Top Timing Chain Brands: Ensuring Precision and Durability

Timing chains are a crucial component in many vehicles, providing precise synchronization for engine operation. Over the years, several brands have stood out in producing reliable and durable timing chains that meet the demands of both manufacturers and consumers. Renowned brands such as Cloyes, Bosch, and Aisin have consistently delivered high-quality products that ensure optimal engine performance and longevity. To explore more about these and other top timing chain brands that have gained the trust of mechanics and car enthusiasts alike, read on below.

Illustration of timing chain

Best brands of timing chain in 2025

Cloyes

Cloyes, a renowned brand in the automotive industry, is recognized for its high-quality timing chains, contributing significantly to the global market expected to reach $16.98 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 5.5%. As a key player, Cloyes focuses on advanced manufacturing processes and integration of smart technologies, ensuring durability and reliability. The company's products meet or exceed OEM performance standards, making them a preferred choice for vehicle manufacturers. With a strong presence in the market, Cloyes is part of a sector that sees continued growth driven by global automotive production and stringent emission standards. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation aligns with the industry's emphasis on sustainability and regulatory compliance.

Aisin

Aisin is renowned as one of the top producers of timing chains, known for its high-quality and reliable components. The brand is often preferred for its comprehensive kits, which include not only the timing chain but also other essential parts like the water pump, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for vehicle owners. For instance, an Aisin kit can be significantly cheaper than OEM parts, with prices around $200 compared to $550 for OEM components. Aisin's products are designed to last, with many users reporting satisfactory performance for up to 80-100k miles. This reliability and affordability make Aisin a trusted name in the automotive timing chain market. To explore further insights and discussions on choosing between an Aisin kit or OEM parts for timing belt replacement, visit this OdyClub forum thread.

BorgWarner

BorgWarner, through its Morse division, is a leading producer of timing chain systems, holding a significant market position globally. The company is renowned for its innovative technologies, including the recent introduction of electric variable cam timing (eVCT) technology, which is set to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions, with production scheduled to start in December 2024. BorgWarner dominates the market with a strong presence in Europe, where it has a 92% penetration rate, and in China, with a 69% penetration rate. The company's timing drive components are critical for accurate and reliable engine timing in internal combustion engines, supporting the growth of the automotive metal timing chain market, which is expected to reach $19.28 billion by 2031. BorgWarner's expertise in chain systems has been a cornerstone of its success, with divisions specializing in chain systems holding over 50% of the market share in the past. For more detailed insights, you can view their investor presentation.

Gates

Gates Corporation is a leading producer of timing chains, known for their durability and longevity, which makes them ideal for high-performance and high-mileage vehicles. In 2023, the chain segment, dominated by brands like Gates, accounted for a 34.9% market share. Gates' timing chains are appreciated for their extended service life and low maintenance requirements, appealing to users seeking long-term reliability and reduced upkeep costs. The company's focus on technological advancements and meeting client requirements has contributed significantly to the growth of the automotive timing chain market. For instance, the market is projected to exceed USD 13.2 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 4.5% from 2023 to 2033.

Mahle

Mahle is a leading producer of timing chains, known for its high-quality and durable products that meet stringent automotive standards. In the global timing chain market, which is expected to reach USD 13.7 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 5.5% until 2028, Mahle stands out for its advanced manufacturing processes and integration of smart technologies. The company's products are favored for their reliability and compliance with regulatory standards, contributing significantly to the market's growth. Mahle's presence is particularly strong in regions like North America, where the timing chain market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2024 to 2031. With a focus on sustainability and environmental concerns, Mahle continues to innovate and expand its market share.

SKF

SKF is renowned as one of the leading producers of timing chains, offering over 1,600 timing system kits and loose components with OE (Original Equipment) quality, covering more than 85% of the car parc in Europe. Their extensive range and high-quality parts ensure reliable performance and durability. SKF's timing system components are designed to meet the stringent demands of modern engines, making them a preferred choice among automotive manufacturers and aftermarket customers. With a strong presence in the global market, SKF continues to innovate and expand its product lineup to cater to evolving automotive needs. Their commitment to quality and coverage has solidified their position as a trusted brand in the industry. For more information about their timing system components, visit SKF's timing system page.

Febi Bilstein

Febi Bilstein is renowned as one of the top producers of timing chain kits, offering high-quality products that meet or exceed OEM standards. Their timing chain kits are manufactured using selected materials such as steel, die-cast aluminium, or cast iron to ensure the highest production quality. Febi Bilstein provides an extensive range of accurately catalogued kits for modern European and Asian passenger cars, with a three-year manufacturer guarantee on every product. The company's chain tensioners are precisely manufactured on modern CNC machines in Germany, ensuring "Made in Germany" quality. With a focus on optimizing their ranges and meeting client requirements, Febi Bilstein is a leading choice in the automotive aftermarket.

INA

INA, under the Schaeffler Group, is a leading producer of timing chains, renowned for its high-quality and reliable products. The company expects a significant increase in the share of chain-driven engines in new vehicles up to 2030, leveraging its over 100 years of experience in chain drives. INA's latest portfolio enhancement includes a new timing chain KIT for vehicles of the VW Group with 1.4l TSI engines, showcasing their commitment to innovation and market expansion. Schaeffler's Automotive Aftermarket division supplies a wide-ranging portfolio of repair solutions for chain-driven timing drives, solidifying INA's position in the market. This expertise and continuous innovation are key factors driving the growth of the timing chain market. For more detailed information on the new INA timing chain, visit their website.

D.I.D

D.I.D, a renowned brand in the automotive industry, is recognized for its high-quality timing chains, which are integral to the smooth operation of vehicle engines. With a strong presence in the global market, D.I.D timing chains are preferred for their durability and reliability, particularly in smaller, more complex engines where they outperform other components. For instance, over 90% of new vehicles in the USA are equipped with timing chains, highlighting the dominance of this technology. The market for timing chains, including those from D.I.D, is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 5.2% from 2024 to 2031, driven by increasing vehicle production and maintenance needs. D.I.D's commitment to innovation and quality ensures their timing chains meet the stringent standards of the automotive industry. For more information on timing chain kits, visit the NTN-SNR website.

Melling

Melling is a renowned brand in the automotive industry, particularly for its high-quality timing chain components. Melling timing chain kits are designed to meet or exceed OEM requirements, offering both standard and roller chains, as well as matching sprockets, tensioners, and guides. These components are manufactured using the highest quality materials and advanced manufacturing processes, ensuring durability and reliability. Melling's products cater to a wide range of applications, including domestic and import vehicles, and are available in various service levels from standard to performance. The global automotive metal timing chain market, which Melling is a part of, is expected to grow significantly, with Asia Pacific holding a 46.18% market share in 2021 and the market projected to reach $19.28 billion by 2031.