Timing Belt Tracking

Timing belts operating on a combination of both flanged and non-flanged timing belt pulleys with parallel misalignment may walk or track partially off of the non-flanged timing belt pulleys. The portion of the timing belt remaining engaged with the non-flanged timing belt pulley will carry the full operating load and may develop a concentrated area of wear after running this way for a period of time. This may ultimately result in premature timing belt failure due to either tensile or tooth fatigue.

Probable Cause:

• Belt running partly off unflanged timing belt pulley

Corrective Action:

• Check parallel and angular alignment of the timing belt pulleys

Probable Cause:

• Misaligned drive

Corrective Action:

• Check parallel and angular alignment of the timing belt pulleys

Probable Cause:

• Weak support structure or mounts

Corrective Action:

• Reinforce structure

Probable Cause:

• Center to center distance exceeds eight (8) times smaller timing belt pulley diameter

Corrective Action:

• Check parallel and angular alignment of the timing belt pulleys
• Redesign drive

Probable Cause:

• Excessive timing belt edge wear

Corrective Action:

• Check parallel and angular alignment of the timing belt pulleys