing and tensioner bearing and water pump.

Assembling - Fit the tensioner bearing, water pump and idler bearing, take new belt and fit it properly in the crankshaft gear tooth and same way on the FIP then on camshaft and on the idler and tensioner bearings. Tighten the tensioner bearing with a special tool. Check the tension with the help of a belt tensioner gauge or check it by pressing with thumb it should get pressed quarter inch from its original position. Adjust the belt by loosening or tightening the tensioner bearings. Remove all the special locks and fit the timing cover and the battery terminal. Start the car’s engine to confirm.