The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing Automotive Timing Belts

In today's article we provide some considerations when choosing your timing belt kit. Timing belt is a crucial system of the vehicle engine performance. It is responsible for synchronizing the movement of the crankshaft and the camshaft(s).

For more information, please visit SBT.

Commonly, when a timing belt fails, all the other parts around it also require replacement. Because of this reason, it is better to change not only the belt but also other engine parts such as the water pump and tensioner. It means a better and long-lasting repair, prevention of engine risks and savings for the pocket.

Buying a timing belt kit has been proved to reduce 50% of interventions and an estimated 5 hours of labor. That is, one box solution that contains all of the components required for an optimal timing belt replacement. Continue reading and learn how to choose the best timing belt kits for your application.

 

 

Dolz Kits: What types of timing belt kits are there?

 

Timing belt kits with or without water pump

 

All-inclusive kits that contain everything you need for a professional repair: water pump with gasket when necessary, belt, pulleys, bearings and screws.

In order to cater the different needs of the market, timing belt kits are also available without a water pump.

 

 

 

 

What criteria should you follow when choosing a distribution kit?

 

Ensuring that your vehicle has a strong and reliable engine is essential for safe and efficient driving. To achieve this, there are several key factors to consider when maintaining your vehicle's engine. By taking care to address these critical aspects, you can help to extend the life of your engine and achieve optimal performance.

 

Compatibility and fit

 

Timing belt kit components must be compatible with your car engine. Timing belts can differ in strength, thickness and temperature resistance in relation to suiting specific vehicle needs. If you choose without checking compatibility, premature failure will potentially arise.

In order to do so, it is key to conduct research before selecting and ordering; by checking the part number and every specification that will ensure a proper fit in the engine. Accurate instructions also play an important role in securing an easy and safe installation of all parts involved.

 

Quality and guarantee

 

Do not jeopardize quality for price matters, as this will negatively affect durability; raising the costs associated with fixings and reparations in the long term. A reliable performance is a must so, the investment will surely be worth it.

Best timing belt kits are those whose quality is at least equivalent to OE standard specifications regarding fit, functionality and performance indicators. Timing belt components must be tested under the same conditions as per OE specifications, with proven materials guaranteeing superior resistance against heat, pressure and external wear.

Dolz's facilities are fully ISO certified in all the countries where it operates. With a guarantee rate as low as <0.05%, quality of Dolz references rests assured.

 

Manufacturer experience

 

Reputation and expertise are the safest ways to verify product quality and reliability. It is rather important that the chosen brand has proven knowledge and experience in the manufacturing of the specific product, as each individual component has a unique functioning.

Existing reviews and additional support materials such as technical specifications, videos and unboxings can help you identify specifically how the item(s) should turn out. Only an experienced manufacturer can offer a backed-up product.

 

 

You must be interested: Timing belt kit replacement: how to do it?

 

 

Parts included on the timing belt kits

 

When it comes to maintaining the engine of your vehicle, few components are equally critical as the timing belt. To help ensure that your timing belt is functioning properly, it's important to understand the various parts that are included in our timing belt kits:

 

Timing belt

 

It is in charge of keeping internal combustion engines running and the vehicle's pistons and valves operating correctly. Premium quality belts must prove resistant to changes in temperature, water and oil to ensure optimized durability.

 

Water pump

 

The water pump is directly adjacent to the timing belt and is intended to keep the optimum temperature of the engine at all times, so it must remain properly sealed to avoid leakage. In most cases, the timing belt drives the water pump, which is why it is the right time to replace the water pump when replacing the timing belt.

 

Tensioners

 

A belt tensioner or idler pulley is the system that guides the timing belt on a car engine, keeping it tight and running smoothly. Its main function is to stop the belt from slipping, avoiding drivability issues derived from a loose timing belt.

 

Bearings and screws

 

Bearings and screws are what holds together and in place the different components of engine timing belt kits. Dolz bearings are equivalents to OE and resistant to temperature changes and motor vibrations. They are manufactured with high quality raw materials to reduce friction and wear.

 

 

Choose Dolz's timing belt kits for superior engine performance

 

The best timing belt kits are those manufactured at a superior technological level. Dolz has made significant investments in technology and innovation to provide products of unique precision and quality that have gone through solid inspections during the process.

With two options available: all-include kits with water pump (KD) and an option without the water pump (SKD), both alternatives are manufactured to reach OE specifications and are guaranteed for 2 years from date of purchase or 80.000 km.

Search through our kits e-Catalogue by reference, model, version and brand or contact us for tailored advice on choosing your best option for timing belt replacement!

 

Drive belts are a very important part of the engine as they make many components function properly. If you end up with a broken drive belt, the alternator, water pump, steering pump, etc. can stop working at the same time. The quick response from these components is essential when driving on busy roads or highways, whether you have a sedan, SUV, or a heavy-duty truck you will find the drive belt. This drive belt guide will help you understand the importance of the drive belt so you can buy the correct belt for your vehicle.

1. What Are Drive Belts?

2. Which Type Of Drive Belt Should I Choose?

3. Do All Vehicles Have Timing Belts?

4. What Are Drive Belt Tensioners And Why Do I Need Them?

Explore more:
Automobiles & Motorcycles
Key Questions to Ask When Ordering SHACMAN F3000 6X6 Tractor Truck
Ultimate Guide to Truck Air Filter Maintenance Tips
Key Applications of Heat Pump Scroll Compressors Explained
Mastering the China Bus Parts Market: Overcoming Supply Chain Frustrations
Are Fuel Efficient Winter Tires Worth the Investment for Your Safety?
Key Benefits of JX1008A Oil Filters for Heavy Machinery

Want more information on Automotive Timing Belts? Feel free to contact us.

5. What Should I Look For When Buying A Drive Belt Or A Belt Tensioner?

6. Which Popular Brand Of Drive Belts Should I Choose?

7. When Should I Change My Drive Belt And Belt Tensioner?

8. How Much Should I Pay For A New Drive Belt And Belt Tensioner?

9. What Are The Symptoms That My Drive Belt And Belt Tensioner Are Failing?

2

Which Type Of Drive Belt Should I Choose?

There are many kinds of drive belts that are used in almost all vehicles. The shape and size can vary according to the car's make and model. The drive belts can be categorized into two types. 

Based On Fitment

1. Engine Timing Belts

Engine timing belts play an important role in the function of an internal combustion engine. They synchronize the timing of the crankshaft with the camshaft, so that the engine's valves open and close at the proper times during each cylinder's intake and exhaust strokes. Even the slightest error in the timing can cause the engine to not run properly; in some cases, the piston can even bump into the valves, which could cause severe damage to the engine. This type of belt cannot be seen as it is covered with a timing cover. 

2. Accessories Belts

These belts can come in different sizes and different shapes depending on what type of pulley is fitted. The length can vary depending on what accessories are fitted in the car. Depending on the model of the car, the engine can have an AC compressor, power steering pump, alternator, fan pulley, idler pulley or idler bearing, air pump, vacuum pump, brake booster pump, and many other such accessories that can cause the size of the belt to increase.

Based On Belts Shape

1. V-type Belt

V-belts are made from rubber or synthetic rubber stocks, due to which they are flexible to bend around the pulley. V-type belts are fitted in older vehicles, the vehicle can have one or a couple of belts coming off the crankshaft. Each belt has its own individual accessory group such as the alternator, A/C compressor, water pump, etc. All accessories have a pulley fitted for the V belt to ride in the grooves of the pulleys. V-belts have sidewalls that fit into the grooves of the pulley, providing additional surface area and better stability. The V shape of the V-belt helps to guide back the belt into place if the alignment is slightly off. They can be used in any orientation ' vertical, horizontal, etc. In a working engine, they provide the best combination of traction, speed, bearing load, and extended service life. 

2. Wedge Type Belt

Wedge-type belts are the same as V-type belts, but they are narrower than V belts. Their wedge shape makes them able to use a smaller pulley that makes the drive system more compact. Wedge-type belts are useful if your goal is to maximize power transmission efficiency by reducing drive weight and size. They have a greater depth-to-width ratio, placing more of the sheave under the reinforcing cord due to which the wedge-type belts handle an equivalent load.

3. Cogged Type V Belt

Cogged type belts have notches that help to reduce bending stress, allowing the belt to fit easily on small diameter pulleys and provide better heat dissipation. The major contributor to premature belt failure is excessive heat. Cogged type belts are engineered for balancing acts between flexibility, tensile cord support, and stress distribution. These belts have perfectly spaced and shaped notches which help to distribute stress forces evenly as the belt bends, preventing under cord cracking and extending the belt's life. They are ideal for use in small-diameter pulleys, drives with twists or turns, or sprocket pulleys to limit slip. They are not intended for use in clutching applications.

4. Flat Ribbed Belt 

Flat belts are much thicker by comparison and fit all accessories under one belt system. Flat belts are used in new vehicles because they are less complicated to install and are easier to maintain. Flat belts can have ribbed structures. The multi-rib design of the flat belt gives a better belt to pulley contact ratio that creates less slippage. Flat belt systems use only one belt due to which there is less distance between the accessories, which simplifies the engine compartment.

Shop Quality Drive Belts

3

Do All Vehicles Have Timing Belts?

Every vehicle has a crankshaft and camshaft which has to be connected with an intermediate. Not all vehicles have timing belts, some may even have a timing chain. The timing chain and the timing belt are different, but they serve the same purpose. The timing chain is fitted on the sprocket wheel whereas the timing belt is fitted on the toothed wheel.

Timing Belt

Toothed engine timing belts are rubber composite belts with high-tensile fibers. They are quieter in their operation, less expensive, and more efficient. These types of timing belts do not require lubrication, which is essential in a timing chain. Timing belts are available in two sizes, millimeters, and inches. The teeth of the timing belts are also different. The most common forms are trapezoidal and round teeth. Timing belts can vary from vehicle to vehicle; there may be minor changes like minor variations in tooth profile, tooth angle, and depth.

Timing Chain

Timing chains are like bicycle chains. Timing chains have the same function as a timing belt, but timing chains usually last longer. Most manufacturers recommend replacing it at certain intervals, but some suggest that it will last as long as the car itself. For proper working of your car, it is always better to stick to the manufacturer's recommendations. Timing chains are noisy while working but are more durable than timing belts. Timing chains need lubrication for optimal functionality, which increases maintenance and cost. If the chain breaks at a low rpm, it may not cause any serious damage. But if it breaks at a high speed, it will destroy almost everything that comes in contact. A timing chain has tensioners, which put the chain in place. In some engines, the tensioner is controlled by the oil pressure. If the oil pressure becomes low because of any reason, the tensioners will fail, and so will the timing chain.

4

What Are Drive Belt Tensioners And Why Do I Need Them?

The vehicle speeds up and slows down, which makes the belt stretch or lose some tension, which can cause it to jump off a pulley. The function of a belt tensioner is to keep the proper tension on the belt at all times so that it can properly drive the vehicle's accessories. A drive belt tensioner can be a covered bearing or a pulley that is used to keep tension on the engine belts. The belt tensioner doesn't allow the belt to slip. The belt tensioners are found in the engine timing belt assembly and in the accessories belt area. There are a few types of belt tensioners used on vehicles, the shapes and construction can change, but they serve the same purpose.

Based On The Construction

1. Manually Type Belt Tensioner

Manual belt tensions are commonly found in old engines. This type has the nuts fitted on an adjuster bolt. A bolt adjusts the tensioner pulley's position during installation. The belt stretches over its lifetime due to which an adjustment is needed and is done during routine maintenance checks.

2. Spring Type Tensioners

Spring tensioners are designed to develop tension automatically. The self-adjusting pulley or bearing is spring-loaded and provides its tension on the belt. The tension is created because of a spring that is coiled on the side of the tensioner. This type of tensioner gives a perfect pressure on the belt that is not more or less, and it maintains its tension at any speed of the engine.

3. Hydraulic Type Belt Tensioner

Many modern cars have a hydraulic belt tensioner, where the pressure is provided with a little absorber instead of the spring. The tension is constantly maintained by the shock absorber.

5

What Should I Look For When Buying A Drive Belt Or A Belt Tensioner?

Compatibility

Compatibility is the most important factor while buying a drive belt, as there are different sizes and types of belts. The length of the belt can vary according to parts that need a motion from the belt. Depending on the vehicle you drive there may be components such as the alternator, steering pump, AC compressor, and many more, the more the components the bigger the belt. It is necessary to match the length of the old belt with the new one. Drive belt tensioners can have a pulley or a bearing. Always look for the same size, if the size increases it can put extra pressure on the belt. Look for a tensioner with rust protection coating because corrosion and decay can shorten your part's life.

Choosing A Brand

Drive belts and tensioners are important parts of the vehicle. If you are not sure about the brand, it is not wise to buy lower-quality parts. OEM drive belts and tensioners are well known because they are made for maximum strength in your specific vehicle. Some aftermarket brands which are mentioned below will always help you save in the long run because they match the fit and performance of the OEM parts, and some even exceed that providing more features and benefits. Refer to the top brands mentioned along with their features to choose one that meets your requirements.

Checking For Fitment

Replacing a drive belt or a belt tensioner can be a tough job. If not paid attention, there are more chances of wrong routing of the drive belt which can cause the important parts not to function properly. For this always check the routing of the belt by taking a photo of it or checking it with the vehicle's manual. The belt tensioner should also be checked for noise or other abnormalities such as cracks.

7

When Should I Change My Drive Belt And Belt Tensioner?

Drive belt and belt tensioner usually wear out around the same time, and both should be replaced. The aim is to replace it before it breaks down and causes your vehicle to run with major problems. A drive belt can last from 50,000 to over 80,000 kilometers or about five years before it needs to be replaced. Some can even last for up to 100,000 kilometers with no problems. Despite that, over time, the drive belt and the tensioner will fail because of the heat and friction. Most car manufacturers don't specify the replacement intervals, but often recommend checking the belt and the tensioner during regular services. When your car is in for a regular oil change service, the mechanic will check the belt and the tensioner for noise, oil leakages, cracks, splits, damaged edges, and other signs of wear. In most cases, it's easy to see when the belt is worn out. A worn-out belt and a noisy tensioner must be replaced. 

8

How Much Should I Pay For A New Drive Belt And Belt Tensioner?

A new drive belt and belt tensioner can be expensive depending on the vehicle you drive. You have an option to choose from a unique brand or the same brand if it suits your budget. The price range varies from one brand to the other. A new drive belt will cost you around $30 to $60, the labor cost is about $40 to $60. Replacing the belt tensioner will cost around $45-$155, for tensioner, and the labor would be around $40 to $99. It is easy to replace a drive belt as a DIY project, and save a lot of labor if you have the proper tools and knowledge.

9

What Are The Symptoms That My Drive Belt And Belt Tensioner Are Failing?

When there is an issue with the drive belt or the tensioner, it can affect the performance and functionality of the vehicle. A bad drive belt or failing tensioner will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver of a potential problem.

Squeaking Or Grinding Noise

The most common symptom is noise from the belts or tensioners. If the tensioner is loose, the belts may squeak when the engine is started. It is also possible for the tensioner pulley or bearing to wear out, which can produce a grinding noise from the pulley.

Unusual Belt Wear

The other symptom with the drive belt tensioner is unusual belt wear. If the drive belt tensioner pulley has issues, it can cause wear on the belt. A bad tensioner pulley can cause fraying on the edges of the belt, and in the worst cases can even cause the belt to break.

Regular Wear And Tear

A new drive belt has a soft felt surface on the ribbed side, when the belt wears, the belt rubber hardens and cracks. A worn-out belt loses tension because of stretching. This causes the belt to slip from time to time.

Oil Leaks

Sometimes, there are engine oil leaks around the belt area, which causes the belt to get soaked in oil. Oil or coolant can damage the driving or timing belt fast. It is important to fix the oil leaks before installing a new belt.

Bad Spring Belt Tensioner

Proper pressure is necessary for any belt. Often an old spring belt tensioner seizes up or wears out and becomes weak. Without the proper pressure, a drive belt will start slipping. This will cause the belt to wear out faster. A drive belt that keeps slipping off the pulley is a symptom of a bad tensioner. The solution is to replace the drive belt and the belt tensioner.

Manual Belt Tension Is Out Of Adjustment

In many old cars, the belt tension is adjusted manually. Over time, the belt stretches and if the pressure is not adjusted, the belt will start slipping. If the belt is in good shape, the pressure should be readjusted. If the belt is damaged, it should be replaced and properly tightened.

Belt-driven Accessories Fail

Usually, a belt that has failed because of the tensioner will have to be replaced, along with the tensioner. Many of the engine's accessories, such as the alternator, water pump, and A/C compressor, are belt-driven. A seized or loose tensioner can cause the drive belt to snap, which will disengage the accessories that can create problems such as a disabled A/C system, overheating, or a dead electrical system and battery.

Defective Hydraulic Belt Tensioner

Many cars have a hydraulic drive belt tensioner. The hydraulic belt tensioner can fail if it has an oil leak from the hydraulic shock absorber. The hydraulic tensioner can cause rattling noise from the belt area when it loses its oil. This can cause to reduce the tension applied to the belt. In this case, a defective tensioner must be replaced. The belt should also be replaced if it is soaked in oil.

Misaligned Belt Pulley

A drive belt runs on several pulleys. If any of the devices or a tensioner pulley is not lined up with the belt, the belt will squeal. This problem will create increased wear on one side of the belt. It is always necessary to check the alignment of the belt. All accessories should be checked for proper tightening.

Noisy Idler Pulley Or Tensioner Bearing

To route a drive belt, many cars use a free-spinning pulley. They are called the idler pulley. The idler pulley spins on a small bearing, When that bearing goes bad, it can create a whining or screeching noise. The tensioner also has a small bearing as the idler bearing and can have the same problem.

Cracks And Wear On The Belt

The driver should check the drive belt from time to time. Check for cracks, chunks missing, abrasions, rib separation, uneven rib wear, and damaged ribs. If you notice any of these, it is time to replace the drive belt.

The company is the world’s best Audi Timing Belt Replacement supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Gates- Part Number Catalog

CategoryPart NumbersSerpentine BeltsK, K, K, K, K, K, K, K, K, K, K, K Air Conditioning Compressor Belts, , , , , , , , , , , Alternator And Fan Belts , , , , , , , , , , , Engine Timing BeltsT296, T304, T295, T265, T224, T315, T286, T244, T228, T343, T307, T335Belt TensionersT, T, T, T, T, T, T, T, T, T, T, TBelt Tensioner Assembly, , , , , , , , , , ,

Dayco- Part Number Catalog

CategoryPart NumbersSerpentine Belts, , , , , , , , , , , Air Conditioning Compressor Belts, , , , , , , , , , , Alternator And Fan Belts , , , , , , , , , , , Engine Timing Belts, , , , , , , , , , , Belt Tensioners, , , , , , , , , , , Belt Tensioner Assembly, , , , , , , , , , ,

Bando USA- Part Number Catalog

CategoryPart NumbersSerpentine Belts7PK, 6PK, 3PK850, 4PK, 6PK, 4PK, 4PK890, 6PK990, 3PK, 6PK, 5PK875, 4PK845

Transit Warehouse ' Part Number Catalog

Category
Part NumbersSerpentine Belts
KBR-, KBR-, KBR-, KBR-, KBR-, KBR-, KBR-, KBR-, KBR-, KBR-, KBR-

Dorman/Techoice ' Part Number Catalog

CategoryPart NumbersBelt Tensioner Assembly419-100, 419-303, 419-125, 419-112, 419-318, 419-011, 419-014, 419-104, 419-007, 419-037, 419-201, 419-211