I've done many timing belts. The locking tool is a "nice to have" but certainly not required. You should be checking your cam sprocket alignment before turning the engine over, anyway, so just take your time and be careful and you'll avoid most issues.
I used a Gates timing belt and some other parts from an ECC kit (new water pump, tensioner, etc.) The timing belt looks tight and normal still
I don't have a problem with Gates. I install lots of those without problem so I went with one on my Z32
Don't cheap out on the timing belt. Get the entire kit with rollers, tensioner and water pump. If it fails it is catastrophic. I use Gates kits all the time.
Usually with auto parts you get what you pay for. So pay a little more for better quality stuff. The brands I like to go with for timing belts are gates and continental.
Gates belt is great but I'm not convinced that anyone not tracking their car needs it. Even then, it's probably not necessary 80% of the time.
My gates belt looks identical to that and has ever since 5 miles after i changed it, and that was like 4 years ago....
I'm going to swap the Conti belt I installed for a Gates (OEM on this car). I'll let you know how it goes.
Gates kevlar and tracer belt is shiaatt.
Gates seems to have lost some quality in recent years.
Write your review
Help others - share your experience with this part.
Voted AGAINST engine oil RAVENOL on the rating page
The power steering pump OEM Volvo got the first review!
The brake pads OEM Infiniti got the first review!
The brake cylinder Raybestos got the first review!
For tires OEM Toyota already 25 reviews.
For tires IRONMAN already 25 reviews.
In the rating best fuel pump already 5 brands participate!
In the rating best antifreeze already 9 brands participate!
In the rating best engine radiator already 9 brands participate!
In the auto rating shock absorbers for Ford Ranger already 20 brands participate!
In the auto rating brake discs for Volkswagen Golf already 10 brands participate!
In the auto rating headlights for Volkswagen Golf already 5 brands participate!
For wiper blades PIAA already 100 reviews.
Voted AGAINST engine oil RED LINE on the rating page
Voted AGAINST engine oil PENNZOIL on the rating page
