Gates is our favorite brand for timing belts. But if you’re skeptical about this brand, then our Gates timing belt review will change your mind.
This company got some backlash from consumers worldwide as they went from making all their parts in Japan to not being made in Japan.
So, it raises the question, are they still as reliable as they once were? Well, that’s what we’ll find out.
To make things easier, we’ve chosen three kits from Gates. We’ll cover everything you need to know about them so you can make the right purchase.
Contents
3 Best Gates Timing Belts Reviews in 2021
Down below, you’ll find three timing belt kits from Gates.
We’ve carefully selected them so you can safely replace your timing belt. That being said, let’s take a look!
01. Gates Engine TCKWP329 Timing Belt
Highlighted Features:
- Strengthen water pump
- OEM-like quality
- Heat-resistant
As our first Gates timing belt kit with water pump review, we went with the Gates TCKWP329 timing belt.
It has exceeded our expectations, thus earning the number one spot on our list. For those who need a replacement as soon as possible, this is your timing belt.
In addition to the timing belt, this kit includes a powerful water pump.
It is good enough to ensure the engine remains constant, which has exceeded many consumers’ expectations.
Furthermore, they included a durable pulley and an idler with the kit to ensure you have all the parts to replace your old belt. This is an aftermarket product.
However, it is designed to match the original one without compromising any performance in the process, thus making it an excellent choice for Subaru owners.
Also, given that this is a product designed to compete with the stock one, you know it’ll fit in your vehicle. Nonetheless, make sure it is compatible before ordering.
As for how durable this timing belt is, we’ve seen consumers point out just how much it provides a quiet and reliable performance and that it is designed to withstand wear-resistant over time.
Finally, they have also added an in-depth manual for those who want to take on this project independently.
What We Liked
- Holds up pretty well over time
- Not much different than OEM
- Has everything you need for replacement
- Reinforced teeth
What We Didn’t Like
- Not all parts are from Japan
02. Gates TCKWP304A Engine Timing Belt
Highlighted Features:
- Reinforced timing belt
- Similar to OEM
- Made in the US
Feeling as though the first one does not live up to your expectations?
Well, our second Gates powergrip timing belt review will change your mind for good.
This one is designed to work as efficiently as possible without sacrificing quality.
Right out of the box, this kit includes a timing belt, a water pump, a head gasket, and a hydraulic tension.
For a fantastic and optimal installation, this model matches OEM, which reduces the time you might spend installing the unit.
Also, this kit includes straightforward instructions so you won’t get stuck anywhere in the process.
Even if you don’t have that much experience with vehicles, you’ll still find your way around it.
They’ve also been nice enough to add a tread-lock along with the kit, meaning you won’t spend any extra time going to the store to get an adhesive for the timing belt replacement.
Don’t let the word aftermarket fool into thinking this some cheap Chinese knock-off.
Compared to how expensive OE parts can be, this one will save you a lot of money. No need to spend hundreds of dollars just for a replacement.
Overall, consumers have reported how much of a difference this timing belt has made for their vehicle. It works as intended and gets the job done.
What We Liked
- Works like a charm
- Pretty similar to OEM
- Affordable timing belt
- Comes with instructions
What We Didn’t Like
- Oil might leak after 10K miles
03. Gates TCKWP284A PowerGrip
Highlighted Features:
- Maximizes vehicle’s performance
- Resistant to heat and wear
- Gripping teeth
If you’re looking for a well-performing timing belt that can be by your side for several years, then we suggest picking up the Gates TCKWP284A PowerGrip. It won’t let you down.
For a performance-oriented driver, this is the perfect timing belt.
This brand has ensured to reinforce this unit as much as possible. For instance, this company claims you should only replace this unit after nearly 60,000 miles.
Furthermore, consumers have reported no noticeable difference between this product and the OEM they sell at the dealership.
For such an affordable price, this is a steal compared to going to the dealer.
On top of that, they’ve also ensured you have all the tools needed to replace the timing belt.
The kit comes with a water pump, a pulley, a timing belt, a tensioner, and a gasket.
The water pump will treat you well on the road. It is designed to last for as long as possible while providing excellent and efficient cooling.
Consumers have expressed just how easy the installation is. The unit comes with a well-written manual so that you can install it on your own.
Overall, this is an excellent fit for your vehicle.
If you want an affordable timing belt that is good enough to be by your side for as long as possible, then this is the model your vehicle needs.
What We Liked
- Excellent performance
- Pretty easy to install
- Perfect stock replacement
- Wear-resistant timing belt
What We Didn’t Like
- Low-quality gasket
What to Consider When Buying a Gates Timing Belt
Ready to buy a timing belt after going through our Gates timing belt review?
Buying a timing belt is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make when getting anything new for your vehicle.
It plays a huge role, and choosing the wrong one can end up costing you a lot of money.
As such, here are some general tips you should know before getting one:
Wear-resistant
Your timing belt plays a critical role in your vehicle. Choosing a weak and poorly-made timing belt can lead to undesired results.
Worst-case scenario, you could blow the engine, which can cost you a lot of money in the long run.
As such, get a timing belt that is either made of urethane or rubber.
These two elements are made to withstand environmental temperatures. Whether it be low or high temperatures, they have you covered.
Furthermore, these two materials are less prone to material degradation caused by ozone gas.
We suggest watching out for those two main components for all those reasons. They’ll make your driving experience way better and less prone to failure.
Teeth
If you’re not too familiar with the term teeth on a timing belt, it merely refers to the number of teeth the belt has.
In other words, the belt’s teeth ensure that the belt won’t slip as you’re going down the road.
But it’s not all flying colors. They take damage from time to time. Once they’re no longer functional, the vehicle’s timing will be off.
The belt won’t break, but it could damage other parts of your car over time.
So, when choosing the timing belt, get the number of the belt that will fit in your vehicle. This is a rookie mistake, and consumers only realize it when installing the belt later on.
Ease Of Use
Upon reading Gates timing belt kit reviews, we’ve noticed how common it is to see buyers complaining about how much effort they had to put in just to fit the timing belt and the other parts of the kit.
Let’s keep it as simple as possible. You don’t want to spend unnecessary hours installing your new timing belt because you chose the wrong one.
When getting a new timing belt, please check both the belt’s length and the water pump. This simple step will save you both money and time.
Water Pump
Here is one crucial thing you should always keep in mind when getting a new timing belt: change the water pump.
Not changing the water pump when replacing the belt can lead to thousands of dollars in repair.
Most of the time, when the timing belt gets damaged, chances are the water pump also got destroyed.
If that’s the case, the water pump will not send coolant to the engine block, overheating it.
As such, make sure your kit comes with a water pump. Don’t take any chances when replacing the timing belt. It’ll be a pain in the neck to deal with later on.
Tread-lock
Another thing you should consider before picking a timing belt is that it should come with a tread-lock.
When replacing the belt, you’ll need to replace the gasket, which requires the gasket adhesive.
So, make sure the kit comes with it. You’ll save a lot of unnecessary time if the kit has a gasket adhesive.
Origin
Now this one is up to you. If you want to get the most out of any timing belt, you should find out where they are made.
Gates used to make all of its timing belt kits in Japan, but a lot has changed ever since.
Nowadays, they’re mainly made in China and other countries. There is nothing wrong with using Chinese products in your vehicle.
They’ve proven to be just as good as the ones made in Japan.
However, if you don’t feel comfortable using Chinese parts in your Japanese vehicle, then you should be careful when picking up any timing belt and any other brand, for that matter.
As a side note, most timing belts from Gates are still made in Japan, so you should be suitable for the most part.
Heat-resistant
The timing belt’s durability will be affected in scorching temperatures, leading to the product’s eventual failure.
If the timing belt ever gets broken, your engine won’t start. Worst-case scenario, your car could stop when going down the road.
To prevent this, please make sure the belt is heat-resistant. It’ll make your life easier.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
Want to learn more about timing belts? Well, here is some useful information about them:
Are Gates timing belts any good?
Yes, Gates timing belts are still pretty good. Even though not all their parts are made in Japan anymore, they still lead the market.
If you want an affordable timing belt, this brand is your best bet.
Where are Gates timing belts made?
Gates timing belt kits used to be made in Japan. However, the other parts come from Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hungary, and Japan.
The kit you get could come from any of those countries. But in general, only the belt is made in Japan.
Can a Gates timing belt last 200.000 miles?
No. It is worth checking up the timing belt after 60.000 to 100.000 miles.
This is the standard range at which most timing belts need to be changed. Some may need to be changed even before that.
How long do Gates timing belts last?
There are a handful of Gates timing belt kits out there. However, for the most part, you should only have to replace the Gates timing belt after 60,000 miles.
Most manufactures recommend changing the belt after that many miles.
Conclusion
So, did you figure out whether the timing belts from Gates are still a reliable option after going through our Gates timing belt review?
We hope this cleared up some misconceptions about these belts.
Gates has always been the number one choice for many drivers over the world.
Especially those who don’t want to spend a ridiculous amount of money for a replacement.
They’ve always made excellent timing belts for an affordable price. And it does not seem to change any time soon.
For all those reasons, we chose those three belts we covered above. You won’t regret getting any of these belts.