Of course, there is no unnecessary detail in the car engine. Each of the spare parts fulfills its role and must be in working condition at 100%. One of the main parts in a vehicle is a rubber belt. This spare part is in constant tension, and its working atmosphere is in elevated temperature conditions. Based on this, it becomes clear that it is only necessary to choose high-quality products as a belt. Currently, there are a lot of positive reviews about the Gates timing belt.
What is a timing belt
In order to choose a suitable part, it is necessary to clearly understand why it and what functions it performs. The main purpose of the timing belt (gas distribution mechanism) in creating synchronized operation of the crankshaft and camshafts of the engine. If we take into account machines running on diesel fuel, then in such units the belt is also connected with a high-pressure fuel pump (TNVD). Previously, a chain was used to connect these parts. Currently, many cars still use a chain drive, but most have switched to a belt drive. What is the difference?
- A system with a rubber belt makes much less noise than a chain drive.
- The use of a rubber belt significantly reduces the weight of the structure.
- Carrying out repair work and buying a new belt is much cheaper, in the case of a chain.
- The transmission structure itself is simplified when using a rubber belt.
- The change of this part should be made every 60 thousand km, despite the fact that the machine is operated under normal conditions. Under extreme conditions, this indicator is significantly reduced.
Gates Belts
Gates timing belts by Gates are not just very popular. In order to be sure of the quality of the product, you can refer to the history of this company. In 2017, it will be 100 years since the company launched the first timing belt. This company has not just existed for so long - it even has its own research center. At the moment, it is Gates that is the largest supplier of such goods as the timing belt for cars, as well as for agricultural machinery. If we talk about its products, then the company itself sets a very high bar in quality and reliability for its own product. This must be done, since the gas distribution mechanism is operated at high speed, while being exposed to oil and high temperature exposure.
Features of Gates Belts
The Gates drive belt reviews are very positive. And all this is due to the features that are inherent in the details from this manufacturer.
- The first feature of belts from this manufacturer is the addition of nitrile with increased wear resistance to the composition of the synthetic material. In addition, the addition of this substance increases protection against the effects of any aggressive environments, as well as the effects of oil on the belt.
- In addition to nitrile, cord material is also used in the composition. This is fiberglass that is spirally placed inside a rubber sheath.
- Belts are available with a wide variety of tooth profiles, which helps to fit precisely with almost any gears, which, in turn, increases the adhesion density and reduces noise during operation of these parts.
- The protection of genuine parts against counterfeiting is very high.
- The company also produces a wide variety of repair kits. The kits include Gates timing belts and rollers, reviews of which are also very positive. In addition, the set contains the necessary tools and additional materials, for example, pumps for better repair.
Variety of products
Before you begin the description, it is worth saying that the company Gates is engaged in the production of these products for almost all brands of cars. This means that the choice is not just great - it is huge. The company has its own catalog, which provides an overview of the original Gates belts, indicates options for replacing the original belts with their more reliable and durable version for operation in extreme conditions, and also presents the kits used to install these parts. All this can be purchased if necessary. For a passenger car class, the company provides products that are completely identical to the factory ones, as well as:
- Belts of usual quality.
- Belts of enhanced quality.
- Kits with timing belts and rollers Gates Powergrip Kit.
- Expanded kits, which include sealed options for parts, as well as all the necessary additional components.
Original V-belt model Gates
The first original Gates brand products are V-belts. The cross section of such belts is transverse, and the force that they transmit passes through the side of the part. The material for the manufacture of such belts is oil and petrol resistant rubber. Belts of this category are unreinforced, are available with molded ribs, a V-shaped profile, and also endowed with great lateral strength.
Greater flexibility of these products is provided by the addition of high-quality polyester cord to the composition, which allows the use of these belts on small pulleys. Reviews of the timing belt from Gates suggest that the use of parts in this way gives quite acceptable results. Most often, these original models are installed on passenger cars, as well as on minibuses. It is worth noting that these belts are very afraid of reverse bending, that is, the case when the load goes to the inner side of the part.
V-ribbed belts Gates
This model is made of several V-belts, which have a low profile. This eliminates the disadvantage of the V-belt when there were problems with reverse kink. V-ribbed models are durable and very flexible, and also withstand the tension of both external and internal surfaces. These belts perfectly withstand enormous loads, and therefore are often used to transfer serious effort. High strength and flexibility of these models allows the use of these belts in all mounted units. The benefits of multi-ribbed belts:
- High resilience.
- High durability.
- Significant tensile strength.
- They tolerate aggressive effects of oil and high temperature indicators.
- Resistant to abrasion.
- Reduce vibration and also reduce the amount of noise during operation.
Toothed belt
The Gates timing belt has been specially designed for a mechanism in which there is a need to synchronize the operation of shafts operating at high speeds. These belts are equipped with fiberglass cases, which significantly increases the elasticity and resistance of the product to tension. 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 in their production highly saturated nitrile is also used.
Reviews of the Gates timing belt company also indicate high performance, as well as an affordable price for a product of such high quality. The only drawback noted by users of this spare part is that the belt does not tolerate jerks. For the rest, as the drivers note, there are practically only advantages: durability, noise reduction, corrosion resistance, almost complete absence of deformation under the influence of tension and vibration, do not require lubrication.
The difference between the timing belt and the fake
Since reviews about Gates timing belts are practically all positive and the company itself occupies a leading position in sales, the market is full of fakes of this brand. However, there are differences that will help to make out where the counterfeit is and where the original is.
So, the first thing you should pay attention to is packaging. The original packaging is crisp red and black, and the cardboard itself is pretty tight to the touch. This cardboard is a quality and fully recyclable material. Another distinctive feature of the original is the inside of the cardboard, which is unprocessed and gray in color. In addition, the original belts are always individually packed, if there are more than 1 belt in a box, these are fakes. Also, fake can be distinguished by the quality of the cardboard box. The material will be much thinner to save on it. If the package is not sealed, opened or any other color other than red-black, then this is also a fake.
Gates Timing Belt Reviews
Most users on the Internet highlight the two most important qualities of this product. The first is the high reliability of timing belts, and the second is the low cost of goods. On one of the well-known sites with reviews, only one comment was noticed, which stated that the product has a short life. However, it is not clear which belt a person bought. It is possible that a fake was purchased, not the original product. Many customers are satisfied with the very simple yet functional Gates packaging. Reviews of Gates belts and rollers by users indicate that many are pleased with the wide selection of goods. Also, many note that parts for cars are only a small fraction of the product, far more buyers among owners of agricultural machinery.
Drive belt
If we talk about reviews of the Gates drive belt, then everything is a little worse. There are reviews on the web that when purchased even from an authorized dealer in the Russian Federation, things may not be so smooth. On different sites you can find photos showing how these belts are erased. If the official statement says that the belts need to be changed every 60 or 90 thousand km, then some provide photos after 40 thousand km. And in these photos you can already see that the teeth from the belt come off. The belt itself is not torn; however, it is already quite close to this.
What attracts Gates belts
Reviews of the timing belt Gates are not just so distinguished in their majority by positive sayings. All of them are supported by product features. 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 guarantees from an official dealer that the belt will work out for the entire period set for it, and also has a margin for working 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 clearly and are also made of very soft material.
- The enormous tensile strength of the material due to the fact that the composition includes a material such as fiberglass.
Products from the company Gates is rightfully considered one of the best, and is also placed on a par with original spare parts from a factory manufacturer. A wide range of products, reasonable prices, as well as the best quality products and provide such a lot of positive feedback. In addition, you can even distinguish a fake from the original by packaging.