Dayco, Goodyear, or Gates? Timing belt choice

[Schanne]

Ok, so I'm getting the complete component kit with timing belt. There all over eBay for $60-$80.
But which one should I get? What do you guys reccomend the most out of the 3? Or should I get it somewhere else.....

[spongebob218]

OE was Gates. That would be my choice.

[jetech00001]

+2 on gates i have used them on my vehicles for years never a problem check with cobra259 on price.

[Kevster]

They are all good. Just pick one.

[ronjohn]

Schanne about 3 months ago give or take I purchased a gates kit TCK318 for my 02 rio I could not do the work myself due to time constraints and weather i have no garage and my son has to be mobile from rockauto.com for 60 bucks but had to buy the spring from the dealer it did not come in the kit @ 5 bucks that is what i used, local garage installed it for around 230 bucks. Just so you know good luck with it. Reguards Ronjohn

[Schanne]

I ordered the timing belt without the springs and all the other bits. The timing belt that is on there now looks perfect, so I'm guessing that the springs and tighteners are fine.
Am I going about this wrong? I figured I just need the belt changed.

[ronjohn]

Hey schanne, I would have bought the kit. How many miles on the car. It should be changed every 60k. Do you know when the last time it was done? If not find out if you can. I'm the orginal owner of mine so i know when mine was done last. The reason i got a new kit is because i wanted everything new for my son and piece of mind for me for the extra 30 bucks why not. Bearings can fail anytime and springs do loose tension over the years. These engines are interferance type engines if the belt were to snap your looking at a pretty hefty repair bill for head/valve and piston work. A friend at work had his belt snap 2 months ago on his 01 sportage, $2000 to get it fixed ouch. Read the horror stories on the site when it breaks or strips. Just my opinion, It's still your call. If your going to do the work yourself Kia Global Information System (KGIS) for the procedure it's free in the USA just have to register. I wish you good luck with it. Reguards Ronjohn

[Kevster]

I know this probably grates on some nerves, but you are probably okay just replacing the belt. Those idler roller bearings CAN fail, but unless you see it wobbly/rough/noisy when you spin it, I have seen them reused many times with no issues. Yes you are taking a chance....but I have done it. The springs don't scare me, as it only tensions the belt upon installation. Once the bolt is tightened down, that idler doesn't move. And you can increase tension over and above the spring if you feel it is weak, by simply prying gently pushing it tighter against belt. Too tight a belt is hard on the bearings, so don't get crazy. Too loose and your belt will jump cogs in 32K miles. (especially if you have a manual tranny....)

[Schanne]

Yes I did read the horror stories and know that this is a interference engine. Didnt realize it until I researched replacing the other belt and that's what prompted me to order both belts. Of course I will check the pulleys and all to make sure they operate perfect. If not then I'll go get the extra bits. However I believe I'm good to go with just the 2 belts.

Also, this car was purchased from an old lady with 30k miles. So I'd bet she never had that belt changed, no reason to at the time. Now it has 71k miles... I'll be changing the belt Thursday! Yay.

[ronjohn]

Schanne it was more a piece of mind thing for me pully's and bearings were never changed just the belt I hope it will be ok with just a new belt Get it changed and good luck with it. Reguards Ronjohn