VIDEO: When Should A Sprocket Be Replaced? VIDEO: When Should A Sprocket Be Replaced

VIDEO: When Should A Sprocket Be Replaced?

Ignoring the fatigue life of the sprockets can limit the life of the whole system. This video is sponsored by Cloyes.

During a timing chain replacement, we’ve all been there.

You open up the timing chain kit and notice new sprockets in the kit. You may think that you could save a lot of time and money by not replacing the sprockets, but you’re opening yourself up to potential failure or reducing the longevity of the repair.

If you think that you can get away without replacing the sprockets, remember chains and sprockets are both engineered together mechanically and metallurgically. When a timing chain stretches and fatigues, the relationship between the pins and links changes. These small dimensional fitment changes result in a summation of stretch and impact how the chains engage with the sprockets. This can cause adverse tooth wear, which will not line up to replacement chain lacing or roller patterns.

By the time a customer comes to your shop with a P0016 or P0017 code for camshaft to crankshaft correlation, chances are the wear is already occurred to sprockets due to the stressed timing chain.

In addition, misfires can impact the condition of the chain and sprockets by inducing damaging harmonics. If the misfire is caused by a preignition event, the stresses on the sprockets and chains can be extreme. The cause of a misfire needs to be diagnosed either before or after the timing system is repaired. If the engine has suffered a catastrophic failure that has caused the engine to stop suddenly, damage has occurred. Therefore, the full system should be replaced.

In the event that a well-maintained clean engine needs timing system repair, the reuse of sprockets can be considered. But keep in mind the fatigue life of the system depends on the pairing of the fatigue life of each individual component. don’t let the fatigue life of the sprockets limit the repair longevity of the system as a whole.

Cloyes recommends that all components the timing system be replaced at the same time – this includes the sprockets that are included with most timing chain kits and VVT systems when necessary. For more information on your technical questions visit our tech center at Cloyes.com

This video is sponsored by Cloyes.

You May Also Like

Optimize Tesla Performance With E-Fluids

Learn the differences between ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ e-axles. This video is sponsored by CRP Automotive.

In this video, we dive into the crucial role of technical fluids in maximizing Tesla's performance. Discover the newly launched Pentosin Tesla E-fluid range, including Pento EDF-2 and ATF 64 profiles applicated for Tesla models 3, Y, S, X, and Roadster. Learn the differences between 'wet' and 'dry' e-axles and how Pentosin specialized fluids ensure peak efficiency in these electric vehicles.

Understanding Fuel Trims

The fuel trims are what govern what’s going on inside the engine. This video is sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.

Understanding the OAD Pulley

Discover the ins and outs of OAD pulleys, their role in belt drive systems, and learn the tricks of diagnosis and replacement. This video is sponsored by Continental.

The Future of MEMA with Bill Long

MEMA looks to the future as it celebrates 120 years making a big impact.

How-to Complete Emissions Monitors Faster

This video will focus on how a product like CAT COMPLETE can improve the chances of completing the monitors faster. This video is sponsored by Rislone.

Other Posts

Audi TFSI/FSI: Oil Consumption And Carbon Buildup

Technical Service Bulletins can be valuable in helping solve vehicle problems. But sometimes, it takes multiple TSBs to find a pattern failure or the “root cause” of a problem. In the case of the Audi/VW 2.0L Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) engine introduced in 2006, three problems related to engine carbon and fuel issues are connected

Solving Intermittent Overheating

New cooling systems anticipate and influence changes in coolant temperature.

How Important is Regenerative Braking For EVs?

Regenerative braking helps to increase the overall efficiency and range of the EV, increasing the range of an EV by up to 20%.

BEV Brake Service Tips

Andrew Markel shares his latest service tips in the all new BendPak EV Garage video series.