At Masterparts, we offer full service distance (FSD) timing belts for sale at our branches across South Africa and in Namibia.
What does the timing belt do in a car?
The timing belt is critical to an optimal engine combustion process.
It connects the crankshaft to the camshaft, and ensures the intake and exhaust valves open and close in synch with the pistons.
Timing belts are typically made from hardened rubber reinforced with Kevlar, fibreglass and other hard-wearing materials.
They have notches or teeth on the one side that interlock with the gears on the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets.
A rubber timing belt. (Source: Logansenf, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons).
If the correct tension is not applied to the timing belt, or one or more of the teeth are missing, the belt can slip off the pulleys and cause the engine to fail.
Due to consistent use under harsh engine conditions, timing belts are typically replaced every 150,000 km or after 7 to 10 years of service.
Some later model vehicles have timing chains rather than timing belts.
The function is the same but chains are fitted inside the engine. They require constant lubrication and have a longer lifespan.
A timing chain, installed around two cam sprockets (source: Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 3.0).
Timing belts are located on the outside of the engine, don’t need lubrication to operate and tend to be quieter and more affordable than chains.
How does the timing belt work?
When the engine is started, the rotation of the crankshaft sets the timing belt in motion.
As the belt moves, the teeth mesh with the gears of the camshaft sprocket.
The rotating camshaft opens and closes the valves as the pistons, driven by the crankshaft, move up and down.
When the timing is out, the engine misfires or fails altogether.
For a simple illustration of how a timing belt synchs the crankshaft and camshafts, we recommend having a look at this animation on Motor Works.
Signs of worn timing belt
A worn, cracked or broken timing belt can result in costly repairs caused by bent or broken valves or damage to the pistons, combustion chamber or cylinder head.
Common signs that it may be time to replace the timing belt are ticking, squealing or rubbing noises, oil leaks from the front of the engine, reduced power, rough idling and difficulty in starting the car.
Where to get timing belts from Masterparts
We offer tough, long-lasting timing belts suitable for different vehicle makes and models.
Timing belts in and around Cape Town:
Timing belts in KwaZulu-Natal:
Timing belts in Namibia:
Along with timing belts, Masterparts supplies a full range of suspension, steering, engine, braking and electronic parts for cars. Contact us if there’s a part you need and we’ll do our best to help.
