The control chain - the clock generator for the four-stroke engine

The timing chain is part of the camshaft drive and is an indispensable component of the four-stroke engine. Through the timing chain, the crankshaft is connected to the camshaft. Perfect timing is required here, which can be achieved through the highest quality of spare parts. That is why we offer only ORIGINAL timing chains and timing chain sets with the appropriate ancillary components. What are the tasks of the timing chain? How is it maintained and how do I recognize a defect? Are there differences to the timing belt and what do I need to consider when buying a timing chain? We answer these questions in the lower section of this page.

The task of the control chain as well as the auxiliary components
How to maintain the control chain
How to recognize a defective control chain?
Difference from timing chain to timing belt
What do I need to consider when buying timing chains and can I change them independently?

The task of the timing chain and the auxiliary components

The timing chain has the task of driving the camshaft of the engine by transmitting the rotational movement of the crankshaft to the camshaft. It is important that the crankshaft always rotates at exactly twice the speed of the camshaft. Then the engine's intake and exhaust valves can open and close in the right order and at the right time. The timing of the intake and exhaust valves must match the crankshaft exactly. The intake valves allow the mixture of air and fuel to enter the combustion chamber, the exhaust valves allow the exhaust gas to escape.

The control chain is available in two versions:

The simple roller chain (simplex control chain)
The duplex chain (two parallel chain links)

The simple simplex control chain is used most often. It is similar to a bicycle chain. The duplex chain, on the other hand, is usually only used in motor sports or for engines with high power. It has double links, which run parallel on two sprockets.

The adjacent components of the timing chain also include sliding and tensioning rails, chain tensioners and sprockets. These ancillary components must be regularly checked for wear. As the name suggests, the sliding and tensioning bars ensure that the timing chain is guided and tensioned. The chain tensioner has the task of tensioning the timing chain under all conditions and also absorbs unwanted vibrations. In the long run, vibrations can lead to wear of the chain. To delay wear and tear, we recommend that you also use ORIGINAL spare parts for auxiliary components. The chain tensioners and slide bars are generally replaced at the same time as the timing chain is replaced.

How do you maintain the timing chain?

For the timing chain, most vehicle manufacturers do not specify maintenance intervals. In general, a timing chain is maintenance-free. However, it is not indestructible, but is also subject to wear and tear. The simple roller chain (simplex timing chain) may have to be replaced after only about 100,000 kilometers. The duplex chain, on the other hand, should last up to 500,000 kilometers. However, these are only guide values. The timing chain must therefore be checked regularly.

It is important that the timing chain is always sufficiently lubricated. The oil is therefore also relevant for the control process. For this reason it is very important that the oil level is checked regularly and that the prescribed maintenance intervals for the engine oil are also observed.

How to recognize a broken timing chain?

In the long run, the timing chain may lengthen and thus skip individual teeth on the sprockets. In most cases this causes engine damage. Because then the valve timing will no longer match. For this reason, the timing chain should not be forgotten during inspection! A workshop or a specialist can also determine chain elongation by adjusting the crankshaft and camshaft sensors. Also the guide rails or the chain tensioners can wear out. As a rule, however, an inspection of these parts is not carried out during an inspection without the express request of the customer. Therefore, it is advisable to request this when maintenance is imminent.

indications of timing chain damage are:

banging and rattling noises
little clicks or rattles
lighting up of the engine control lamp
Loud bang without reaction from the motor

In case of a possible defect, the vehicle should be switched off immediately and towed to a workshop.

Difference from the timing chain to the toothed belt

Many vehicle manufacturers are increasingly opting for timing belts because they can be installed more cost-effectively. Both components have the same function and can lead to engine damage if they are defective.

The timing belt is lighter, more flexible and can reach high speeds. It does not need to be oiled, but must be replaced more frequently. The toothed belt shows optical wear such as cracks, the timing chain makes itself felt acoustically when worn.

In contrast to the toothed belt, the timing chain can withstand very high forces and only needs sufficient engine oil for lubrication at all times. The advantage of the timing chain operation compared to the belt operation is that the timing chain can bridge larger distances between the components and therefore the transmission of higher forces is possible.

What do I need to consider when buying timing chains and can I change them independently?

In most cases the motor must be opened at the side to change the control chain. Errors during replacement can cause major damage or even motor damage due to the sensitivity of the component. Therefore, an independent timing chain change is only recommended if you have the appropriate knowledge and experience. Otherwise, the timing chain change should be left to an expert in a workshop. In addition, special tools are required, for example to fix the sprockets when replacing the timing chain. Also replace the surrounding components such as slide rails and chain tensioner.

Changing the timing chain in the workshop can have large price differences depending on the vehicle. With us you can save on the material costs, because we offer ORIGINAL timing chain sets at favourable prices. However, the amount of work requires several working hours, because the access in the engine is very difficult and special tools for tensioning and adjustment are needed.

We will be happy to help you find the right ORIGINAL timing chain or the right timing chain set! If you have any questions, please contact our customer service with the 17-digit chassis number of your vehicle.