Read on to find out everything you need to know about your timing chain system and how to replace it.

When and why replace a vehicle’s timing chain?

Timing chains, with their slimmer width, are more durable than timing belts, so they don’t require scheduled maintenance. While it is true that, over time, the timing chain can elongate, the chain tensioner may fail, or there may be other factors that lead to poor lubrication and deterioration of the timing chain.

How does a chain tensioner work? The chain tensioner is a crucial component that ensures the correct operation of the timing chain by maintaining proper tension. It uses hydraulic or spring-loaded pressure to prevent slack in the chain, avoiding premature wear or misalignment. A failing tensioner can lead to a loose or stretched chain, which might cause severe engine damage.

Timing chain problems are associated usually arise with high mileages. However, on some occasions, these tend to stretch or break over time. If a vehicle is exhibiting poor engine performance, it is having trouble to start, it is suffering from overheating, it is experiencing noises or vibration, or it is displaying a check engine light, it is most probable that you have to replace the timing chain immediately.

Keep reading: Timing chain replacement: when it’s necessary?

Things you need to replace a timing chain

Timing chain installation requires the right tools, a service manual specific to the engine’s model and a degree of mechanical know-how. Because it is a major job, the risk of performing it incorrectly could trigger irreversible consequences for the engine.

Timing chain kits are the safest way to ensure best timing chain installation practices. By replacing together all intrinsic components, timing chain replacement costs are significantly reduced while results are highly enhanced.

Installing a Timing Chain kit step by step

Step 1: Consult the owner’s manual

• First of all, locate the timing chain of the vehicle and verify the engine model, making sure that the timing system houses a timing chain rather than a timing belt.
• Rely on the owner’s manual to locate and identify the different engine parts and numbers, such as the firing order.

Step 2: Prepare the engine

• Make sure that the engine has cooled down and that it is no longer plugged in the batteries.
• If necessary, clean the engine with the use of the right degreaser and make sure that the workplace is adequate and that it offers safe conditions.
• Drain the vehicle’s oil and coolant and remove coolant hoses and other components that restrict access to the chain cover.

Step 3: Remove the timing chain cover

• Remove the timing chain cover by unbolting it from the engine block. When doing this, don’t neglect the bolts, they may each be different lengths, so you will need to know which bolt goes where on the cover.
• Remove the crankshaft pulley, loosen the camshaft sprocket, and then remove the chain tensioner. This will expose the guides, sprockets, and chain for a better access.

Step 4: Remove the timing chain

• Get the engine to top dead center and use a ratchet or wrench to remove the timing chain by sliding it off the gears.
• To do this, align the shiny links on the timing chain with the marks on the camshaft and crankshaft gears.

Step 5: Install the new timing chain

• Before installing the new chain, first of all install the guides and lubricate the gear by using a decent amount of gear oil. This will ensure that the timing chain system will perform smoothly in the future.
• Then place the new chain onto the gears while aligning it exactly with the marks previously referenced. Finish by tightening the chain according to the vehicle’s manual specifications. To do this you must have adjusted the cam sprocket.

You may like: Car Timing Chain System – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Step 6: Replace the oil seal

• This is the rubber seal around the crankshaft. Coat the seal with oil to ensure that it is compressed. This way you will make sure that it functions correctly.
• Proceed to reinstall the cover of the timing chain.

Step 7: Reassemble all components

• Start off by bolting on the harmonic balancer, then proceed to reinstall the rest of the engine components in the reverse order of removal.
• Once reassembled, make sure that the coolant is in perfect conditions before filling the radiator in.

Always refer to the owner’s manual for specifications.

Step 8: Review that everything is working properly

• Reconnect the car battery, start the engine and check that there is no leaking or dripping, and that the warning lights are all off.

Dolz kits: the most complete kits on the market

Industrias Dolz has developed a new range of timing chain kits that take timing chain replacement to a whole new level, being the most complete kits on the market incorporating: timing chain, crank sprocket, cam sprocket, tensioner, guides, oil seal, VVT, etc.

As a worldwide aftermarket supplier, Dolz only offers kits that meet all OE quality standards, including every component required for a professional and top tier repair.

Contact us to know more!

La entrada How to replace a timing chain kit: The ins and outs se publicó primero en Industrias Dolz.

References for BMW, AUDI, Seat, Škoda, Mini, Citroën, Peugeot, Ford or Hyundai offering high market coverage.

The full range of Dolz Timing Chain Kits is the Best-Selling references in Europe and includes all the necessary parts to guarantee its assembly, standing out for being the most complete kits on the market.

More and more cars are fitted with a timing chain. When purchasing a Chain Kit, it is essential to take into account the quality of the materials. For this reason, Dolz Kits have rigorous procedures that guarantee a quality OE equivalent, maintaining all its features for maximum precision and durability.

All Dolz products are available in the main electronic catalogs such as TecDoc and Sofinn.

New Part Numbers 

Why choose Dolz?  

About us

With almost 90-year history, Industrias Dolz is one of the most recognized manufacturers in the spare parts industry. As leaders in the manufacturing of water pumps, we also supply distribution kits and thermostats for the aftermarket. With innovative technologies, Industry 4.0, and in-house production, Dolz is a reliable supplier and manufacturer that has locations in more than 70 countries around the world and three factories in Spain (Castellón), Argentina (Buenos Aires) and China (Shouzou). 

…yes we have!

La entrada Dolz introduces 8 new references to its range of Timing Chain Kits se publicó primero en Industrias Dolz.

If the chain becomes damaged or even breaks and synchronization is lost, irreparable failures can occur in the vehicle’s engine.

In today’s article we focus on this component and another key factor of the timing chain that is often overlooked: its lubrication and the importance of its maintenance.

What types of chain are there?

The market tends to equip more and more engines with timing chain. In today’s car park, the most commonly types of chain used for transmission are: precision roller chain, bush chain and silent chain (with inverted teeth), all of them are made of steel.

Roller and bush chains are nearly identical in configuration, both featuring a series of inner and outer links. The first consists of two rollers rotating above the sleeves. Bush chains, on the other hand, dispense with these two rollers, coupling the sleeves directly to the sprocket. They have a simple roller/bush to tooth coupling and unlike toothed chains they produce some vibration or noise.

Toothed chains, or also known by the name of silent chains, have individual flanges and teeth that point in the reverse direction, that is, engaging in the toothing of the pulleys. Due to their kinetic behaviour, they can transmit power with a low noise level.

How important is chain lubrication?

Increasingly, the transmissions of many modern applications are subjected to growing loads. Compared to the belt, timing chain is more durable.

Chain lubrication is the key to the optimal performance of the chain and its greater durability, if adequate and timely lubrication is provided. On the other hand, poor lubrication will cause premature wear of this component, as well as friction, increased energy consumption and will cause an increase in temperature that is harmful to the entire transmission of the vehicle. Therefore, if the lubrication does not fulfil its function, the damage can be irreparable.

There are four common methods of timing chain lubrication: manual, drip, oil immersion, and pressure.

The benefits of a proper chain lubrication

• Significantly reduces premature wear on the chain pins and bushings.
• Prevents premature lack of synchronization.
• Softens the chain coupling with the sprocket, also at high temperatures.
• Protect the chain against wear and cushions impact forces.
• Extends the lifespan of the vehicle’s transmission.

Dolz Kits always include the latest OE chain design to increase the lifespan of this component.

Many chain kits in our range include self-lubricating chain, which features oil-impregnated roller holes to provide continuous lubrication.

   Chain from Dolz Timing Chain Kit SKCA001 – Multijet engine

How to maintain timing chain?

Typically, a timing chain is designed to last as the engine. But that does not mean that it is exempt from suffering a breakdown or needing certain periodic maintenance.

The most common causes of a failing timing chain are: elongation, fatigue and wear.

• The chain elongation (“stretch”) produces a lag of the transmission, which will generate noise and lead to a breakdown.
• Chain fatigue failure is caused by repeatedly exposing the chain to loads greater than the maximum allowable load.
• Wear directly affects engine performance and occurs primarily on pins, rollers and chain bushings.

For correct chain maintenance it is essential to pay special attention on the rest of the transmission components. A failing tensioner is the first warning sign that the chain may be experiencing elongation and may end up breaking.

Therefore, during the replacement of the timing chain, Dolz recommends replacing all the elements associated with the transmission at the same operation because all of them, like the chain, are subject to wear. This will make a perfect coupling of the components, will be more durable and give the best performance of the engine. Guaranteed solutions!

Dolz Tip: The new chain should always be properly lubricated after mounting.

Given the importance of lubrication, controlling the levels and the good condition of the oil will be essential to maintain the chain. This action must be carried out in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

Related content: Dolz Timing Chain Kit Unboxing video 

Dolz Kits, the most complete kits on the market

Dolz timing chain kits correspond to the top selling references on the market, which are available in the electronic catalog TecDoc (TecAlliance).

Competitive and quieter chains that promote longer transmission life. Always being the latest OE version.

Easy-Fit kits that include all the necessary components for a professional repair: chain, sprockets, VVT, tensioner, guides, oil seal, screws and bolts, etc.

Looking for a reliable and quality supplier? Get in touch and discover more!

La entrada Effective lubrication, key factor of the chain se publicó primero en Industrias Dolz.

What’s more, the continuous expansion of its products and the growing market demand mean that it also expands its aftermarket power transmission product line up. In addition to Dolz’s current timing belt kits, new timing chain kits are added.

Water pumps

28 new part numbers for Dolz water pumps.

• +14 auxiliary electric water pumps.
• +10 mechanical water pumps.
• +4 variable/Switchable water pumps.

Timing Belt Kits

About timing belt kits, this category expands the offer adding 22 new part numbers.

• Timing belt kits with water pump: +12 PN’s.
• Timing belt kits without water pump: +10 PN’s.

Timing Chain Kits

We release 5 new part numbers, which will increase in the coming months, become the ‘top sales’ range in the European market. Always following the latest OE designs, with everything required for the proper assembly, optimal performance, and OE equivalent (Art. 1 Block Exemption Regulation EC 1400/2002).

Thermostats

For Dolz thermostats, 6 PN’s have been launched, which will be expanded in the second half of the year. These initial part numbers are thermostats attached to the water pump, with the possibility of being purchased also in kit format: thermostat and water pump.

With the release of these two new product categories in the aftermarket, Industrias Dolz reinforces its commitment to offer its customers the most innovative products, adapting to current market demand and always with the highest quality.

La entrada Industrias Dolz releases more than 60 new part numbers in the first six months of 2021 se publicó primero en Industrias Dolz.

La entrada Industrias Dolz launches its new range of Timing Chain Kits se publicó primero en Industrias Dolz.