Expert Belt Guide: diagnose, prevent and resolve major failures

Timing belts are essential to the engine operation. Timing belts wear over time, which means they may fail, causing serious damage to the engine. Our experts share their practical advice on maintaining and replacing timing belts. These recommendations will help prevent breakdowns and ensure longer life for timing system components.

NTN, as a premium manufacturer, supplies timing belts exclusively in kit form. These OE-quality belts meet the original specifications (Teflon, Kevlar or even belt-in-oil technology).

Our recommendations for garage owners:

When replacing the engine timing system, the pulleys/rollers must be changed as well as the belt. If the water pump is driven by this belt, it must also be replaced.

All our kits include:

Tensioner and/or idler pulleys
A timing belt, with or without water pump (KDP or KD)
The necessary fastening hardware

You will find all the tools you need for timing kits with the OM9901 and OM9695 tool trolleys.

Modern vehicles feature increasingly complex auxiliary systems, with higher belt tension. It is essential to replace all the auxiliary components. Indeed, the pulleys and the water pump, just like the belt, are wear parts. Any component that is not replaced may damage the belt or, in the worst case, the engine. Note that 40% of water pumps are driven by the auxiliary belt.

Our recommendations for garage owners:

Any removed belt (timing or auxiliary) must be replaced, along with its tensioner pulley.
After replacing the pulley or pulleys, make sure you install the belt in the correct direction (marking direction always visible), while applying the correct tension in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

MySNR TechCenter tips - Belts

Common issues, diagnostics and repairs for timing belts and auxiliary belts

Particle tearing

Belt cracking

Teeth detachment / teeth tear-off

Flank wear

Irregular rupture

Clean break

Insufficient tension or external component blocked

Timing belts