Gates explains why motor factors think the inclusion of a simple fitting tool inside a timing belt kit range for Subaru models is a success on several levels.
A new tool that resolves timing belt installation issues that were causing premature drive system failures for significant numbers of independent Subaru repair specialists is said to have delighted motor factors distributing the Gates brand.
The Gates Spacer Tool is now included free of charge and forms an essential PowerGrip Belt Kits for the relevant Subaru models. These are Subaru Forester, Impreza, Legacy and Outback models (1.5, 1.6, 2.0, 2.2 & 2.5L) equipped with petrol engines and manual transmissions.
In addition, the dispatch of a Tech Tip (013 GAT0001) designed to advise thousands of mechanics about the availability of the new tool – and about the solution to the Subaru problem has given fresh momentum to Gates online technical support website, www.GatestechZone.com.
Fitting issues
A characteristic among the affected Subaru models is a timing belt guide plate fitted directly above the crankshaft pulley, very close to the timing belt. OE manufacturer specifications call for 0.5 to 1mm (.019 to .059”) of clearance between the belt and guide plate.
Gates engineers realised that in all cases where premature drive system failures were recorded, installers had failed to appreciate the significance and importance of the size of the prescribed space. Belt to cover contact leads to friction, which generates excessive heat. The consequences are, and were, premature component failure and catastrophic engine failure.
Technical solution
News about the introduction of the Gates Spacer Tool (GAT0001) and its availability as part of Gates PowerGrip Timing Belt Kits, was announced via GatesTechZone. This is an online source of essential technical data available online, 24-hours a day and includes information that directly influences installation and maintenance decisions being made in garages on a daily basis.
Mechanics who had signed up to the website’s free ‘Tech Tip’ e-mail updating service received Tech Tip 013 GAT0001. As well as becoming aware of the cause of the issue, they also learned that their local Gates motor factor was already equipped to deliver kits with the new tool included.
As well as supplying them inside standard belt kits, Gates also supplies them within the relevant combination belt kits. These are kits with optional water pumps (Gates PowerGrip Kit Plus Water Pump) as well as those with thermostats (PowerGrip Kit Plus Water Pump Kit Plus Thermostat). The Spacer Tool is also available separately.
Additional momentum
The way news of the solution was successfully distributed to installers via email has helped many motor factors appreciate some of the more direct benefits of GatesTechZone for the first time. And, impressed by the scale and success of the response, they are being encouraged to get customers signed up to the Tech Tip service at the GatesTechZone website.
Gates says the motor factor message to installers should be that the Tech Tip service features genuine technical updates (but never marketing materials) from the company’s engineers. They include news of developments in component design, news about common installation faults, as well as hints and tips about how to avoid them.
And the Subaru experience suggests that garage customers who are not signed up could miss vital opportunities to avoid making unnecessary and expensive mistakes, which could lead to warranty issues.
