| What works underneath an Audi's hood | | | | custom teeth to turn the camshaft in |
| generates a steady stream of horsepower. It's | | | | synchrony with the crankshaft. In some engine |
| no secret though, that this is possible | | | | designs, the timing chain may also be used to |
| because of a tested engine system composed of | | | | drive other engine components such as the |
| intricate parts. To understand this | | | | water pump and oil pump. |
| mechanism, a little 101 on two of the many | | | | |
| components can be of good help. | | | | The tie rod. An Audi is hooked up with a |
| | | | rack-and-pinion gear set enclosed in a metal |
| A timing chain. The Audi Timing Chain is a | | | | tube, with each end of the rack protruding |
| part of an internal combustion engine that | | | | from the tube. The Audi Tie Rod connects the |
| controls the timing of the engine's valves. | | | | two ends of the rack. The pinion gear is |
| Usually, "timing belt" is also used to refer | | | | attached to the steering shaft. When one |
| to any flat belt with integral teeth. The | | | | turns the steering wheel, the gear spins, |
| Audi Timing Chain also serves the power | | | | moving the rack. The Audi Tie Rod, straddling |
| transmission or interchanges rotary motion | | | | each end of the rack, connects the steering |
| and linear motion, where either high loads or | | | | arm to the spindle. |
| maintaining a specific drive ratio are | | | | |
| important. A timing chain is also used for | | | | These are just two of the components that |
| non-automotive applications, such as in | | | | contribute to an easier Audi driving |
| linear positioning systems. It connects the | | | | performance. Aside from ensuring smooth |
| crankshaft to the camshaft, which in turn, | | | | engine operation, they also enable dependable |
| manipulates the engine valves to open and | | | | handling. Though these critical components |
| close. In a four-stroke engine, valves are | | | | are all made from highly durable materials, |
| required to open and close once every other | | | | they need constant check up and maintenance. |
| crankshaft turn. Audi's timing chain has | | | | |