🔩 Gates TCKWP306M PowerGrip Premium Timing Belt Component Kit with Water Pump: Superior Performance Package Review

I ordered a timing belt kit. The details of the goal were superb, everything fitted as it should. Quality replacement parts. The company that sells this kit attempted to ship a returned kit that was installed and used. I didn't like it that much, so I immediately requested a return and replacement with a new one.

Looks like a quality kit. I didn't have time to install it so I asked my mechanic to do it. He previously complained that I wouldn't let him buy overpriced parts and was worried about the quality. After installation he agreed they were half the price and the same parts he would have charged me extra for.

I used everything except the tensioner (the most important part) because it didn't fit. The holes did not match the block. When I contacted the guarantee they told me to fill out a form which basically meant "win". Confusing form and I wasn't sure if they would pay for shipping. Very incomprehensible customer service. I won't use it again.

Good quality parts, metal impeller on the water pump. This kit worked well on my 2002 Audi TT Quatro. The only problem was the belt tensioner. The pattern of the holes is a little off. Enough that I couldn't get the screw in (about 0.05" (1.25mm) or so. I ended up drilling the bottom hole a bit more and it screwed in fine.

Installed on the 2003 VW Jetta 1.8t Wolfsburg Edition. Timing belt tensioner does not fit, poor workmanship. Tensioner held by two 10mm bolts that were misaligned due to non-standard machining of the part. I had to go to my local auto shop to get a new timing belt tensioner that fit perfectly. Belts, water pump fit and work properly.

Update. Will the water pump start leaking? Driven about 30,000 km. Not as long as I expected. Replacing the timing belt is recommended every 70,000 km. I was planning to change the timing belt and everything else at 50k because I heard there was a problem with this car. Everything was as expected. The whole story will be whether it lasts until my next timing belt change. I was glad the water pump had a metal impeller.