Review on Gates TCKWP257A Engine Timing Belt Kit with Water Pump: Ultimate Timing Solution by Mike Davan

I replaced this timing kit with one from Aisin as the water pump gasket had failed. I had just under 2 years and 28,000 miles before the leak was large enough to require repair. The tensioner and tensioner are quality parts and were even the same brand as the original equipment. The belt is fine - I have used many Gates products in industrial drivetrains with no problems which led me to purchase this kit and save fifty bucks over the OEM. The water pump is physically different from the Aisin part, as other reviewers have noted, particularly the lack of a drain hole to drain pump seal leakage away from the belt. This meant that not only did I have to disassemble the engine to get the water pump, I had to replace everything else while I was there. Toyota factory coolant was used. I know it might not be infant mortality, but a poor quality water pump will ruin this set. Do yourself a favor and spend a little more to get the best water pump money can buy. Also - other tidbits for this job: 1) Keep an E8 external torx socket handy in case you need to remove the motor/water pump mounting bolts. . I've heard some people say that you can jack up and tilt the engine so you don't have to remove the studs, but I had to do it on a 2005 Highlander. You don't need to remove the pins on the ES330. The first time I used a hex socket, I ruined the bolt. They don't have dealers either. Toyota Part Number: 90126-08012.2) Note the timing mark on the crankshaft brake sprocket versus the timing mark on the sprocket itself which is used to align the timing marks on the belt during installation. 3) It will save you some frustration if you can get something holding the cam gear while loosening the bolt to move the timing cover 3 far enough to pull the water pump out. I've used blocks of wood in combination with an old timing belt, but that's a poor tool at best.