Timing Belt kit recommendation

[GB5]

Hello everyone,
Looking for recommendations on where to buy the best and most complete timing belt kit. I know theres several places where to get them but I would like to hear from you guys feed back.

Thanks for sharing


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[Corrado_Guy]

My buddy bought the complete ECS one that has the timing belt stuff and a thermostat and coolant. It was good deal and used quality parts so this would always be an option. I just bought the stuff from a shop I deal with that sells OEM parts but I paid a bit more.

[johnnybravo!]

ordered and waiting on the ECS Tuning Ultimate + kit.. Gates Racing timing belt.. all German parts $249 shipped.. FCP Groton comparable kit sells for $332 shipped..they include the crankshaft n cam seals..

[spyder101]

Dealership. You can't go wrong with OEM parts

[TheChenga]

ECS or FCP, both very good quality parts.

[Corrado_Guy]

Dealership. You can't go wrong with OEM parts

I worked as a partsman for way too long at dealerships and I can tell you their markup is 20% - 40% more than places like ECS and they all use the same parts. The ECS kit I used to do my buddy's timing belt was all OEM parts (it had a blue timing belt which was the only non-OEM part) and it was significantly cheaper than a dealer. I have been playing with these cars for coming up 30 years and the only time I was in a dealer was to buy $10 injector o-rings that other shops would charge $1.50 because they were close and I really needed them. If you want to pay way too much then go to the dealer or you are in a pinch otherwise shop around and get the same stuff for way less.

[seanf86]

I got a whole gates kit off rockauto for a good price for my aeb 1.8t

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[BrucexL33]

Is your 1.8t? I just got my kit last week from ECS tuning and installed it, there's a really long thread of me doing it xD. I really thought it was a complete kit. Came with continential timing belt, ac belt and accessory belt, 2 1.5L coolant, water pump (metal impeller) tensioner and roller. Honest to god i showed my friend the kit and he thought I spent 300 bucks on it. I actually got it on sale for 193 bucks for the winter sale

[GB5]

Yeah, i have 1.8t.
I am ordering this kit today so I can replace it next week. What else do I need to order or what else do you guys recommend to replace once the car is in the shop? Want to do everything at once!!

Btw, thanks for all the feedback guys... really appreciate all the information


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[SN95Audi87]

I would like to hear more responses. Its either ECS or FCP. The gates racing belt is a plus, atleast you know it can go to 100k if need be.

[BrucexL33]

I would like to hear more responses. Its either ECS or FCP. The gates racing belt is a plus, atleast you know it can go to 100k if need be.

It's not just the belt that can fail. The gates belt just ensures your belt won't lose a tooth or snap. But there is also the tensioner that can fail and the water pump (if the water pump is run by the timing belt) which isn't a good bet to expect to last another 100k miles! I believe most of the failing timing belts were cause by the tensioner too!

I think the only thing that needs to be replaced is the timing belt, tensioner, pulley, water pump, thermostat and the accessory belts. I didn't do the cam seals.

[SN95Audi87]

It's not just the belt that can fail. The gates belt just ensures your belt won't lose a tooth or snap. But there is also the tensioner that can fail and the water pump (if the water pump is run by the timing belt) which isn't a good bet to expect to last another 100k miles! I believe most of the failing timing belts were cause by the tensioner too!

I think the only thing that needs to be replaced is the timing belt, tensioner, pulley, water pump, thermostat and the accessory belts. I didn't do the cam seals.

There are so many different style kits, I do not know what to choose. I am planning to do the timing belt kit around 150-160k. I am at 144k, so I just want to be lead in the right direction.

[BrucexL33]

Well most kits are almost identical aside from maybe a few pieces. For example I believe the best standard timing belt that is not OEM is continental. Like you said you can also go with the gates racing belt but you don't really need to unless you want added security. Then we move on to the tensioner and pulley which you should look for being made in Germany. The ones I got from ECS tuning were URO (tensioner) and NTN (pulley). Next the waterpump, the ones I seen use the most are GEBA, HEPU and GRAF also OEM (but it is made with a plastic impeller which some do not like since it can fail). The ECS Tuning one I received was GEBA and it was heavy and solid! Those are pretty much the "super important" ones.
Most places have the same belt brands (continental) the only differences would be the tensioner, pulley and waterpump brands. I went with ECS Tuning because they were the cheapest of all the kits (not parts-wise).

[SN95Audi87]

Well most kits are almost identical aside from maybe a few pieces. For example I believe the best standard timing belt that is not OEM is continental. Like you said you can also go with the gates racing belt but you don't really need to unless you want added security. Then we move on to the tensioner and pulley which you should look for being made in Germany. The ones I got from ECS tuning were URO (tensioner) and NTN (pulley). Next the waterpump, the ones I seen use the most are GEBA, HEPU and GRAF also OEM (but it is made with a plastic impeller which some do not like since it can fail). The ECS Tuning one I received was GEBA and it was heavy and solid! Those are pretty much the "super important" ones.
Most places have the same belt brands (continental) the only differences would be the tensioner, pulley and waterpump brands. I went with ECS Tuning because they were the cheapest of all the kits (not parts-wise).

So just look for the tensioner, and waterpump. The rest shouldn't be a problem. I am looking at ECS site, and doesn't specify if the parts come from germany or not.

[BaseDrifter]

I bought Blaupart's enhanced timing belt kit and don't have any complaints. Got it on sale for a little cheaper than $250 IIRC. I also replaced the cam chain tensioner with a Febi unit at the same time.

http://www.blauparts.com/proddetail....d=GH21102%2D1A

I didn't see you post what year your car is, but the Gate's belt is only for AWMs.

[BrucexL33]

So just look for the tensioner, and waterpump. The rest shouldn't be a problem. I am looking at ECS site, and doesn't specify if the parts come from germany or not.

Yea ECS does not show it but what I mentioned in my other post about the brands I got is pretty much what you're probably going to be getting. Also like lm0812 said, what year is your car it would help us help you find a great kit and great price. Also put it in your signature or your garage so it'll be easier to help you next time!

Edit: LOL! I thought I was talking to the OP! GB5 post your year too!

[SN95Audi87]

Yea ECS does not show it but what I mentioned in my other post about the brands I got is pretty much what you're probably going to be getting. Also like lm0812 said, what year is your car it would help us help you find a great kit and great price. Also put it in your signature or your garage so it'll be easier to help you next time!

Edit: LOL! I thought I was talking to the OP! GB5 post your year too!

I actually have it under my avatar. I have late model 2001 AWM 1.8T

[BrucexL33]

I got you and the original poster mixed up.

For SN95Audi87 : I got this kit for my AWM: http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B5_A4-...lt_Kit/ES5952/
for 35 bucks more you get a gates belt so you can decide.

[MetalMan]

I bought Blaupart's enhanced timing belt kit and don't have any complaints. Got it on sale for a little cheaper than $250 IIRC. I also replaced the cam chain tensioner with a Febi unit at the same time.

http://www.blauparts.com/proddetail....d=GH21102%2D1A

I didn't see you post what year your car is, but the Gate's belt is only for AWMs.

I too run the Blauparts kit. My AEB car has about 25k miles on its Blauparts timing belt kit, and my AWM has about 1.5k miles on its Blauparts timing belt kit.

[GB5]

My car year is a 2001, AWM


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[Seerlah]

I purchased mine from the cheapest place I could find it, with quality parts. And that was FCP Euro. I then picked up coolant from the VW dealership.

[Avant Nate]

Since you're an 01, I would get the blue belt.

[Seerlah]

And running the Gate's belt does not mean you can run it to 100k. Just means it is stronger. Parts like the tensioner can still fail and you should still change your kit out at 70-80k max.

[SN95Audi87]

I got you and the original poster mixed up.

For SN95Audi87 : I got this kit for my AWM: http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B5_A4-...lt_Kit/ES5952/
for 35 bucks more you get a gates belt so you can decide.

Thats the one I was looking, very cool. Yeah Seerlah, I wont run to 100k but I like the added security!

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

My buddy bought the complete ECS one that has the timing belt stuff and a thermostat and coolant. It was good deal and used quality parts so this would always be an option. I just bought the stuff from a shop I deal with that sells OEM parts but I paid a bit more.

ordered and waiting on the ECS Tuning Ultimate + kit.. Gates Racing timing belt.. all German parts $249 shipped..

ECS, very good quality parts.

Is your 1.8t? I just got my kit last week from ECS tuning and installed it, there's a really long thread of me doing it xD. I really thought it was a complete kit. Came with continential timing belt, ac belt and accessory belt, 2 1.5L coolant, water pump (metal impeller) tensioner and roller. Honest to god i showed my friend the kit and he thought I spent 300 bucks on it. I actually got it on sale for 193 bucks for the winter sale

Thanks for the words! Enjoy!

Well most kits are almost identical aside from maybe a few pieces. For example I believe the best standard timing belt that is not OEM is continental. Like you said you can also go with the gates racing belt but you don't really need to unless you want added security. Then we move on to the tensioner and pulley which you should look for being made in Germany. The ones I got from ECS tuning were URO (tensioner) and NTN (pulley). Next the waterpump, the ones I seen use the most are GEBA, HEPU and GRAF also OEM (but it is made with a plastic impeller which some do not like since it can fail). The ECS Tuning one I received was GEBA and it was heavy and solid! Those are pretty much the "super important" ones.
Most places have the same belt brands (continental) the only differences would be the tensioner, pulley and waterpump brands. I went with ECS Tuning because they were the cheapest of all the kits (not parts-wise).

Thanks for all the feed back and orders!!

If any one has any questions or concerns regarding out timing belt kits I'll be happy to help!

Jason

[woolveren]

I have recently changed the timing belt in my car. I would suggest to get the timing belt tensioner from GAP or the dealer as I've seen lot of threads online where the NTN tensioners(without Audi logo) and other OEM brand tensioners failing very early.

Just for your reference;

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...698&viewfull=1
http://forums.audiworld.com/showthread.php?t=2822923

I am not targeting ECS here, same stories are out there with blauparts and eiuropaparts kit tensioners. I believe there is some difference in the quality control of the NTN tensioners supplied to Audi compared to other aftermarket suppliers.

If the engine is not based on 058 block, water pump failure can also destroy your timing and engine. But the new metal impeller water pumps are really good in holding it up except there are some cases where water pump leaks were detected under 10k miles.

[BrucexL33]

I have recently changed the timing belt in my car. I would suggest to get the timing belt tensioner from GAP or the dealer as I've seen lot of threads online where the NTN tensioners(without Audi logo) and other OEM brand tensioners failing very early.

Just for your reference;

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...698&viewfull=1
http://forums.audiworld.com/showthread.php?t=2822923

I am not targeting ECS here, same stories are out there with blauparts and eiuropaparts kit tensioners. I believe there is some difference in the quality control of the NTN tensioners supplied to Audi compared to other aftermarket suppliers.

If the engine is not based on 058 block, water pump failure can also destroy your timing and engine. But the new metal impeller water pumps are really good in holding it up except there are some cases where water pump leaks were detected under 10k miles.

The tensioner I got from ECS was URO.

[woolveren]

The tensioner I got from ECS was URO.

URO parts are just garbage, along with all APA and FEQ.

[nynoah]

I can tell you with confidences that if you replace any of the plastic hose parts, just buy it straight from the dealer. I replaced mine with after market as part of preventive maint and it went bad in 10K.

[seanf86]

URO parts are just garbage, along with all APA and FEQ.

please elaborate, my uro coolant flange beside a dealer coolant flange looks identical, have uro expansion tanks in both b5s and on my b6 I have uro upper control arms, I'd say uroparts and fcp control arms are on par. The only thing I have to say is that uro parts sensors are crap, brand new cts was bad out of the box, but for anything besides electrical stuff I'd buy it again. FEQ is just worldpacs chinese made stuff again I'd lump in with the chinese made stuff from fcp and uroparts.

[Mark916]

On the Gates High Performance Kit from RockAuto, what brand are they using for the belt tensioner and rollers. That's a good price. I need a new kit for my 01 B5 1.8T AWM engine.

I've been using a Gates Kit on my Toyota sequoia for about 8K miles with no issues, but using the OEM Toy water pump.

[woolveren]

please elaborate.

Just a simple google search will reveal the quality of URO brand parts.:) It's not just with Audi/VW; BMW and MB guys are equally unhappy with this brand.

And from my own experience, I've replaced the rear wheel bearings with this brand once and it went out again under 5k miles.

FYI

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=290788
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=288177
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=241104
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129...r-adapter.html
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...1521-Uro-trash

And these are the reasons why I called this brand a "GARBAGE".

[seanf86]

Just a simple google search will reveal the quality of URO brand parts.:) It's not just with Audi/VW; BMW and MB guys are equally unhappy with this brand.

And from my own experience, I've replaced the rear wheel bearings with this brand once and it went out again under 5k miles.

FYI

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=290788
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=288177
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=241104
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129...r-adapter.html
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...1521-Uro-trash

And these are the reasons why I called this brand a "GARBAGE".

I totally realize that but you get what you pay for, if my bushings in my uroparts control arms tear ill buy another set they have a 2 year warranty, one thing I'd never do is use china wheel bearings be it uro, mevotech or whatever all that shit is junk no matter the brand

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[SN95Audi87]

so stay away from URO.