Question 1

Buying & Fitting Guide

Accepted Answer

To ensure that you get the correct timing belt, it is best to check the size and shape of the one currently installed so you can compare with the listed belts. Some important information for selecting the correct timing belt is the type of belt needed; number of teeth, amount of and type of driven units, pulley compatibility and date limitation of the unit. As car manufacturers regularly update certain peripherals and design of their models, some timing belts will only be suitable for particular models of certain years.

Question 2

Useful Fitting Accessories & Tools

Accepted Answer

Click on the links below to find useful fitting accessories and tools:

Drain Pans and Funnels
Axle Stands and Ramps
Mechanic's Toolkit
Timing Tools
Disposable Gloves and Hand Care
Universal Absorbent

Question 3

Helpful Tips

Accepted Answer

Although it's important to check with your manufacturer to find out the exact recommendation of inspection interval of your drive belt, the majority of manufacturers recommend changing the drive belt between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. Since belts are fed through a series of pulleys and tensioners it’s important that these are replaced at the same time as the belt. It is also a good idea to change the water pump at the same time (if applicable) as in most cases, it has done as much work as the belt.

Question 4

Gates Timing Belts

Accepted Answer

For over a century, Gates has worked at the forefront of automotive innovation. Their teams of automotive professionals design, develop and manufacture automotive parts that are found in millions of vehicles on the road today. Gates proudly supplies automotive parts to more than 34 OE manufacturers worldwide and strive to bring that same quality, reliability and performance to our OE-equivalent aftermarket parts. Gates’ complete aftermarket solutions feature first-to-market and late model coverage on systems such as accessory drives, engine timing, fuel, cooling and more. Gates’ parts are designed specifically for OE quality and performance requirements of your vehicle.

Question 5

When to change timing belt?

Accepted Answer

Most car manufacturers recommend changing the timing belt between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, although it's important to check with your manufacturer to find out the exact recommendation in case it's less. Since timing belts are fed through a series of pulleys and tensioners it’s important that these pulleys and tensioners are replaced at the same time as the belt.

Question 6

How do I know if my timing belt is bad?

Accepted Answer

Timing belts do not always give warning when they’re about to give way, they might make a chirping sound, or they might just suddenly break. This is usually because of significant wear in the timing belt. You can always do a visual check, looking for any cracking, glazing, missing teeth or oil contamination on your timing belt. Or you can have a mechanic check the belt for you and ensure it's replaced at the recommended time.

Question 7

What happens if Timing Belt breaks while driving?

Accepted Answer

If the timing belt snaps while driving, your engine will experience an instant loss of power - there may not be sounds or engine warnings. You will need to quickly and safely pull over as your engine will no longer work.

Question 8

What damage does a broken Timing Belt cause?

Accepted Answer

The stroke of the piston and valve consume the same area of the cylinder and the timing belt is what prevents them from coming together. However, if the timing belt breaks, the piston and valve will collide. The result will be a damaged cylinder head, valve, piston, cylinder, and/or camshaft.These are very expensive items to repair or replace.

Question 9

Can you repair a broken Timing Belt?

Accepted Answer

No, you can't repair a broken timing belt, only a replacement is the solution in these cases.

Question 10

Will a pair of tights work as a temporary timing belt replacement?

Accepted Answer

No! Older vehicles used a V belt system, and a pair of tights (or other strong fabric) was sometimes known to work on these for a few kms to get you home back in the day! (That's if they didn't melt off) Newer vehicles have a serpentine belt which is much thicker, so the fabric would just slide off, especially on smooth pulleys. Way too much effort would need to go into this for such a temporary fix!

Question 11

What is the average life of a Timing Belt?

Accepted Answer

Between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, although every car has different features and limits, that's why you always have to check your owners manual.

Question 12

Do valves always bend when a Timing Belt breaks?

Accepted Answer

Mostly, yes, most cars have an interference engine so the damage can be severe, like bent valves, etc. Some cars (fewer cars), have non-interference engines, which means that if the timing belt breaks while you are driving, there is no damage to the internal parts of the engine.

Gates Timing Belt - 5491xs for volkswagen golf mk iv 1997 to 2005 - 1.8 T [150hp. 1781cc.]

€42.99

Item code: 57621

To fit on volkswagen GOLF Mk IV

Delivery Only

In stock

Dispatch: TUESDAY

Specifications

OE Numbers Open

Overview

Gates Timing Belt