Timing belts ??

[retromadness123]

Hello guys just need some advice and guidance, the timing belt is due to be replaced for my mk1 golf 1.6 gti, and I have been looking at the different types of timing belt kits and i have seen a few different makes, so was wondering which of the following brands is better than the others for timing belt kits the choices I have are .....

Gates

DAYCO

INA

SKF

CONTI-TECH

All help and advice is greatly appriciated.

[xbl]

Gates and Conti-tech are OEM for a lot of manufacturers.

[stealthstylz]

I try and use Gates as I've never had issues with them.

[Frankenhealey]

They're all big companies so not no-name Chinese kits. SKF and INA don't make belts. Contitech and Gates are at the top of my list.

[Phil H]

Aug 28, 2019 14:41:04 GMT Frankenhealey said:

They're all big companies so not no-name Chinese kits. SKF and INA don't make belts. Contitech and Gates are at the top of my list.

SKF and INA make the bearings but Gates and Contitech are my “go-to” names for belts, same as above.

If it’s a Golf, check out VW Heritage - you might surprised at the price. They’re quite reasonable for service items in a lot of cases.

[retromadness123]

Thanks guys il go with conti-tech or gates I did get gates a few years ago but wondered if any of others were better

[Darkspeed]

The VAG branded Passat TDI belt I have here is a Conti.

[ChasR]

Gates or Dayco for me. They are all OEM brands however as mentioned, with SKF and INA doing the tensioners.

I do try to avoid ContiTech these days however on timing belts. For quite a while in the 944 world, they were shredding ContiTech belts and even a few specialists near me refused to sell the timing belt for them or even fit them! One however, did sell their balance belt ; the round tooth ContiTech uses tends to be a little quieter for a strange reason.

Another thing. Dealer belts aren't the same as what you get from the motor factor in a few cases, despite what the happy motor factor tells you. The belt Dayco give to PSA for Pug XU engines for example is slightly thicker than the one the aftermarket supply to Joe Public.

[retromadness123]

I got a contitech one today and a little bit in doubt about it the bolt for the tensioner has a little rust on it despite it being in a bag and the date on the belt says 30 07 13, but on the box it said install < 11/18, unsure What these dates are so if anyone can shine light on to it,

[Phil H]

I read that as install before November 2018 so that’s old stock..

[sausage]

As above that's old stock, take it back and get a refund or a much newer one.

[retromadness123]

Will be taking that back for sure, I'm going to go for gates, but being a old car I assume lots of motor factors will be trying to shift old stock, just as a reference how old of of a belt from the manufacture date should be bought, I spoke to one motor factor who said between 6-10years, so as a guidance how old should I go for all help appriciated in advance

[Frankenhealey]

Contitech have a document that states 6 years in max. in storage.

[skkylinedave]

Just had a quick look on euro car parts. They have them for £55 for a dayco kit.
I'm guessing they are not going to sell old ones either.

[Dez]

Tbh I wouldn’t recommend any contitech product, every single belt of that brand I’ve bought (both timing and accessory drive) has been problematic in one way or another. I’d chose dayco or gates.

[retromadness123]

Aug 30, 2019 14:18:51 GMT Frankenhealey said:

Contitech have a document that states 6 years in max. in storage.

I see so the date on the belt that said 30 07 2013 according to that the 6 years have passed, I will be looking at gates as my one I have on is gates which I did 4 years ago but I will remember to ask the motor factors if it has a install date on the box or a manufacture date.