Does The Ford Edge Have a Timing Belt or Chain?

Ford has been a leading manufacturer of high-end vehicles for many decades now. 

The Ford lineup of sedans, SUVs, trucks, and vans is among the leading in design and performance. 

Most of the Ford vehicle models have been leading in various categories for many years. 

Ford Motors has managed to remain the leader because of its unique way of balancing the sportiness of its vehicle with elegance and style. 

The Ford Edge is the go-to vehicle for drivers with families. 

This can be attributed to its spacious interior and off-road capabilities, which provide ample space for passengers and cargo. 

Under the hood, the Ford Edge is equipped with a powerful engine and a swift-shifting transmission that makes it easy to handle and agile in twists and turns. 

Timing is a critical component in the tuning of the Ford Edge’s engine. 

Depending on the vehicle model and year, some cars are fitted with a timing belt while others come equipped with a timing chain. 

Does The Ford Edge Have a Timing Belt or Chain? 

The Ford Edge SUV has a timing chain that is more durable and can last for the lifetime of the vehicle with proper maintenance. A chain is made of metal links, while the belt is made of rubber. 

Because of this, the belt will require frequent replacement compared to the chain. 

Although the belt is cheaper than the timing chain, it will cost more in repair and replacement costs in the long run compared to the timing chain. 

While the chain is guaranteed to last longer than the belt, it is equally subjected to wear and tear as it rotates and comes in contact with the camshaft and crankshaft sprocket. 

Therefore, with proper lubrication and routine checks, it can last long. 

Like any other moving component in the vehicle, it should be eventually replaced to ensure the car runs at its optimal efficiency. 

Timing chains have recently replaced the timing belts as the drive link in vehicles released recently. 

This is primarily because of their ability to last longer than the belts and the lower overall maintenance cost. 

Both inside and outside, Ford vehicle models are designed to impress and give the drivers and passengers a pleasurable ride. 

Every Ford vehicle comes fitted with a host of safety and luxury features to give the drivers confidence and peace of mind while driving. 

On the Ford lineup of midsize SUVs stands the Ford Edge, one of its best selling SUVs. 

Performance

The Edge features a robust design and comes equipped with high-tech features. 

Whether you are looking for an SUV for on- or off-road driving, the Ford Edge properly fits the bill. 

Driving the Edge is safe and predictable, with plenty of grip and accurate steering. 

Ford Edge is offered in four different trim levels, namely, SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST. 

The base SE trim comes with a host of standard features and technologies that increase prestige and class as you move up the trim levels. 

The 3.7-liter V-6 powered engine, which debuted in 2011, marked the beginning of a series of Ford Edge SUVs that has over time evolved to have more features and to appeal to a broader range of driving styles. 

The Ford Edge is a highly reliable SUV in its class and price range. 

This SUV comes with different engine options for the various trim levels. 

All the engine options of the Ford Edge are fitted with the timing chain, including the 3.7-liter V-6 engine, the 3.5-liter engine, and the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. 

The timing chain has proven to be the best choice of timing system for this SUV because it doesn’t require frequent replacement compared to the timing belt. 

At the same time, the timing chain can run efficiently for many miles compared to the timing belt, which will be exposed to wear and tear quickly. 

Ford Edge: Timing Chain Vs. Timing Belt

The timing belt and chain differ significantly in their design, but they both do the same job in the engine. 

The earlier vehicles used the timing belt to keep the cost of production low.

But this led to an increased maintenance cost since the timing belts have to be replaced every so often. 

But how does the timing chain work? Under the hood of the Ford Edge, several components work together to keep the vehicle running smoothly. 

The timing belt or chain is used to synchronize the movement of the crankshaft and the camshaft. 

Because of the nature of their functionality, the timing belt will stretch to respond to changes in temperatures and tension, while the timing will remain rigid because it is made of metal. 

This will often lead to the snapping of the chain. 

When this happens, the vehicle will stop moving. 

A faulty timing belt or chain should be replaced immediately because, when ignored, it may affect other components of the engine and lead to costly repairs. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

What will happen when the timing chain of my Ford Edge fails? 

If your timing chain fails, your engine will come to a halt. 

The signs and symptoms of a failing timing chain are misfiring, a vibration of the engine block, and excessive consumption of fuel. 

When you notice the following signs, you should have your vehicle checked.

How often are timing belts replaced? 

Timing belts should be replaced every 60,000 to 105,000 miles. 

But this may differ from one vehicle model to another; check the manufacturer recommendations for details. 

The key advantage of the timing belts over the timing chain is; timing belts are cheaper and engines running on timing belts are quieter compared to those running on the timing chain. 

Unfortunately, the timing belts are easily damaged by the wear and tear during the rotation and interactions with other engine parts. If you wish to avoid frequent replacement of the timing belt, you should consider a vehicle that uses a timing chain instead. 

How long can a timing chain last in a Ford Edge? 

The timing chain will last for the lifetime of the vehicle. 

But this will only happen if proper and timely maintenance of the chain is done. 

Since the Ford edge is built to last, it is likely to stay for over 200,000 miles; therefore, a timing chain can last for that long. 

But it is not advisable to keep the timing belt for that long. 

This is because as it rotates, because of wear and tear due to constant contact with the sprockets and the cam- and crankshafts, it will lose its efficiency. 

When this happens, the timing chain must be replaced even if it is yet to attain the 200,000 miles mark. 

What is the most important thing to look out for when buying a Ford Edge SUV? 

When shopping for a Ford Edge SUV, ensure that its timing system is run by a timing chain instead of a timing belt. 

This will reduce your overall running and maintenance costs and ensure your vehicle runs at optimal efficiency. 

The timing belts are not bad either, but they require frequent replacement and checks because of their ability to wear and tear easily. 

Another thing to look out for is the electrical attachments on the SUV. 

If you are on a budget and go for a used or pre-owned Edge, you must insist on checking the service report for the vehicle. 

Also, check the reviews of Ford Edge on various sites and online boards before you decide. 

How does the All-Wheel-Drive system of the Ford Edge Work? 

Only the V-6 powered Ford Edge is available in the all-wheel-drive model. 

It’s a front-wheel drive (FWD) with an optional AWD drivetrain. 

This means that the front wheels are the ones responsible for the motion of the vehicle. 

When necessary, the rear axle is engaged using an electronic clutch in the rear differential. 

The AWD system is ideal for low traction and when driving on snow. 

Conclusion

The Ford Edge is one of the most popular midsize five-seater SUVs in the market. 

It is built on the same car-based chassis as most of the top high-end SUVs, giving it an edge over other SUVs of the same class and price range. 

The Edge has a stunning look and comfortable interior with a sporty and fun-to-drive experience. 

The combination of the potent powertrain and the drivetrain of the Ford Edge is the key feature that distinguishes it from its peers. 

Therefore, whether you are buying a new or used Ford Edge SUV, it is recommended to go for the one fitted with a timing chain. 

Despite being slightly more expensive than the one running on a belt, the price difference is justified by its low maintenance costs in the long run. 

Also, the cost incurred to replace a timing belt every so often is relatively high. 

Since all the parts, including the water pump and its accessories, have to be removed to access the timing belt, these unnecessary maintenance costs can be avoided by the use of a timing chain instead of a belt.