In a car engine, every detail is important and requires special attention. The timing belt is one such part. Considering that this rubber product is subjected to colossal loads in harsh temperature conditions and in an aggressive environment, you understand what the quality of production should be. This 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 timing belt, is to synchronize the operation of the engine's crankshaft and camshaft. In diesel units it is also connected to the high pressure fuel pump (HPF). Previously, in engines this role was performed by a chain. Today there is also a significant proportion of cars with chain synchronization. Why did the belt begin to be used in such a critical place in the engine?
To make it clearer, let’s look at the main differences between a belt and a chain in an engine timing belt:
- a timing belt system produces less noise;
- significant reduction in weight compared to a chain;
- reduction in the cost of repairs for components and labor;
- The structure of the timing belt itself is simpler;
- The belt should be replaced at least every 60,000 km under normal conditions. In harsh operating conditions, these periods are even lower.
The timing belt is an important component of the engine in terms of repairability in the event of a break. The consequences of failure of such a belt will, at best, lead to the replacement of part of the valves. In the worst case, all valves, pistons, camshaft and crankshaft will need to be replaced. The responsibility on a 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) constantly deserves the best reviews.
Features of Gates timing belts
Gates has a century-long history of development. In 2022, it will be 100 years since the first V-belt rolled off the production line. The company survived such a long period of time for a reason. Just having our own research center speaks volumes. Today it is the largest supplier of belts for cars and agricultural machinery, not only for conveyors, but also for spare parts.
When it comes to timing belts specifically, Gates offers products with strict requirements for quality and reliability. After all, timing belts operate at high speeds over a wide temperature range, while being exposed to oil. So, the features of Gates timing belts include:
- the use of nitrile in a synthetic material with increased wear resistance and protection against oil and aggressive environments;
- the use of fiberglass in the cord, spirally placed inside a rubber shell;
- a variety of tooth profiles that precisely align with the gears and ensure tight grip and silent operation;
- the availability of a variety of repair kits, including not only a tension roller, but also a special tool, and additional spare parts necessary for replacement, for example, pumps;
- good protection of products from counterfeiting.
Original Gates V-belt model
The first original products of the Gates brand are V-belts. The cross-section of such belts is transverse, and the force they transmit passes through the side of the part. The material for the manufacture of such belts is oil- and petrol-resistant rubber. Belts in this category are unreinforced, are available with molded ribs, a V-shaped profile, and are also endowed with high lateral strength.
Greater flexibility of this product is ensured by the addition of high-quality polyester cord, which allows these belts to be used on small pulleys. Reviews of the Gates timing belt indicate that using parts in this manner gives quite acceptable results. Most often, these original models are installed on passenger cars, as well as minibuses. It is worth noting that these belts are very susceptible to reverse bending, that is, the case when the load is placed on the inside of the part.
Types of timing belts
Considering that Gates produces timing belts for almost all types of cars, their number in the classification becomes clear. The manufacturer has developed detailed selection catalogs. For your car, you can easily and simply find the right timing belt, its reinforced analogue, as well as an installation kit, if necessary.
For passenger cars, Gates offers belts that are completely identical to their original counterparts:
- normal quality;
- enhanced quality;
- complete with roller or rollers;
- in an extended set with sealing elements and all important timing belt-related components.
In addition to belts with a standard tooth for a particular vehicle, there are varieties with teeth in the form of a trapezoid and complex shapes for different operating conditions.
If we consider the general types of Gates belts, the variety of shapes and models is even brighter. In addition to the standard type, designated Power Grip, there are:
- polyurethane belts;
- bilateral options;
- with conveyor type cord;
- resistant to paints and varnishes;
- open timing belts of all the above types.
Are there any disadvantages?
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 products from a well-known and popular company is the large number of people who want to counterfeit them. And when there are negative reviews among the reviews, then with a 90% probability we are talking about counterfeit products.
The manufacturer's extensive experience in protecting products from counterfeiting 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 bulletins distributed with the product, and in this article.
Drive belt
If we talk about reviews of the Gates drive belt, then everything is a little worse. There are reviews on the Internet that when purchasing even from an official dealer in the Russian Federation, everything may not be so smooth. On various sites you can find photographs showing how these belts are washed. If the official statement says that belts need to be changed every 60 or 90 thousand km, then some provide photos after 40 thousand km. And in these photographs you can already see that the teeth are coming off the belt. The belt itself is not torn, but is already quite close to it.
How to distinguish an original Gates from a fake?
The popularity of a well-known company, together with high quality, and therefore good demand, has always attracted those who want to fake the same Gates timing belt. How to distinguish a fake? There are several ways to determine whether it is an original or a counterfeit, and the process of identifying the truth should be approached systematically.
First of all, you need to pay attention to the packaging. Gates takes this issue very seriously. All timing belts are packed in cardboard packaging. If the product is not packaged, it is 100% fake. Only recyclable cardboard is used and the paint is solvent-free. That is, the cardboard should not be covered with a bright glossy picture. Information about the application and article number of the timing belt is made in the form of an adhesive label, and is not printed on the packaging.
The holographic sticker or Holospot from Gates has complex protection in the form of multi-layers, a special code and the actual holographic inscription. Also, the original packaging must contain a sticker to record the mileage at the time of replacement. Counterfeiting a Gates timing belt in such conditions becomes much more difficult.
The next point to pay attention to will be the markings on the belt itself. At the factory, this information is printed in white, hard to erase color. Here, too, there are three points that may indicate counterfeit:
- the country of origin must be specified;
- five-digit number identical throughout the belt;
- the numbers on the right edge of the marking should go up in increasing order.
What attracts Gates belts?
It’s not for nothing that reviews of the Gates timing belt are mostly positive. All of them are supported by the features of the product. Gates creates products of the highest quality, the advantages of which include the following factors:
- The first factor is the very high wear resistance of the belt.
- The second factor is the guarantee from the official dealer that the belt will work for the entire period assigned to it, and also has a reserve for operation in an environment with elevated temperature conditions and in extreme conditions.
- Almost silent operation of the belt, which is guaranteed by the fact that the teeth fit very precisely and are also made of a very soft material.
- The material has enormous tensile strength due to the fact that it contains fiberglass.
Gates products are rightfully considered one of the best, and are also ranked on a par with original spare parts from the factory manufacturer. A large assortment of products, reasonable prices, as well as the best quality of products provide such a lot of positive reviews. In addition, you can distinguish a fake from the original even by its packaging.
The appeal of Gates timing belts
It's time to figure out why the reviews are so good. Gates (timing belts) creates products with many advantages, including:
- high wear resistance;
- production of the entire required period with a reserve in conditions of an aggressive environment and large temperature ranges;
- silent operation, thanks to precise selection of teeth and soft material;
- colossal 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 tensile strength. But there is a downside, or rather a disadvantage. Such a belt has an increased risk of breaking during jerking. Therefore, for a car with such a belt, “starting” from a pusher is contraindicated.
Due to the high flow of goods turnover and the release of numerous batches, Gates allows itself to maintain reasonable prices for its products. And a Gates timing belt, the price of which can be 900 rubles, is a common picture on the market. And the product testing and quality control program maintains the brand of a worthy competitor.
Gates poly V-belts
This model is made of several V-belts that have a low profile. Thanks to this, the disadvantage of the V-belt, when there were problems with reverse bending, is eliminated. Poly-wedge models are strong and very flexible, and also withstand tension well on both the external and internal surfaces. These belts can withstand enormous loads and are therefore more often used to transmit serious forces. The high strength and flexibility of these models allows these belts to be used in all attachments. Advantages of poly V-belts:
- High elasticity.
- High strength.
- Significant tensile strength.
- They perfectly withstand the aggressive effects of oil and high temperatures.
- They are resistant to abrasion.
- Reduce vibration and also reduce noise during operation.
Gates Achievements
Among the most popular achievements is the story of the almost century-long production of the first belt, as well as the presence of its own scientific center. The company constantly accumulates information, as well as searches for and resolves issues with the quality and reliability of materials. Thus, developments in the field of rubber products brought Gates to the rubber goods 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 global recognition are what Gates deserves. Almost every 2nd timing belt replacement occurs with Gates products.
Reviews of Gates timing belts
Most users of Gates products express a general opinion of 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 they were talking about Gates, or whether the person simply came across a fake.
Many people like simple but functional packaging. Others are attracted by the company's huge range of products. What’s interesting is that such a large selection of Gates timing belts for passenger cars represents only a small portion of the company’s total products presented on the world’s markets. A much larger volume falls on belts for agricultural machines and various industries.
Toothed belt
The Gates timing belt has been specially developed for applications where there is a need to synchronize the operation of shafts operating in a high speed range. These belts are equipped with fiberglass casings, which significantly increases the elasticity and resistance to tension of the product. It is also equipped with a durable lining, which is designed to protect the belt from oil, moisture and elevated temperatures. These belts are considered an improved version, and therefore highly saturated nitrile is also used in their production.
Reviews of Gates toothed timing belts also speak of high performance characteristics, as well as an affordable price for a product of such high quality. The only drawback of this spare part noted by users is that the belt does not withstand jerks well. Otherwise, as drivers note, there are practically the same advantages: durability, noise reduction, corrosion resistance, almost complete absence of deformation under the influence of tension and vibration, and do not require lubrication.
Applicability of Gates timing belt
In order to occupy the maximum niche in sales, Gates produces timing belts and kits for the entire range of cars, both cars and trucks. Products are supplied to conveyors of such well-known brands as:
- Ford;
- Audi;
- Volkswagen;
- General Motors;
- Chrysler;
- Toyota;
- Nissan;
- Opel;
- Renault;
- Fiat and a number of others.
The popular Scania, MAN, Iveco and, of course, Mercedes-Benz are not left out of attention. Thus, replacing the timing belt with a Gates kit will work like clockwork for models of the above-mentioned car manufacturers.
Complete set of timing belts
Along with just timing belts, Gates offers the consumer options for a comprehensive system replacement, which includes one or more rollers and mounting bolts. This Gates timing repair kit is designated PowerGrip and is packaged, like all products, in an individual box indicating the article number and application. The kit necessarily contains assembly instructions and a sticker to indicate the mileage.
There is also an option for extended timing replacement. Such kits are called PowerGrip Plus and may contain, in addition to the belt and rollers itself, various o-rings and seals required 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 tension roller can be included either as part of the tensioner assembly or separately, again, according to the recommendation of the equipment manufacturer.
Whose company is contitech?
Continental
AG! (FWB: CONG) is a German manufacturer of tires and automotive components. The company ranks 1st in Europe and 4th in the global tire production market.
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Installation nuances
Replacing the timing belt on most cars requires different timing. If, for example, Renault Logan recommends changing the belt at 60 thousand km, then for many Volkswagens this period is 120 thousand km. Sometimes the manufacturer limits the service life to a time frame, which also makes sense. Therefore, Gates’ recommendations in this regard do not contradict car manufacturers. Even if a Gates reinforced timing belt with a large margin of safety is used, its maximum service life should not be checked.
In any case, replacing the timing belt is recommended as an assembly with its associated elements, that is, at a minimum, rollers and tensioners. Gates kits always come with replacement instructions. If you follow all the recommendations and have experience or skills, you can easily replace the timing belt.
Do I need to change the pump?
The most common question that owners ask when replacing a timing kit is “Do I need to change the pump?” The answer depends on the engine size.
On engines with a displacement of 1.6, a Russian-made pump from the TZA company is installed from the factory. Its impeller is made of plastic, and the bearing and seal are also not of the best quality. Therefore, when replacing the belt, it is also better to update such a pump. Usually it breaks after 60 thousand kilometers, if you do not replace it along with the belt, you will have to contact the service again.
On 1.8 engines, a pump from the Japanese company GMB is installed from the factory. The part is made of reliable materials, and its working life is more than 100 thousand km. There is no point in changing such a pump before the mileage reaches 100 thousand; it is quite reliable.
