Gates timing belts: reviews. Gates (timing belts): quality, selection tips

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

In a car engine, every detail is important and requires special attention. The timing belt is one of those parts. Given that this rubber product is subjected to enormous stress in harsh temperature conditions and in an aggressive environment, you understand what the quality of production should be. That is why most people prefer Gates timing belts.

This article will discuss the types and differences of Gates products (timing belts), tips for identifying counterfeit products, reviews, applicability and selection tips. And in order to make everything completely clear, a little information about the timing belt itself.

What is a timing belt

The main function of the timing belt, or gas distribution mechanism, is to synchronize the operation of the crankshaft and camshaft of the engine. In diesel units, it is also associated with a high pressure fuel pump (TNVD). Previously in engines this roleperformed the circuit. Today there is also a significant proportion of cars with chain synchronization. Why did the belt begin to be used in the engine in such a crucial place?

To make it clearer, consider the main differences between the belt and the chain in the timing of the engine:

• timing system with belt makes less noise;
• significant lighter weight than chain;
• reducing the cost of repairs for components and labor;
• the timing structure itself with a belt is simpler;
• The belt should be changed at least every 60,000 km under normal conditions. Under harsh operating conditions, these times are even lower.

The timing belt is an important component of the engine in terms of repair in the event of a break. The consequences of the failure of such a belt, at best, will lead to the replacement of part of the valves. At worst, all valves, pistons, camshaft and crankshaft will be replaced. The responsibility of the rubber product lies simply enormous. Therefore, it is best to replace it regularly and choose among the products of the most responsible manufacturers. And Gates (timing belts and other products) always deserves the best reviews.

Gates Timing Belt Features

Gates has a history of centuries of development. In 2017, it will be 100 years since the first V-belt rolled off the assembly line. The company has lived such a long period of time for a reason. Already only the presence of its own research center speaks volumes. Today it is the largest supplier of belts forcars and agricultural machinery not only for conveyors, but also for spare parts.

When it comes to timing belts specifically, here Gates offers products with strict requirements for quality and reliability. After all, timing belts operate at high speeds with a large temperature range, while being exposed to oil. So, Gates timing belt features include:

• use of nitrile synthetic material with increased wear resistance and protection against oil and corrosive environments;
• use as part of the cord - fiberglass, spirally placed inside the rubber sheath;
• Variety of tooth profiles that precisely align with gears for tight engagement and quiet operation;
• availability of a variety of repair kits, including not only the idler, but also a special tool and additional parts needed to replace, for example, a pump;
• good product protection against fakes.

Varieties of timing belts

Given that Gates produces timing belts for almost all types of cars, it becomes clear their number in the classification. The manufacturer has developed detailed selection catalogs. For your car, you can easily and simply find the right timing belt, its reinforced counterpart, as well as an installation kit, if necessary.

For passenger cars, Gates offers belts completely identical to their native counterparts:

• regular quality;
• enhanced quality;
• complete with roller or rollers;
• extended kit with sealing elements and all important timing belt related components.

In addition to belts with a standard tooth for a specific car, there are varieties with teeth in the form of a trapezoid and complex shapes for different operating conditions.

If we look at the general types of Gates belts, here the variety of shapes and patterns is even brighter. In addition to the standard type, which has the designation Power Grip, there are:

• PU belts;
• double-sided options;
• with conveyor type cord;
• paint resistant;
• open timing belts of all the above types.

Are there any cons?

Positive reviews from Gates, whose timing belts have a long list of advantages, tell us that there are no product shortcomings. Is it really? The biggest disadvantage of the goods of a well-known and popular company is the large number of people who want to fake them. And when there are negative reviews among the reviews, then with a probability of 90% we are talking about counterfeit products.

The manufacturer's extensive experience in protecting goods from fakes allows the consumer to receive their Gates timing belt kit or any other product in proper quality. You can read about ways to protect products on the official website, in the bulletins distributed with the product, and in this article.

How can you tell a genuine Gates from a fake?

Popularity of the famousfirms, together with high quality, and therefore with good demand, have always attracted those who want to forge the same Gates timing belt. How to distinguish a fake? There are several ways to determine whether the original is in front of your eyes or counterfeit, and you should approach the process of revealing the truth systematically.

First of all, you need to pay attention to the packaging. Gates takes this matter very seriously. All timing belts are packed in a carton. If the product is not packaged, it is 100% fake. The cardboard used is only of the recyclable type, and the paint does not contain solvents. That is, the cardboard should not be covered with a bright glossy picture. Timing belt applicability and part number information is in the form of an adhesive label, not printed on the package.

Holographic sticker or Holospot from Gates has a complex protection in the form of multi-layered, special code and the actual holographic inscription. Also, the original packaging must contain a sticker-sticker to fix the mileage at the time of replacement. Counterfeiting a Gates timing belt is much more difficult under these conditions.

The next thing to pay attention to is the marking on the belt itself. At the factory, this information is applied in white, which is difficult to remove. Here, too, there are three points that may indicate counterfeit:

• the country of origin must be registered;
• same five-digit number throughout the belt;
• numbers from the right edge of the marking should go up in ascending order.

The allure of Gates timing belts

It's time to figure out why the reviews are so good. Gates (Timing Belts) creates products with many benefits, including:

• high wear resistance;
• production of the entire prescribed period with a margin in an aggressive environment and large temperature intervals;
• quiet operation due to precise tooth selection and soft material;
• great tensile strength due to the fiberglass in the cord.

Fiberglass, which is used in the cord of timing belts, on the one hand, increases stability and resistance to stretching. But there is a downside, or rather a disadvantage. Such a belt increases the risk of breaking during jerks. Therefore, for a car with such a belt, “winding” from the pusher is contraindicated.

Due to the high flow of sales and the production of numerous batches, Gates allows itself to maintain an acceptable cost of its goods. And the Gates timing belt, the price of which can be 900 rubles, is a common picture on the market. And the product quality control and inspection program keeps the brand of a worthy competitor.

Gates Achievements

Among the most popular achievements is the story of almost a century of production of the first belt, as well as the presence of its own scientific center. The company is constantly accumulating information, as well as searching for and resolving issues with the quality and reliability of materials. Thus, developments in the field of rubber products brought Gates toRTI market in the areas of refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

The company successfully patents all its developments and inventions. A consistent approach to the development and implementation of technical solutions has led to the expansion of production to 70 factories around the world. Thousands of jobs and worldwide fame are a well-deserved price for Gates. Virtually every 2nd timing belt change happens with a Gates product.

Gates Timing Belt Reviews

Most users of Gates products agree on high quality and low price. On the well-known "Otzovik" there was only one opinion about the short service life. At the same time, no one checked whether it was about Gates, or whether the person simply got a fake.

Many people love simple yet functional packaging. Others are attracted by the company's huge range of products. Interestingly, such a large selection of Gates timing belts for passenger cars is only a small fraction of all the company's products presented in the markets of the world. A much larger volume is accounted for by belts for agricultural machines and various industries.

Applicability of Timing Gates

In order to reach the maximum niche in sales, Gates produces timing belts and timing kits for the entire range of cars, both cars and trucks. Products are delivered to conveyors of such well-known brands as:

• Ford;
• Audi;
• Volkswagen;
• General Motors;
• Chrysler;
• Toyota;
• Nissan;
• Opel;
• Renault;
• Fiat and seriesothers.

Popular Scania, MAN, Iveco and, of course, Mercedes-Benz are not deprived of attention. Thus, the replacement of the timing belt with the Gates kit will work for the models of the above car manufacturers like clockwork.

Completeness of timing belts

Along with simple timing belts, Gates offers the consumer options for a comprehensive replacement system, which includes one or more rollers, mounting bolts. Such a Gates timing repair kit has the PowerGrip designation and is packed, like all products, in an individual box indicating the article number and applicability. Without fail, the kit contains assembly instructions and a sticker to indicate the mileage.

There is also an option for extended timing replacement kit. Such kits are called PowerGrip Plus and may contain, in addition to the actual belt with rollers, various o-rings and seals necessary for replacement, and sometimes a water pump assembly. The pump is included in such a kit only if the car manufacturer recommends replacing the timing belt. It is worth noting that the tensioner roller can be used as part of the tensioner assembly or separately, again, on the recommendation of the equipment manufacturer.

Installation details

Replacing the timing belt on most vehicles involves different timing. If, for example, Renault Logan recommends changing the belt for 60 thousand kilometers, then for many Volkswagen this period is 120 thousand km. Sometimes the manufacturer limits the service life to a time frame, which also makes sense. That's whyGates recommendations in this regard do not contradict car manufacturers. Even if a Gates heavy duty timing belt is used, the maximum life should not be checked.

In any case, replacing the timing belt is recommended as an assembly with associated elements, that is, at least rollers and tensioners. Gates kits always come with replacement instructions. By following all the recommendations and having experience or skills, you can easily replace the timing belt.

Instead of a conclusion

Gates timing belts are rightfully considered one of the best and are valued at the level of original components. A large assortment, the highest quality and reasonable prices provide only positive feedback from Gates. Timing belts are always packaged with counterfeit protection and are recommended by many car manufacturers.