What are the causes of timing chain failure in Chery A3?
2 Answers
The causes of timing chain failure in Chery A3 include: Timing chain skipping teeth: At this time, the car will experience a feeling of lack of power when accelerating. If the tooth skipping is severe, the engine will exhibit shaking, may cause difficulty in starting the car, and can even damage the valves. A spring scale can be used to measure the elongation of the chain at three or more locations. If it exceeds the usable length, it should be replaced promptly. Severe wear of the timing chain: This can cause engine noise, high fuel consumption, increased engine oil consumption, failure to start the car, insufficient power, and serious exhaust emissions.
Recently, I encountered a timing chain issue with my Chery A3, which was quite annoying. The main cause is natural wear and tear of the chain; it tends to deteriorate after about 70,000 to 80,000 kilometers, leading to slackness or deformation. Poor lubrication is another critical factor—if the engine oil is insufficient or of poor quality, the chain can overheat, accelerating damage. The chain tensioner often fails as well; once it malfunctions, the chain can skip teeth, disrupting engine coordination. Assembly errors are also a concern—if the chain wasn’t properly aligned during manufacturing, it’s prone to snapping under heavy loads. Additionally, driving habits like prolonged high-speed operation or hauling heavy cargo can exacerbate chain fatigue. For prevention, I change the oil regularly and check the chain clearance. If I notice any unusual engine noises, I get it repaired immediately to avoid further damage, as delaying repairs can be costly and harm critical engine components.