Which cars are known for their weak timing belt/chain?

With engines, the timing belt or chain is often the Achilles' heel of internal combustion engines. Unfortunately, many cars can be mentioned where the timing belt or chain is a weak point. In a combustion engine, the timing belt/chain is responsible for driving the camshaft, which, like the crankshaft on which the pistons sit, guides the valves. If it breaks or shifts, engine failure (and damage) is irreversible. You have to be careful with these models.

Cars with weak timing belts:

  • Volkswagen 1.4 TSI engine
  • Renault 1.6 16v engine
  • Renault the 1.5-litre dCi K9K diesel engine (from 65 to 110 hp)
  • Fiat 1.3 JTD engine
  • Opel 1.6 engine
  • Opel 2.0-litre D20DTH diesel engine with 170 hp
  • The PSA 1.6-litre e-HDi DV6 and 2.0-litre HDi DW10 diesel engines (from 110 to 150 hp). This engine can be found in the PSA (Stellantis) group's cars, such as various Peugeot, Citroën and Opel models.
  • The PSA 1.2-litre VTi/PureTech EB2 three-cylinder petrol engine (from 68 to 130 hp on petrol) found in several Peugeot, Citroën and Opel models. The first generation of this belt wore out prematurely, especially on turbocharged models (110 and 130 hp). Since 2018, the manufacturer has been fitting a different belt, but it is recommended to replace it sooner (6 years or 100,000 km) to avoid problems.

Cars with weak timing chains:

  • The BMW group's 1.6-litre Turbo N14 petrol engine found mainly in Mini models (Cooper S R56 and JCW), but also in PSA group cars such as Peugeot, Citroën, DS Automobiles and Opel. This since it is nothing but the 1.6-litre THP engine.
  • BMW N47 diesel engine: 2.0-litre N47 and 3.0-litre N57 diesel engines fitted in BMW models (16d to 30d), from 2007 to 2014.
  • 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engine two distribution chains from Jaguar/ Landrover. The models in question were produced from 2015 to 2019. You will find the engines particularly in the Range Rover Evoque.
  • Mazda's 2.2-litre MZR-CD R2 diesel engines (150 and 175 hp, from 2008 to 2013) often suffer from slack timing chains. Notably found in the Mazda 6.
  • 1.2-litre TCe/DIG-T H5F petrol engine (100 to 130 hp) at Renault, Nissan and Mercedes. Especially the models between 2012 and 2019.
  • 1.2 litre Twinport Ecotech petrol (85 hp, from 2006 to 2015) from the Opel Corsa
  • 1.6-litre CDTi B16DTU and B16DTE diesel engines (110 hp, from 2015 to 2018) also from Opel.
  • 1.3-litre Multijet SDE diesel engine (70 to 95 hp) found between 2008 and 2014 at Alfa Romeo (MiTo), Fiat (Panda, 500, Grande Punto, among others), Lancia (Ypsilon, Musa) , but also at Citroën (Nemo), Opel (Corsa, Astra, Combo) and Peugeot (Bipper)
  • 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre TSI/TFSI EA211 petrol engines (85, 105, 122 to 160 hp, from 2005 to 2013) from the Volkswagen group (VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda). From 2011 (1.4 TSI) and 2015 (1.2 TSI), the manufacturer updated these engines
  • The 2.0-litre TSI EA113 petrol engine (200 to 210 hp, from 2004 to 2015) is causing problems with the tensioners on Golf's GTI.
  • Audi 2.0 TFSI engine
  • Ford 1.0 EcoBoost engine

Timely replacement of timing belt and chain

It is important to check and replace a timing belt and timing chain on time because these parts play a vital role in the functioning of a vehicle's engine. The timing belt or timing chain ensures that the camshaft, which operates the intake and exhaust valves, is kept in the correct position in relation to the crankshaft. This ensures that the valves open and close at the right time and that the combustion of fuel and air in the cylinders is optimal.

If the timing belt or timing chain breaks or stretches, this can lead to serious engine damage, such as valves opening at the wrong times and colliding with pistons. This can lead to a stalled engine and costly repairs. Replacing the timing belt or timing chain on time will prevent these problems and ensure that your vehicle continues to run safely and reliably.

Replacement intervals for the timing belt and timing chain vary by car make and model and depend on several factors, such as engine type and driving conditions. It is therefore important to consult the manufacturer's maintenance instructions and replace the timing belt or timing chain according to the recommended intervals. Want to know when your timing belt should be replaced? Then click on the following link: When to replace timing belt

Chrysler a timing chain or belt?

Of the Chrysler Voyager, there are models with timing chains and also with timing belts. For versions with a timing chain only regular checks are required. In engines that use a belt to drive the camshaft, it is imperative to replace the timing belt regularly.

Chrysler Voyager timing belt or chain

Chrysler uses a low-maintenance timing chain to drive the engine in the RT generation petrol engines. The diesel-powered Grand Voyager V, on the other hand, has a belt that wears out over time. The manufacturer prescribes timing belt replacement for CRD versions every 200,000 km or every 10 years.

  • CHRYSLER GRAND VOYAGER V (RT) 2.8 CRD, 120 kW, 2777 ccm, 10/2007 - present, timing belt, replaced every 200,000 km or every 10 years
  • CHRYSLER GRAND VOYAGER V (RT) 3.8, 142 kW, 3778 ccm, 10/2007 - present, Distributor chain
  • CHRYSLER GRAND VOYAGER V (RT) 3.3, 125 kW, 3301 ccm, 10/2007 - present, Distributor chain
  • CHRYSLER GRAND VOYAGER V (RT) 3.6, 208 kW, 3604 ccm, 10/2007 - present, Distributor chain

Chrysler 300

Most variants of the Chrysler 300 are equipped with timing chains. These require little maintenance and last a very long time. But there are also vehicles of this type equipped with belts. These vehicles require regular timing belt replacement.

The manufacturer Chrysler prescribes that the timing belt should be replaced after 168,000 km for the 300 model. Belt replacement intervals are prescribed for each engine type and year of manufacture. It is important to follow the same to avoid serious engine damage.

Chrysler PT Cruiser

When should the timing belt of the Chrysler PT Cruiser be replaced? When is the right time to replace the timing belt on the Chrysler PT Cruiser depends on both the engine and the year of manufacture of the vehicle. For many models of this type, the intervals are 96,000 km and 144,000 km. However, the mileage at which the timing belt should be replaced can also be quite different.

Chrysler Crossfire, timing chain or belt?

The Chrysler Crossfire is a sports car that is also available as a coupé station wagon and a roadster. It was built from 2003 to 2007. The engines of all models are equipped with a timing chain, making timing belt replacement unnecessary. Still, a timing chain is not maintenance-free. It too is subject to wear and tear. Therefore, a timing chain should also be checked from time to time. We recommend checking the timing chain regularly, especially in sports cars whose engines are more heavily loaded than those of a normal mid-size car.

More info on Chrysler? Then read on here:

Chrysler Home

 

 

 

 

Does Lexus have a timing chain or belt?

If you drive a Lexus, chances are it uses a timing chain instead of a timing belt. Only older models of Lexus used timing belts, but that was usually before 2005 or 2006. Since then, almost every vehicle Lexus makes is equipped with a timing chain instead of a timing belt. Depending on the model, it may be a slightly later year when the switch was made, but for the most part, you can expect that every modern Lexus currently uses a timing chain.

Replace Lexus timing chain?

This is a tricky question to answer, a timing chain is meant to last the lifetime of your engine, but what exactly does that mean? The lifespan of an engine on paper is not necessarily the lifespan in practice. What that means is that a timing chain is designed to last up to around 300,000 km without any problems. But it is possible for the chain to fail at an earlier point due to circumstances.

The problem with faulty timing chains is that they usually don't have as many signs and symptoms as a timing belt when it breaks down. A timing belt can stretch and lose teeth, but you are less likely to see that with a timing chain. The chain can become too stressed over time and not fit properly, but otherwise it usually gives very few visual signs before it breaks completely. If you have already driven more than 300,000 km with the timing chain, it won't hurt to have a mechanic look at it in case something is wrong with the chain. Want to read more about the pros and cons of a timing chain? Then read on in our blog.

Which Lexus models have a timing belt?

As mentioned, mainly the older Lexus models have a belt. In the overview below, we have listed some models equipped with a belt:

LEXUS IS (XE10) 1st generation (1998 - 2005)

  • Lexus IS 200 114 kW / 153 hp / 155 PS | 1988 cc | 6 | 1G-FE
  • Lexus IS 300 157 kW / 211 hp / 214 PS | 2997 cc | 6 | 2JZ-GE

LEXUS RX 

  • LEXUS RX (MCU15) 300 AWD 148 kW, 2995 ccm, 01/1998 - 05/2003 (for VVT-i engine)
  • LEXUS RX (_U3_) 300 (MCU35_) 150 kW, 2995 ccm, 05/2003 - 12/2008
  • LEXUS RX (_U3_) 400h AWD 155 kW, 3311 ccm, 05/2003 - 12/2008 = every 150,000 km
  • LEXUS RX (_U3_) 400h (MHU38_) 155 kW, 3311 ccm, 05/2003 - 12/2008 = every 150,000 km

LEXUS SC

  • Lexus SC 430 210 kW / 282 hp / 286 PS | 4293 cc | 8 | 3UZ-FE V8

Lexus GS

  • LEXUS GS (_S19_) 430 (UZS190_) 208 kW, 4293 ccm, 04/2005 - 11/2011 = every 150,000 km
  • LEXUS GS (_S16_) 430 (UZS161_) 208 kW, 4293 ccm, 08/1997 - 03/2005 (for VVT-i engine)
  • LEXUS GS (_S16_) 300 (JZS160_) 163 kW, 2997 ccm, 08/1997 - 03/2005 (for VVT-i engine)
  • LEXUS GS (_S16_) 300 (JZS160_) 161 kW, 2997 ccm, 08/1997 - 03/2005 (for VVT-i engine)

Lexus LS

  • LEXUS LS (_F3_) 430 (UCF30) 207 kW, 4293 ccm, 10/2000 - 08/2006

 

 

Does Mercedes have a timing belt or chain?

Do you own a Mercedes and wonder if it has a timing belt or timing chain? Almost all Mercedes cars have a timing chain and therefore no timing belt. However, there are some models that do have a timing belt. Which models these are we highlight below.

Which Mercedes has a timing belt

The following Mercedes models have a timing belt. For convenience, we have also directly listed the replacement interval so you know every how many kilometres or years the belt should be replaced:

  • MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class (W176) A 160 CDI (176,011) 66 kW, 1461 ccm, 06/2012 - 05/2018 = Every 200,000 km / or every 10 years
  • MERCEDES-BENZ B-Class (W246, W242) B 180 CDI (246,212) 80 kW, 1461 ccm, 11/2011 - 12/2018 = Every 200,000 km or every 10 years
  • MERCEDES-BENZ B-Class (W246, W242) B 180 CDI (246,212)
    80 kW, 1461 ccm, 11/2011 - 12/2018 = Every 200,000 km or every 10 years
  • Mercedes CLA 180 CDI 80 kW / 107 hp / 109 PS | 1461 cc | 4 | OM 607 DE 15 LA = Every 200,000 km or every 10 years

When to replace a Mercedes timing belt

Do you have one of the aforementioned Mercedes models with a timing belt? Then remember to replace the belt on time. If the belt wears out and snaps, you are further from home, so always replace the belt on time! Check the service booklet of your Mercedes to see if you can find information about the last replacement date. If this is not filled in, see if there is a sticker under the bonnet showing the last date or mileage at which the timing belt was last replaced.

If you do not know when the belt was last replaced and cannot find a sticker, it is wise to have a garage check if the belt needs replacing.

When to replace Mercedes timing chain

mercedes benzGood news for Mercedes drivers who have a timing chain. The timing chain is maintenance-free, while the timing belt has a replacement interval. If you want to be sure, we always recommend consulting the owner's manual, which will tell you whether your car has a timing belt or a timing chain.

Is a timing chain better?

That a distribution chain lasts a lot longer than a belt should be clear, but a chain can also cause problems. In general people say that a chain can last up to 300,000 km but in practice it can happen that the chain stretches which can cause a rattling noise. So it is important to have the car checked regularly and to inspect the chain properly during the maintenance to prevent possible problems and damage.

Want to know more about the timing chain and the pros and cons? Then read further here.

Does MINI have a timing chain or belt?

Does a MINI have a timing chain or timing belt? A question we often get. In the Mini engine, a timing chain is used to ensure that the camshaft and crankshaft are connected. This applies to all Mini models such as the Mini Countryman, Mini Paceman and Mini Cooper. The timing chain ensures that the processes in the engine run at the right time and connect perfectly.

Timing chain Mini

Since Minis are equipped with a timing chain, you don't need to calculate the cost of replacing the timing belt. However, the tension in the timing chain can diminish over time, so you should have the part checked regularly if you do a lot of mileage.

Want to know more about how it works, advantages, disadvantages and how to replace the timing chain? Then you can continue reading here.

Does my Honda have a timing belt or chain?

Does your Honda have a timing belt or chain and what is the interval for replacing the timing belt? On this page an overview of the different Honda models. As you can see, especially the older models are still equipped with timing belts, like the Civic, Accord and CRV. The new Honda models are almost all equipped with a chain.

A belt needs to be replaced at regular intervals, while a chain is generally good for the life of the engine and requires no maintenance.

Interval replacement timing belt Honda

Click on one of the following pages for an overview of when the timing belt needs to be replaced per Honda model:

Honda timing belt or timing chain?

2008 to 2014 Accord V6 3.5 Belt
2008 to 2014 Odyssey pilot and Ridgeline V6 3.5 Belt
2006 to 2007 Accord V6 3.0 Belt
2006 to 2016 Civic Chain
2005 Accord 3.0 Belt
2003 to 2011 Element Chain
2003 to 2016 CR-V Chain
2003 to 2004 Accord 3.0 Belt
2003 to 2016 Accord - 2.4 Chain
2003 to 2004 Odyssey and Pilot V6 3.5 Belt
2002 Civic 1.7 Belt
2002 Accord 2.3 Belt
2002 Accord 3.0 Belt
2002 Passport 3.2 Belt
2002 Odyssey 3.5 Belt
2001 Civic 1.7 Belt
2001 CRV 2.0 Belt
2001 Prelude 2.2 Belt
2001 2.3 Accord Belt
2001 Passport 3.2 Belt
2001 Odyssey 3.5 Belt
1999 to 2000 Civic 1.6 Belt
1999 to 2000 CRV 2.0 Belt
1999 to 2000 Prelude 2.2 Belt
1999 to 2000 Accord 2.3 Belt
1999 to 2000 Passport 3.2 Belt
1999 to 2000 Odyssey 3.5 Belt
1998 Civic 1.6 Belt
1998 CRV 2.0 Belt
1998 Prelude 2.2 Belt
1998 Odyssey and accord 2.3 Belt
1998 Accord 3.0 Belt
1998 Passport 3.2 Belt
1997 Civic 1.6 Belt
1997 Del sol 1.6 Belt
1997 CRV 2.0 Belt
1997 Accord 2.2 Belt
1997 Odyssey 2.2 Belt
1997 Prelude 2.2 Belt
1997 Accord 2.7 Belt
1997 passport 3.2 Belt
1996 Civic 1.6 Belt
1996 Del sol 1.6 Belt
1996 Accord 2.2 Belt
1996 Odyssey 2.2 Belt
1996 Prelude 2.2 Belt
1996 Prelude 2.3 Belt
1996 passport 2.6 Belt
1996 Accord 2.7 Belt
1996 Passport 3.2 Belt

 

Does Kia have a timing belt or chain?

Do you own a Kia and wonder if it has a timing belt or timing chain? Most Kia cars have a chain and therefore no timing belt. Only the following models have a belt:

  • Timing belt Kia Picanto 1 litre petrol (2009-2011)
  • Timing belt Kia Carnival 2.9 diesel (2001-2009)

The distribution chain is largely maintenance-free, while a replacement interval applies to the distribution belt. If you want to be sure, we always recommend consulting the instruction booklet to find out whether your car has a distribution belt or a distribution chain.

When to replace a Kia timing belt

kia timing beltDo you have one of the aforementioned Kia models with a timing belt? Make sure that the belt is replaced on time. If the belt wears out and snaps, you'll be worse off than before. Check the service booklet to see if you can find information about the last replacement date. If it is not there, see if there is a sticker under the bonnet with the last date or mileage when the belt was last replaced. If you do not know when the belt was last replaced and cannot find a sticker, it is wise to have the timing belt replaced immediately.

  • KIA PICANTO (SA) 1.0 (45 kW, 999 ccm, 04/2004 - 04/2011)
    • At every 135,000 km or every 9 years
  • KIA PICANTO (SA) 1.1 (48 kW, 1086 ccm, 04/2004 - 04/2011)
    • At every 135,000 km or every 9 years
  • KIA PICANTO (SA) 1.0 (46 kW, 999 ccm, 04/2004 - 04/2011)
    • At every 135,000 km or every 9 years

When to replace a Kia timing chain

That a distribution chain lasts a lot longer than a belt should be clear, but a chain can also cause problems. In general people say that a chain can last up to 300,000 km but in practice it can happen that the chain stretches which can cause a rattling noise. So it is important to have the car checked regularly and to inspect the chain properly during the maintenance to prevent possible problems and damage.

Timing belt worn out? What are the symptoms?

The timing belt of your car is (often) at the front of the engine. It is made of strong rubber with nylon-reinforced cords, which maintains the life span of the timing belt. Usually the life span is 5 years or maximum kilometres.

When a timing belt is in motion, it is under a lot of stress, which wears it out. Car manufacturers that use a timing belt such as VW, Audi, SEAT etc, prescribe an interval according to age and maximum mileage. If you wait to replace a timing belt, this can cause a lot of damage to your engine. You will end up spending much more money on repairing your engine than the initial cost of replacing the timing belt.

How do you know apart from the interval that the timing belt needs to be replaced?

If you think there are problems with your timing belt, or that it has gone bad or is starting to wear out, here are some clear signs you should look out for.

Broken valves

One of the worst symptoms a car owner can experience is that the timing belt has been cut or has completely broken. In this case, the crankshaft will rotate on its own and not be in synch with the camshaft. If this happens, the piston will hit the valves when opening, which can lead to bent valves or a damaged piston.
You can hear this clearly when you open the bonnet and your car is not moving. In this case, it is very unwise to turn on the car, the damage will increase.

Pinging engine

Timing belts have teeth, which are designed to grip gears as they turn different engine parts and components. When these teeth weaken, the timing belt slides over the sprockets (compare it to a worn sprocket on a bicycle, when you turn on the chain it slides over the sprocket). When this happens, it will cause a jolt in the engine. This also causes the engine to ping when idling.

The motor skips

Combustion in the engine can be endangered by a worn timing belt. The timing belt begins to slip away from the gears and falls on the camshaft, one of the cylinders opens and closes too quickly. If this happens, an engine failure will occur and you should have the timing belt replaced immediately.

How much does it cost to replace a timing belt?

Replacing a timing belt is something that all car owners dread, the average cost of a timing belt change is between 300 and 700 euros. As always, the price depends on the age, make and model of your car. There is also often a difference in whether or not the water pump is also replaced. It is advisable to replace the water pump, because the parts are not the biggest cost item, but the labour costs. And when the timing belt is replaced, you can easily reach the water pump, which saves on labour hours.

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