October 2020

OCTOBER 2020 AFTERMARKET 35 Above: Timing kit from INA www.aftermarketonline.net components provide workshops with a number of tangible benefits from premium quality and fit-first time installation, to increased durability and reduced warranty claims. In addition, when they fit a high tenacity ‘white’ belt timing/water pump kit, Dayco can also provide them with an even greater level of reassurance by offering the opportunity to extend the existing two-year warranty by a further year via the Long Life +1 year warranty.” Solutions Commenting on the philosophy behind the development of the Gates all-in-one kit, Darren Spooner, Regional Sales Manager UK & Ireland observed: “It’s over 20 years since Gates introduced the concept of complete solutions in single boxes for independent workshops. “Replacing all parts of the timing belt drive that are subject to wear, simultaneously, is the best approach to prevent comebacks and profit losses. Our PowerGrip Timing Belt Kits with Water Pump range now offers 325 references in total. This is the most extensive water pump kit range in the market. You can now guarantee a fully reliable system replacement for an impressive 98.6% of the European car parc.” The relationship between the water pump and the synchronous belt drive system is very important said Darren: “If the water pump fails, coolant will leak and contaminate the belt, resulting in premature timing belt failure. The vast majority of applications in today’s car parc feature timing-belt-driven water pumps. The PowerGrip Kit Plus Water Pump range provides ideal solutions for garage customers. The kit includes a PowerGrip timing belt, matching water pump, thermostats – and for the first time – a thermostat housing, too! As well as providing complete solutions, this kit adds value and reduces comebacks.” Technology Looking at the technology being applied around the timing system, Schaeffler’s Technical Manager, Alistair Mason commented: “Although there has been little recent change in most of the timing systems visiting the independent garage, there have been developments at the VM level, with OE solutions such as switchable camshafts and Schaeffler’s own UniAir electro-hydraulic fully variable valve train technology becoming increasingly popular. Other related developments include decoupler pulleys, or PYDs, which are fitted to applications such as the 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine in the Mini Hybrid.” Alistair continued: “In the garage, these developments are seen relatively infrequently, the notable changes being the growth in the number of vehicles featuring variable valve timing and belt-in-oil (BIO) technology. Most variable timing is regulated via the oil flow into the variable valve units located at the end of the camshaft, and are seen on the majority of today’s petrol engines. “The operating efficiency of these units is directly affected by the condition of the oil in the engine. So, if the oil is not changed in line with the VM’s service schedule, it degrades and problems with the units can arise. As a result, Schaeffler has introduced replacement variable valve units and solenoids into its aftermarket programme, alongside its comprehensive range of timing belt kits, common applications include, Ford/Fiat 1.2 and 1.4-litre, Ford/Volvo 2.5-litre five-cylinder, Vauxhall/Alfa 1.6 and 1.8-litre and PSA 1.4-litre 16 valve. “The condition of the oil also has a major effect on BIO applications because although the belts are formulated to be resistant to the oil they run in, they become vulnerable to degeneration as the oil degrades. The most common problems are blockages in the oil ways as the surface of the belt breakdown and fragments clog these channels and reduce flow, subsequently affecting oil pressure in the engine.” Causes On what to do when replacement is required, Alistair said: “When it comes to timing system replacement, Schaeffler recommends that mechanics follow its ‘4T’ guidelines, which were created by the REPXPERT team to boost service and installation best practice in order to avoid the fitting errors that can lead to premature belt failure; Temperature; do not start work until the engine has completely cooled down. Tools; the correct tools must be used in accordance with VM instructions. Torque; use a torque wrench to tighten all bolts to the correct VM specifications. Tension; the belt tension must be accurate, correct and to VM recommendations. “A broken timing belt and/or tensioner can cause engine failure, which is why it is imperative that mechanics check the system for wear during a routine service, and always replace it at the VM’s recommended change point.” Alistair continued: “Diagnosing what causes a timing belt to break is not straightforward, but there are common reasons for failure; Straight break, caused by the belt crimping, usually a fitting or handling error; Jagged break, caused by incorrect/ excessive tension, again, or a foreign body entering the drive system; Sheared teeth, caused by incorrect tension and misalignment or the recommended change point being exceeded; Cracked back, caused by heat exposure and/or change point exceeded; Side wear/polishing, caused by misalignment; Worn teeth flanks, caused by incorrect/excessive tension and misalignment and/or exceeding the change point; Marked belt back, caused by incorrect tension and alignment, or a foreign body entering the drive system; Gap wear, caused by incorrect/excessive tension; Contaminated belt, caused by other defective components, damage or an incorrectly installed timing belt cover. “Signs of a broken tensioner include the following; Worn end stop/broken stop pin, caused by an incorrect tension or engine not at ambient temperature when tensioner is set to normal; Contact damage on pulley rims, caused by misalignment, and defective components, such as water pump bearing.” Alistair concluded: “In a growing number of applications, so precise are the tolerances for setting the valve timing that some even require specialist electronic equipment. Among these are VAG’s EA211 series of 1.4 and 1.5-litre TSI petrol engines and in addition to the equipment, some elements within the process also need an extra pair of hands, so a colleague will have to be available.”