SKF vehicle aftermarket solutions for a perfect timing system

Timing system technology

The timing system is a crucial part of the four internal combustion engine. It's composed by (1) guiding elements / pulleys, that guide the (2) chain / belt. The correct tension on the belt / chain is maintained by (3) manual or automatic timing tensioners. Last key component, the (4) water pump maintains the engine temperature.

If any of the timing components fail, the car will no longer operate properly, and can cause damage to the engine. Understanding and troubleshooting engine malfunction and failure is vital for your vehicles’ performance. Replace your car components with high quality kits from SKF Vehicle Aftermarket.

SKF Aftermarket tutorials

Watch all tutorials on SKF Vehicle Aftermarket Youtube channel

Timing chain kits

The market's most straightforward range for timing chain repairs

Cars are equipped with modern chain technology. They last significantly longer than the belts, consume less energy and space in the engine, and are usually fitted on more complex V6 and V8 engines as well as the latest 3–4-cylinder engines. The chain is in the front of the engine and is engaged to a set of gears and pulleys that synchronize the crankshaft and camshaft to control the engine timing.

Features and performance

• OE matching chain with colored markings: enabling correct set-up and mounting. 
• Precision profiled adjusters and guides in polyamide and metal: ensuring durability, low friction and noise reduction. 
• Hydraulic tensioner: maintaining the correct chain tension. 
• Oil spray pipes*: securing proper chain lubrication. 
• High quality chain cover gasket*: ensuring excellent sealing capacities and resistance to under-hood conditions (-40°c to +120°C in extreme case).

*where applicable

SKF offer

• Range covers core European and Asian car models on our roads today. 
• Kits contain everything necessary for a complete repair according to OE specifications including bolts, seals where necessary. 
• Detailed technical bulletins available by scanning the QR code on packaging label

Timing belt kits

We introduced the timing belt kit concept to the automotive aftermarket over 20 years ago and the range was later extended with the addition of the timing belt kit with coolant pump. Pulley alignment and belt tension are crucial for a correct lifespan of all the components. Replacing the timing system is important when components are starting to fail, mileage is high, or the vehicle is getting old. Also, if the timing belt must be removed for a quick engine check, it's a good idea to install a new one to guarantee the best tension and timing in the engine.

When performing a timing belt replacement, experts recommend replacing all the parts in the system, including the coolant pump, to avoid individual component failure and additional maintenance costs.

Flexibility and strength for the most demanding timing drives

Pulley alignment and belt tension are crucial for a correct lifespan of all the components. Replacing the timing system is important when components are starting to fail, mileage is high, or the vehicle is getting old.

Features and performance

• SKF range includes loose timing belts and belt kits.
• OE quality materials and treatment: withstand high temperatures and heavy loads, ensure low friction and quiet operation.
• HSN (H-NBR) treated rubber reinforced with high tensile fibres (Kevlar): provide extra strength and extend service life span from 120 000 to over 200 000 km.
• PTFE coating where high pressure injection pump is driven by the timing belt: ensuring extra strength and heat resistance.
• Lower tolerances: maintain good timing within the engine for a smoother and more powerful drive.

SKF timing belt kits

• Kits include the correct belt for your application in trusted OE quality.
• Premium quality tensioners and idler pulleys.
• Nuts, bolts, screws and other fasteners where necessary.
• Quality components ensuring optimum belt tension under all driving conditions.
• Specific fitting instructions including correct torques and step-by-step installation instructions downloadable on from the QR code on the box.

SKF timing belt kits with water pump

• When driven by the timing belt, kits additionally include a premium water pump with static seal and/or gasket.
• The correct belt for your application in trusted OE quality.
• Premium quality tensioners and idler pulleys.
• Nuts, bolts, screws and other fasteners where necessary.
• Quality components ensuring optimum belt tension under all driving conditions.
• Specific fitting instructions including correct torques and step-by-step installation instructions downloadable on from the QR code on the box.

Flexibility and strength for the most demanding timing drives

Replacing the timing system is important when components are starting to fail, mileage is high or the vehicle is getting old. But if the timing belt has to be removed for a quick engine check, it's important to install a new one to guarantee the best tension and timing in the engine.

Timing tensioner

Belt tensioners are highly precise devices designed to optimize belt tension by automatically compensating for thermal clearance in the engine. They help avoid tooth jumping and never over-apply tension which can reduce belt performance or accessory lifetime. The static eccentric enables the initial tension to be set during installation while the dynamic eccentric compensates for temperature differences and the belts’ stretch during its life span. The belt tensioners’ built-in spring maintains the tension of the belt while the engine is running. A belt tensioner can also be equipped with a hydraulic piston to help maintain the tension of the belt

Timing tensioner

Built to strict tolerances for flawless belt performance

Belt tensioners help avoid tooth jumping and never over-apply tension which can reduce belt performance or accessory lifetime. The static eccentric enables the initial tension to be set during installation while the dynamic eccentric compensates for temperature differences and the belts’ stretch during its life span.

Features and performance

• Precise dimensional bearing clearance: ensures bearings perform efficiently at all engine temperatures.
• Optimized pulley design and shape: assures low run-out defect for smooth belt drive, limited noise, vibration and wear.
• Damping integrated into the design: absorbs vibration and reduces stress on the belt and other accessories.
• Round or angled wire spring: improves tensioner control and increases service life of the whole system.
• Heat resistant pulley seal (-40° to +150°c): prevents contamination for low friction and long service life.
• High load capacity pulley: minimises the risk of pulley misalignment and belt damage in the system.
• Noose ring technology: reduces system vibration, leading to smoother operation and extended life of the tensioner.*
• Premium quality bearing grease: ensures smooth and quiet performance at all temperatures.

*According to OE specifications

SKF offer

• All tensioners are available as loose components or part of complete timing kits.
• Also available in our range are manual belt tensioner units and hydraulic tensioners.
• Available as both a single- or double-row set-up.

Timing idler

Precision engineered to withstand high powered timing systems

Timing idler pulleys are fundamental in providing support and belt guidance in the engine timing system. For the latest high-powered and downsized engines where radial force on the idlers can reach high loads, precise wrap angle and load capacity is paramount to perfect engine performance.

Features and performance

• Precise dimensional bearing clearance: ensure bearings perform efficiently at all engine temperatures.
• Optimized pulley design and shape assures low run-out defect for smooth belt drive, limited noise, vibration and wear.
• Heat resistant seal (-40°to +150°c): prevents contamination of the spring ensuring low friction and long service life.
• Premium quality bearing grease: ensures smooth and quiet performance at all temperatures.
• All idlers are available as loose components or part of complete timing kits.
• Available as both a single- or double-row set-up.