Balance Shaft Chain Guide: Description and Operation

When the engine is running, pressurized engine oil acts in the opposite direction to the spring to control the force applied by the tensioner to the chain. This control of the tensioning force minimizes the noise from the chain. There are two fixed chain guides and one pivoting one, controlled by the chain tensioner.





Both the sprockets and the idler-wheel sprocket incorporate thrust rings to help minimize chain noise. The thrust rings absorb the force of the chain where it engages the sprocket teeth, providing smoother operation and thus more silent operation. Because the surface contact angle of the chain is smaller on the exhaust side, the thrust rings on this side are larger.