How to detect the timing chain failure?

The timing chain has a longer service life than the belt, but its failure can result in the engine failure.

Diagnostics of the camshaft drive chain can be carried out at a service station or on your own, by dismantling the valve cover and checking the chain tension. If the part has slackened near the camshaft gear it requires replacement.

Besides, check whether the valve timing corresponds to the engine operating modes. The inspection should be entrusted to professionals who will perform it with the help of a computer.

The advised inspection interval is every 10 thousand kilometers when using a vehicle in urban conditions.

You may identify that the timing chain requires an inspection by the following symptoms:

• a characteristic rattling and knocking sound that is heard right after the engine start or during prolonged idling;
• unstable engine operation at idle;
• wear of the gears teeth;
• the maximum protrusion of the tensioner;
• faulty timing;
• loud chugging sounds from the exhaust system.

Causes of the timing chain failure

One of the most frequent reasons for the timing chain slackening is low pressure in the lubrication system. Oil quality considerably affects the part useful life. You have to observe the automaker's recommendations concerning the oil type and replacement intervals. The advised interval is every 10 thousand kilometers.

The stretching of the chain metal links occurs due to high temperatures and wear of the hinged joints.

Besides, the part useful life can be shortened by its poor quality or poor quality of gears with which the component continuously contacts during its operation.

Repair and replacement of the timing chain

The vehicle manufacturer specifies the recommended replacement interval for the part in the technical documents. However, different conditions of the vehicle use make this period vary in duration. For proper component performance, it is advised to install new guides and gears together with replacing the timing chain.

Most drivers prefer to entrust the part replacement to specialists of a service station. This is due to the complexity of the performed work and to the need for precise installation of each of the system components.