Shifterati

timing chain

Also called timing chains

This page is a draft. It has not been approved yet, so read it with care.

A metal chain that does a timing belt's job. It wears very little, and a worn one can rattle as a warning.

The story

History: facts, each with its source

Wikipedia's page on timing belts says chains wear very little, which is why they became more common from the 1990s, while belts are generally quieter.1

Found on

Every generation on the site whose dossier names it

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

  • A rattle from the front of the engine Wherever it is fitted One source so far

    What to check: Listen at the front of the engine at a cold start for a rattle.

    Wikipedia says a worn chain can give early warning with a rattle from the front of the engine, where a rubber belt gives none.

    Sources 1

Sources

  1. Wikipedia (timing belt)