Which timing belt is better: choose a manufacturer
On engines, which are equipped with a belt drive of the gas-distributing mechanism, timing belt replacement is a mandatory routine. Constant monitoring of the condition of the drive belt and its timely replacement is necessary for this reason, that breakage of a timing belt often leads to serious and expensive repair of the motor.
In that case, when the break occurs, the timing mechanism stops, the valve does not have time to close. As a result, inertial pistons hit open valves, the valve bends, there are defects in the pistons themselves, etc.. d.
Given the above, it becomes clear, that the choice of timing belts should be approached with the utmost responsibility and care, since the quality, strength and overall reliability of the product will directly affect not only the stability of the internal combustion engine, but also its serviceability.
In this article we will consider, how to choose a timing belt, when selecting a timing belt which company is better to buy, as well as what features and nuances should be considered when buying.
Why, when and which belts are better to put: Timing belt and features of the belt drive
Let's start with that, when you need to change the timing belt. The interval of replacement of a belt of the gas-distributing mechanism makes, in the middle, 60 thousand. km. It is important to understand, that the service life of the product is affected by many additional factors.
In some manuals for some vehicles you can find instructions, when the belt is proposed to be replaced through 70 — 80 thousand. km, while for other cars the replacement is clearly spelled out on 50-60 thousand. Based on this, in practice, motorists have long developed a rule for themselves to change the belt, based on the average. Hence, that such an indicator can be considered a mark in 50 or maximum 60 thousand. km.
Let's move on. Before, how to answer questions, which company to choose the timing belt and what is the best brand of timing belt, let's focus on the problems, related to this item and its operation. Remember, that from a belt of the gas-distributing mechanism not only driving of a camshaft depends, but also the exact synchronization of the phases of gas distribution with the stroke of the internal combustion engine.
In other words, the inlet and outlet valves must open and close at clearly defined points, which will match the intake clocks, compression, the stroke of the piston and the subsequent release of exhaust gases from the cylinder. At the same time any shift of a belt, insufficient tension, slippage and other deviations from the norm can lead to serious malfunctions of the power unit.
Experts identify a number of reasons, on which problems can arise:
- Excessive or weak timing belt tension. In the first case, the problem is due to incorrect installation, and the belt itself stretches quickly. In such conditions, the rollers are also subject to increased wear, bearings of the timing mechanism and other elements (example, pumps).
If the timing belt is not tightened enough, then the product life is reduced, it is also possible to jump on the pulleys. Displacement of even one "tooth" leads to engine failure or engine failure. To prevent possible consequences, it is recommended to check the tension closer to the middle of the total service life of the belt.. In cases, when the timing belt is loose, it needs to be tightened or replaced.
- The belt was replaced with a new one, but the timing rollers did not change. This situation is common and is related to the desire of owners to save money. Remember, change the timing belt should be run. If the belt is time to replace, then the replacement is made together with the rollers, and regardless of the general condition of these elements.
As practice shows, the rollers may not make noise and rotate normally during inspection, at the same time after a short interval they can still jam. As a result, the belt breaks with all the ensuing consequences.
The only exception is the forced replacement of the belt under the influence of certain factors. These include: hit of oil and technical liquids on a belt, delamination and cracking, mechanical damage, etc.. P. In simple words, if the rollers with the belt have recently changed, but then the belt was quickly damaged, then you can limit the replacement of only the belt.
We also recommend reading the article about it, how to expose a timing belt on labels at replacement. In this article you will learn about the features of the correct installation of this element on the engine.
This should be taken into account separately, that the declared service life of the new belt will no longer correspond to the total resource of the rollers. Example, if the total service life of the new set of belt and rollers is 50 thousand. km, however the belt failed due to 20 thousand. km, then after installing a new belt it is optimal to subtract 20 thousand. km, what videos have already passed.
It turns out, the next replacement of the installed belt together with rollers is better to make already through 30, not through 50 thousand. km. In this case, the main task is to avoid jamming the rollers, which leads to breakage of the drive belt.
- The car is constantly operated in high temperatures. As you know, Timing belt is a rubber product. In regions with constant high temperatures, such products tend to dry quickly, lose elasticity, crack.
Belt manufacturers themselves point to the need to reduce replacement intervals (at least, on 20-30%) for TK, who are in similar conditions. We will also add, what any defects in the timing belt guard mean, that dirt gets on a belt in underhood space, it is also possible to get engine oil and other technical fluids (depends on the general condition and breakdowns of the internal combustion engine). In this case, the planned life of the product is significantly reduced.
The best manufacturers of timing belts
so, understanding the features and nuances of operation / replacement of belts, it is possible to pass to subtleties of their selection. Today's products are presented on the market as domestic, and foreign manufacturers.
The whole list is quite wide, so let's focus on the most popular solutions. Speaking of which, what are the best timing belts, Gates, Contitech, Dayco and Bosch enjoy the greatest prestige and popularity in this segment.
- The undisputed leader, which is always heard, is a manufacturer of Gates. This company from Belgium specializes in the manufacture of drive belts for internal combustion engines and various specialized equipment. Let's add, that the manufacturer delivers its products directly to the conveyors of many of the largest auto giants.
- The German company Contitech is also on the list of largest manufacturers, whose products are put on new cars during assembly. In parallel, the company manufactures drive mechanisms, elements of air suspensions, other car parts.
- The manufacturer Dayco is an Italian company. The company specializes in the manufacture of drive belts, rollers, bearings and other elements of drive mechanisms. Widely known among motorists, the company Bosch from Germany among the huge number of auto parts also offers a range of quality timing belts.
Which is better to buy a timing belt
If we talk about choosing the right replacement belt, then there are several options.
- The most expensive money, but the safest, will purchase the product in the official service, and the next installation is usually carried out there. Let's consider, why so.
Usually, at "officials" products in catalogs can be specified under a brand of the car manufacturer, and not the belt manufacturer itself. This applies to many other spare parts, and such details themselves are called original.
In other words, example, the original branded timing belt for Opel / Chevrolet cars is offered under the GM brand with its catalog number. At the same time, these products are not manufactured by General Motors itself, for GM belts are supplied by the well-known firm Gates.
At the same time, the cost of the original GM belt from the officials is revealed, on average on 40-50% and higher, and retail at 20-30% higher compared to exactly the same belt, but already under the Gates brand. It turns out, such a belt is cheaper and not inferior in quality to the original counterpart.
Given the above, it becomes clear, why after removing the old belt for the first replacement it becomes clear, that the car is directly from the factory products marked Gates or Contitech, although the original spare part is cataloged as GM, AUDI, Volkswagen, etc.. P.
Let's add justice, that there are different opinions about this, as many drivers claim the difference in the quality of original and non-original spare parts. The main argument is that, that manufacturing companies allegedly supply the best products to conveyors, and products with reduced quality are sold at a lower price under their own brand.
- Anyhow, but this information allows you to choose the second and more affordable way to select a belt. If the car was originally Gates or Contitech, or you know for sure, which manufacturers supply their belts to the manufacturer of your car, then there is no need to buy the original belt.
It will be enough to replace it with exactly the same quality analogue of a company, which supplies spare parts to the plant. As practice shows, such products are no worse than the original.
- You can also not follow the rules at all, immediately stopping your choice on the appropriate option. In all cases, you need to be especially wary of fakes. And this is a significant and indisputable disadvantage as a second, and the third method.
Real quality Contitech belts, Gates, Bosch or Dayco are reliable products, who equally well cope with the tasks assigned to them and confidently work out their declared resource (subject to the correct installation and compliance with other requirements for maintenance and operation of vehicles).
A few words about forgery of timing belts
Given the popularity of well-known brands, there are a large number of counterfeit products on the market. At the same time visually the quality of the belt and packaging can be at a high level (print clarity, serial numbers, holographic stickers, etc.).
Moreover, even the sellers themselves (especially small entrepreneurs in car dealerships or novice dealers without experience) can be firmly convinced, selling the original product and praising in every way.
For example, consider the situation with Gates. We are talking about reinforced belts, which have an increased resource (as the manufacturer assures, up to three times more than other manufacturers). In the brochures it was mentioned separately, that instead of neoprene (chloroprene or CR), which is the basis for the production of many rubber products, the company uses nitrile (HSN, HNBR).
With that in mind, that in the hood space is quite high temperatures, nitrile belts remain elastic, do not crack as a result of constant temperature differences (heating and cooling of the internal combustion engine in winter). Also, nitrile timing belts do not have a high sensitivity to the effects of engine oil and other technical fluids.
Due to such features, the manufacturer is able to give an extended warranty, which covers the entire declared service life of the belt (provided proper installation and tension). However, fakes, which are visually similar to the original, can be made of cheaper neoprene with all the ensuing consequences.
We also recommend reading the article about it, why the engine does not start after replacing the timing belt. In this article you will learn about the main reasons, according to which the engine may not start after manipulation with the drive elements of the timing mechanism.
The buyer himself thinks, which acquired a branded counterpart, then complaints about the quality of a brand begin in case of problems. As for the "officials" and original spare parts in their network, usually, counterfeits are much less common there.
As a result
If you take into account all the nuances described above, then answer unequivocally and reasonably, which timing belts are the best and most reliable, not work. As for the drivers themselves, Gates and Contitech are in the lead in terms of sales in the CIS, followed by Dayco and Bosch.
The basic rule can be considered that, that the best option would be to install or original belt, which is put on the car from the factory, or high-quality analogue. In the latter case, it is necessary to make sure separately, that the product is a branded product.
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