Timing Belt Premature Tooth Wear

Premature timing belt tooth wear is usually an indication of excessive wear of the timing belt pulley teeth. Timing belt shows signs of:

• High degree of tooth flank wear with the jacket flank exhibiting a fuzzy or flaking appearance
• Another indication is when replacement timing belt life is noticeably reduced from previous timing belts.

This excessive wear of the timing belt pulley teeth is often due to being used in an abrasive atmosphere. Indications of severely worn timing belt pulleys include:

• Groove wear
• Reduction in the outside finish diameter
• Polished land wear
• Teeth worn to the point of serious dimensional distortion. The teeth will become “razor” sharp to the touch..

Probable Cause:

• Too low or high tension

Corrective Action:

• Adjust tension to recommended value

Probable Cause:

• Belt running partly off unflanged 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:

• Incorrect timing belt tooth profile for timing belt pulley

Corrective Action:

• Check timing belt / timing belt pulley compatibility

Probable Cause:

• Worn timing belt pulley

Corrective Action:

• Replace timing belt pulley

Probable Cause:

• Rough timing belt pulley teeth

Corrective Action:

• Replace timing belt pulley

Probable Cause:

• Damaged timing belt pulley

Corrective Action:

• Replace timing belt pulley

Probable Cause:

• Timing belt pulley not to dimensional specifications

Corrective Action:

• Replace timing belt pulley

Probable Cause:

• Timing belt hitting drive bracketry or other part

Corrective Action:

• Eliminate or control condition
• Use inside idler

Probable Cause:

• Excessive load

Corrective Action:

• Check horsepower rating
• Redesign drive

Probable Cause:

• Insufficient hardness of timing belt pulley material

Corrective Action:

• Change timing belt pulley material

Probable Cause:

• Excessive debris

Corrective Action:

• Clean and protect drive

Probable Cause:

• Cocked bushing / timing belt pulley assembly

Corrective Action:

• Remount bushing and timing belt pulley