An online digital platform designed to give garages technical support 24-hours a day is also solving mechanical mysteries for workshop mechanics, Gates has said.
The latest mystery concerned 1.6 and 2.0 engines in certain VW Group vehicles, inclduing some high-profile VW and Audi models.
The OE tensioners on some vehicles look completely different to the replacement parts supplied inside the aftermarket boxes, raising eyebrows and causing delay.
Subscribers to the free Tech Tip service at the Gates Tech Zone website receive direct emails about technical updates, changes to recommended installation procedures and parts innovations as they emerge.
When Tech-Tip No.12 was sent out, it solved the VW mystery, sped up repair procedures and has taken pressure off technical help lines.
Tech Tip 12 explained that although Gates and another OE parts manufacturer (Litens) are suppliers of the timing belt drive systems on these vehicle ranges, there are visual and physical differences between the tensioners designed for the same systems.
“The Gates tensioner is a single eccentric design,” says UK regional manager, Darren Spooner.
“The Litens tensioner is ‘double eccentric’.
“It’s vital that mechanics appreciate that although the parts look different, they will both fit the appropriate applications.
“It’s also important that they understand that the installation procedures for each tensioner is different.”
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