FUNCTION
DESIGN
INSTALLATION
TECHTIPTIMING BELT TENSIONERS
- Provides constant belt tension to maintain timing drive synchronization and controls belt meshing noise
- Prevents belt tooth skip
- Dampens belt vibrations caused by engine firing
- Tunes the timing drive for optimum performance
- Maintains alignment of belt
- Compensates for effects of engine thermal expansion and contraction on timing drive
- Adjusts for belt stretch and wear
- Application specific designs with a tuned tension level
- Patented and proven damping technology that provides quiet and smooth timing drive system operation
- “Anti-kickback” feature to prevent belt tooth skipping or jumping
- Precision pivot shaft design to ensure proper alignment of the belt
- Detailed engine specific installation procedure provided with each tensioner
Design
An automatic timing belt tensioner is a highly engineered and tuned component of a modern OHC engine. Due to the extreme sensitivity of each engine application, Original Equipment carefully develops and validates each and every new timing drive application. Correct tension and damping levels are paramount to ensuring proper timing drive operation and performance. Compromises in the design, materials or manufacturing of the automatic belt tensioner could result in catastrophic engine failure.
What makes up a patented Litens® Automatic Timing Belt Tensioner?
INSTALLATION SHAFT:
Ensures tensioner is located in its proper engine position when installed.
FRONT PLATE:
Retains the complete tensioner assembly axially. Due to mechanical staking feature, tensioners are non-serviceable and cannot be disassembled safely.
THRUST WASHER:
Provides alignment and self-lubricated sliding surface for the arm.
PULLEY:
Steel or plastic construction, depending on application.
BALL BEARING:
Maintenance free and sealed for life component. Precision, high temperature construction.
PIVOT BUSHING:
Self-lubricating, highly wear resistant polymer component. Primary source of damping. Function is to ensure proper tensioner arm alignment relative to belt and counters tilting.
ARM:
Precision, aluminum diecast component. Transmits the torque of the spring to the pulley to provide constant belt tension. Also incorporates the operating range stops that provide ‘anti-kickback’ feature.
SPRING:
Critical part of the tensioner. Designed to provide optimum belt tension control for each application.
SPRING SUPPORT:
An engineered, highly wear resistant polymer material that provides secondary damping for smooth timing drive operation.
PIVOT SHAFT:
Maintains alignment of the arm and pulley relative to the engine.
BASE PLATE/BRACKET:
Ensures proper placement and angular location on engine. Also provides the 2nd part of anti-kickback stop feature.
Represents the construction of a typical patented Litens® Tensioner.
Installation
WARNING: Improper removal and installation of timing belt components may cause catastrophic damage to the vehicle's engine. It is imperative that timing belt tensioner installation instructions are followed precisely during the removal and installation procedure. Instructions are unique to each tensioner and application. All ATechTM tensioners include detailed instructions for the specified application.