Timing Belts, Timing Chains & Water Pumps
Keeping your engine in time, all the time
Timing, for people, could have several meanings; keeping time, the time something is enacted, the tempo of a musical piece, how a speech is delivered... and the list goes on.
In your vehicle, there is a single purpose to timing: to keep your camshaft and crankshaft synchronised. Without getting into the technical nitty-gritty, these two components provide the engine's pistons and valves timed opening and closing, allowing fuel and air to come together in a controlled manner. Ultimately producing energy through combustion, getting you from A to B.
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When the timing belt or timing chain fails, the pistons and valves have every opportunity to inhabit the same space, collide and cause catastrophic damage to your engine.
Timing Belt & Chain Replacements
At Barr Automotive, we are committed to keeping your vehicle in the best condition possible. This extends to items such as keeping your engine's timing, in time!
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When replacing a timing belt or timing chain, we do not recommend only replacing the chain or belt itself. These parts are only a fraction of a system which works together to ensure your engine timing remains precise. There is a high probability if only the belt or chain is replaced other items in the system will require replacing within a short period of time
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We replace the entire kit which can include any or all of the following:
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Timing Belt Kit Replacement
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Timing belt
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Idler pulley
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Tensioner pulley
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Hydraulic tensioners
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Water pump
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Seals and gaskets
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Timing Chain Kit Replacement
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Timing chain
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Timing chain guides
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Gear sprockets
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Oil pump
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Variable timing solenoids
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Water pump
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Seals and gaskets
Timing Belt vs. Timing Chain
A timing belt and timing chain have the same function, the main differences between the two are:
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​Material
A timing chain is as it suggests, a metal link chain. A timing belt is a rubber composite made with grooves (or teeth).
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Location
Timing belts are an external fixture on an engine, protected by a plastic housing. Timing chains are lubricated by the engine oil and therefore are a part of the engine itself.
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Lifespan & Replacement Intervals
Timing chains are more durable, they do not have specified timing intervals, however, they are not immune to being stretched or other forms of failure. A timing chain does not require replacement unless an issue arises. It has the potential to last the lifetime of the engine on a well-serviced vehicle.
Timing belts are a service item, meaning they have specified intervals (in time or kilometres) they require replacement. This is all specified in the manufacturer's logbook service guide. These intervals can be anywhere from 60,000kms to 150,000kms, and from 3 years to 10 years.