Toothed belts

Toothed belts are exposed to high loads in their function. They must therefore be replaced regularly. To what extent or how fast they wear depends, among other things, on their quality. The highest quality is offered by original timing belts from vehicle manufacturers, because these products are made from high-quality materials and therefore have a longer service life. We offer original timing belts at a lower price than authorised workshops. At the bottom of the page you can find out more about changing timing belts and what belongs to our timing belt sets. We also give you helpful advice on buying timing belts.

How does a timing belt work and which elements belong to it?

In order for the combustion process in the engine to run smoothly, a power-transmitting element is absolutely essential. This element is the toothed belt. It can carry out the transmission optimally and controls the camshaft. The energy required for this is supplied to the timing belt by the crankshaft. As the name suggests, the timing belt is equipped with a toothing. This makes it significantly different from V-belts or flat belts. This decisive difference in design ensures that the timing belt can transmit high forces at low pretension. The gearing also prevents so-called slip. The timing belt thus combines the characteristics of a timing chain and a flat belt.

Its advantages compared to a timing chain are:

• Quieter running noises
• Can achieve a higher speed, as they have a lower mass than timing chains
• easier timing belt replacement possible, as it is mounted outside the motor
• Toothed belt does not have to be lubricated
• Thanks to its flexibility, narrower wrap angles are possible
• No special clamping tool is required
• A timing belt is cheaper than a timing chain

The tension pulleys and deflection pulleys are just as important as the timing belt itself. A tension pulley is required so that the belt is optimally tensioned and can run at right angles to the axis of rotation. It is tensioned between the crankshaft and the camshaft and ensures precise running of the belt through precisely dosed tension. The deflection pulleys, on the other hand, guide the belt and keep the tension constant. They are inserted at the points where increased vibration can occur.

When is it time to buy a new timing belt and when should you change it?

The intervals for changing a timing belt can differ considerably depending on the vehicle. They lie between 60,000 - 240,000 km. The exact details can be found in the service booklet. External factors such as temperature fluctuations, high loads and long service lives also have a direct influence on the life cycle. A timing belt replacement should normally be carried out according to the maintenance interval. This should also not be delayed too long, as otherwise fine cracks will form which can inevitably cause damage.

Cracks and frayed edges can best be detected by visually inspecting the timing belt. This type of inspection is relatively simple for older vehicles, as the belts in these cars are often still largely exposed. With newer cars it is usually a bit more expensive, because the engines are more and more covered. With many the timing belt protection can be solved. During the regular maintenance intervals (approx. every 30,000 km), the timing belt is always checked for wear by the workshops.

If the timing belt tears despite regular checks, immediate action is necessary. Under no circumstances may the vehicle be moved further, as otherwise an engine damage threatens. It should now be towed directly to a specialist workshop. Only after the repair of all defective components, the car may participate again in road traffic.

What components should be replaced when changing a timing belt?

Normally when changing a timing belt, surrounding components such as the tension pulleys, idlers and the water pump are also replaced. The work involved in changing a timing belt is very time-consuming. Many parts have to be loosened, exposed and removed before the timing belt can be replaced. In order not to multiply this effort, the surrounding components are exchanged directly. For this reason we also offer ready-assembled timing belt sets individually tailored to your car. In addition to the timing belt, these contain either a water pump or the tension pulleys and deflection pulleys or everything together. A timing belt change is on average between 300 - 900 €, depending on the extent and the workshop that carries out the change. The main part of the costs is borne by the personnel, since, as described above, a belt change takes a very long time. If you have any further questions on the subject of buying timing belts or if you would like to know more about our timing belt sets, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service with your vehicle data.