Modern timing belts are technical wonders, but they are not invincible. Even relatively fresh rubber timing belts can and do fail for various reasons. Let’s look at a few examples-
The rubber timing belt has broken.
The most typical failure mode for timing belts is a clean snap between two teeth. The most usual causes of this sort of failure are as follows:
- Damaged water pumps that do not rotate freely might cause shock loads that can shatter even a brand-new timing belt.
- Damaged idler pulley bearings that do not rotate smoothly. The increased load might be enough to shatter ancient or well-used rubber timing belts.
- The tensioner pulley bearings are damaged and do not revolve freely. This produces the same effect as seized idler pulleys.
The timing belt has frayed at one edge.
This commonly occurs when the bearings in the idler and tensioner pulleys fail. Worn bearings in these pulleys alter the pulley’s alignment, resulting in uneven stresses on the timing belt.
Poor or incorrect installation of a new timing belt may create this problem.
The rubber timing belt backing is pulled off.
This often occurs when a damaged bearing in an idler or tensioner pulley begins to freeze up. Because the broken pulley cannot spin freely, the timing belt is “dragged” across it. This generates a lot of friction between the timing belt and the pulley, which can remove the backing of the belt.
Timing belt teeth are sheared off.
Multiple teeth often break off as the timing belt travels around the tiny drive pulley. The most common causes of sheared teeth are:
- Insufficient belt tension due to faulty installation techniques
- Engine oil spills can damage the timing belt.
- Excessive wear on one or more sprockets, which damages the belt’s teeth
- Engine overheating causes one or more camshafts to bind or stick.
- Low engine oil levels cause camshafts to bind or stick.
Cracks on the outside of the rubber timing belt
Cracks typically form between the timing belt’s teeth, particularly if the exterior of the belt is glossy. The most prevalent reasons include the following:
- Extreme engine overheating
- Extreme heat due to partially seized idler and/or tensioner pulley bearings.
- This also occurs with timing belts that are drastically overdue for repair.
- Excessive belt stress due to faulty installation practices.
Conclusion:
Rubber timing belts transfer power and motion, but their frequent failure has made them less popular in automotive and other sectors. Follow a proper maintenance routine to identify and resolve belt issues.
It’s worth noting that having the timing belt serviced regularly can help to prevent many of these issues. In this example, “regular” would refer to each planned service. Furthermore, automotive service schedules include set timing belt replacement intervals, which should not be overlooked.
Author: DKT Engineering Enterprises
DKT Engineering Enterprises is a well-known brand that provides high-quality PVC Conveyor Belts. Our offered products are pu conveyor belts, treadmill belts, rubber timing belts, and pu timing belts.
