How to distinguish a fake Gates timing belt on a Priora

How to spot a fake Gates timing belt

Share on social networks:

Original Gates products are supplied to the assembly lines of more than 40 automakers around the world, accounting for about 52% of the global market.
Their belts are found on cars from GM, Ford, Daimler-Benz, Caterpillar, Toyota, Nissan, Audi, Volvo, Volkswagen and others. The belts are also suitable for domestic cars, in particular for VAZ, and the new Lada is also being supplied to the assembly line. Since Gates spare parts are of very good quality, there are often positive reviews about them on the Internet. Gates timing belts are also praised. Therefore they are very popular. This is also something that scammers take advantage of by counterfeiting real straps, passing them off as originals, but selling them a little cheaper than the original. Because of this, the question of how to distinguish fake timing belts and Gates accessory belts is always relevant.

The manufacturer is aware of this situation and constantly monitors the level of quality of counterfeits of its products. In order to protect its customers from purchasing counterfeit products, the installation of which can have the worst consequences for the engine, it changes not only the design of the box, but also introduces additional degrees of protection. In order to understand what the difference is and what a Gates timing belt craft looks like, and what the original should look like, carefully examine the packaging, the quality of the belt itself and the timing rollers. And also always have an installed application for reading a QR code or access to the Internet.

Let's look at 5 main methods for identifying a fake Gates belt:

Reviews

Reviews of Gates belts will help you make a more competent selection. Thus, by purchasing a high-quality repair kit, you will ensure reliable engine operation for a long time.

Packaging overview

Packaging is the first thing a car owner sees when purchasing, and from it you can try to understand whether the product is original or not. Since the Chinese are constantly improving the level of copies, there has been a change in the design of the boxes. New ones now have even more degrees of protection against counterfeiting. So give preference to the new type of boxes with a black line and a control sticker. Although there may also be old ones lying around in warehouses.

A coupon from the original packaging indicating the mileage at which the belt was installed

The original packaging always has a black stripe with white text, which indicates the official website of the manufacturer. But counterfeit packaging does not contain such information. The second thing that immediately catches your eye is that on the back of the original packaging, the large size of the logo on the counterfeit is correspondingly smaller, and it is embossed. And also the inscription “PowerGrip”, there are more in the original. The font in the description on the counterfeit is so-called “bold”, but the original is normal.

The side part of the packaging is so different - in the original the logo and the inscription are on the same line, but on the replica they are below each other (that is, the logo is drawn on top, and the trademark inscription is under it.), moreover, there is no address on the black strip manufacturer's website. The catalog number marking on the original Gates timing belt is stamped with dots - the fake is marked with a solid stamp.

All original packaging is always well sealed, including on the “tabs”. In the original box, there is always a small coupon, which is designed to include information about the mileage at which a particular belt was replaced. Usually this coupon is glued in the engine compartment, in the immediate vicinity of the timing belt.

Checking the originality of the Gates timing belt via SMS

The level of security is constantly improving, and in 2022 one of the most popular and easiest verification methods is SMS verification. So, on the surface of the box with the Gates strap there is a protective sticker, if you peel it off you will see an alphanumeric code and a short phone number to which you need to send a message (it differs for different countries). The cost of SMS is equal to the price of a regular message within the tariff of your mobile operator. In response to this, you will receive a similar message with information regarding the authenticity of the belt being tested.

Checking Gates timing belts

A counterfeit can also be identified directly by the appearance of the belt,

rollers and their inner packaging. The fact is that depending on the specific car model and the belt manufacturer, the internal packaging may vary significantly. Often the belt itself is placed in a special plastic box, and the rollers are not packaged for it at all, but are placed separately in a common box.

When carefully examining the Gates timing belt, you need to pay attention to whether the cord inside it is visible or not. It will not be visible on the original product, and the rubber parts will be smooth and without burrs. The original strap itself will be matte, but fakes are often glossy. Also pay attention to the logo inscriptions along the entire length of the belt. As a rule, they are located on its side. If only some part of the company name is not a reason to think about authenticity. You need to understand that when producing belts, a special machine cuts a certain length of the workpiece, and this can happen in the place where the inscription is located.

But as for the fake, it usually has a completely different font, and the markings are printed in two rows. In this case, the quality of the print (the so-called print) often suffers. It is usually uneven. Regarding the quality of printing of the marking, it seems that it was applied not on a printing press, but by hand, using a brush and a regular stencil. Also, the inscriptions can simply be erased with a finger. Also pay attention to the presence of spelling errors in the inscriptions. They shouldn't exist!

Also, all belts have numbers along the length (this is due to the peculiarity of their production, that is, the use of a blank located in a large coil). In the original, they will necessarily increase (measure the length of the workpiece). If the mentioned numbers are the same across the entire width, then this is 100% fake. Make sure that under the inscription it is indicated where it was made!

The original belt is also distinguished by its rigidity. In particular, the fake is made of low-quality and soft rubber, which is prone to wear out quickly. The original, on the contrary, is made of a fairly rigid and high-quality material that can withstand significant mechanical loads. You can check this yourself by twirling it in your hands and checking the tension of different types of belts.

In addition, we can also say that fake Chinese timing belts emit an unpleasant, pungent rubber smell. The originals don't have it. And the original boxes contain documentation for the belt, while the counterfeit packages contain nothing except the belt and rollers themselves.

Checking the rollers

You can also check the rollers (bypass, tension). They come in original boxes without any additional packaging. Counterfeit goods are usually packaged in additional cellophane. As for the color, the inside of the roller in the original is dark blue, and along their perimeter the relevant technical information about a particular roller is printed. The inside of the fake roller is light brown in color, and the indicated information is missing on its body. The bolt that comes with the kit is also completely different. The original must have the logo and the word Gates stamped on it.

Characteristics and Features

The Gates company was founded in 1911. In 1917, the V-belt was first produced. Since then, the company has been producing drive belts and hoses for cars. It is one of the largest suppliers of products for conveyors of auto manufacturers around the world, including AvtoVAZ. The quality of the products fully complies with the manufacturer's requirements for the original. The use of the latest technologies makes it possible to create new products with improved characteristics.

Gates Supplies

The following types of belts are produced under the Gates brand:

Wedges. The products have a cross section and transmit force through the side surface. Made from oil and petrol resistant rubber. Non-reinforced belts with molded ribs have a V-shaped profile and have high lateral strength. High-strength polyester cord provides increased flexibility, which makes it possible to use products on small diameter pulleys. Used on passenger cars and small minibuses. For V-belts, reverse bends, which cause tension on the inner surface, are unacceptable. In some cases, multiple belts may need to be installed to provide the required tension and flexibility.

Polycline. Made from several low profile V-belts. Thus, these products have good flexibility and are resistant to both forward and reverse bending. They can withstand heavy loads, so they are used to transmit serious forces. The flexibility and strength of poly V-belts makes it possible to use them on all mounted units, ensuring their rotation. Advantages of these products:

• elasticity;
• strength;
• tensile strength;
• tolerate high temperatures and oil well;
• resistant to abrasive effects;
• reduce vibration;
• help reduce noise.

“MICRO-V” belts facilitate the return of the tensioner and automatically tighten it, while they control auxiliary units in zigzag transmissions.

Variator belts. The cord of these products is made of aramid or polyester, the coating is made of a special compound elastomer or a high-strength fabric base. The innovative components used in manufacturing ensure the operation of the variator in any conditions. The products have the same width along the entire length, which guarantees the necessary inclination of the teeth, ensuring soft running and reliable operation of the variator at high speeds. Aramid fibers and FLEXWEAVE coating provide the following advantages:

• wear resistance;
• flexibility;
• preservation of properties under any operating parameters of the variator;
• resistance to compression and tension;
• high resistance to loads for different driving styles;
• fracture strength;
• good grip;
• durability.

Gates original variator belt

Timing belts. Designed for a gas distribution mechanism in which it is necessary to synchronize the operation of shafts where rotation occurs over a wide range of speeds. Thanks to the fiberglass cord, the belts have increased elasticity and are resistant to stretching. Durable lining protects against moisture, high temperatures and oils.

Branded timing belt

The improved series of timing belts are made from highly saturated nitrile, they last longer when operating in extreme conditions. Disadvantage - they do not tolerate jerks well. Advantages:

• reduce the load on engine shafts and bearings;
• almost not subject to stretching and vibration;
• do not require lubrication;
• durable;
• help reduce noise:
• Corrosion resistant.

Electronic verification methods

There are three methods for electronically checking GATES POWERGRIP timing belts. Briefly they can be described as follows:

Original packaging with a black stripe indicating the official website of the manufacturer.

Now we will describe each of the listed methods in more detail. So, checking the 14-digit code is possible on the official Gates website. To do this, you need to go to the mentioned resource, select “Russian” (or another convenient one) from the list of languages ​​and go to the verification section. After this, enter the 14-digit alphanumeric code indicated on the package in the field and click the corresponding “Check Code” button. After this, information about the authenticity of the product that has the entered code on the packaging will appear directly on the page in the browser. Note! If the letters in the code on the packaging are in capitals, then they must also be entered in capitals in the verification line. Otherwise, the system will perceive this as an error and will not accept the information.

The second verification method is to use a smartphone or laser barcode scanner. Since July 2015, all GATES belt packaging has a unique QR code. To read them, download and install one of two applications on your smartphone - TecIdentify or Neoreader. Their versions are available on both Android and iOS operating systems. Next, using your smartphone camera and appropriate software, read the QR code from the packaging. As a result of these actions, the application will display one of three messages to you - about the authenticity of the product, its outright counterfeit, or the third case - when there is no such code in the database, so additional identification is needed. But most likely, this will mean that the packaging and product are fake.

The third method of identifying counterfeit products is to check the PRIOSPOT holographic sticker. It has a complex security system, so it is quite difficult to fake it. To check you need to use three methods:

As you can see, the GATES company takes the protection of its own products quite seriously, so at present there are counterfeits, but not many of them. Another interesting fact... Usually the background colors of the packaging of the products of the mentioned brand are red, white or black. Any other color will most likely be a fake.

Checking timing belts for VAZs

For owners of VAZ cars, it is very important to buy original GATES products, because, based on some reviews and stories on the Internet, it can be argued that non-original belts, when they break, lead to a situation where the valve bends and other very unpleasant and expensive things to repair happen. Therefore, be sure to buy only originals!

For drivers of domestic VAZ cars who want to use timing belts with rollers from the GATES brand in their cars, there is a test similar to that described above, but with its own nuances. Thus, since September 2015, the manufacturer began to protect original packaging using two-layer stickers of the ORIGINAL anti-counterfeit system. In particular, with the help of such a system, spare parts of the Gates PowerGrip series, suitable for Zhiguli, are protected. Below are their catalog and article numbers.

The ORIGINAL system has the following features and works as follows:

Before checking, you must check the packaging for integrity. In particular, the box must not be damaged and the sticker must not have been replaced and also show no signs of damage. Next, you need to remove the top layer of the sticker, and under it, on the bottom layer, you will see the above-mentioned 12-digit alphanumeric code. Next, you can verify the authenticity of the information in one of three ways:

Hologram series ORIGINAL

Please note that the return SMS message contains a hotline number that you can call back if a fake is detected. The call center operators will tell you what to do next.

Even in modern packages of Gates timing belts, both with and without rollers, there is a special protective black cardboard tape on the side that needs to be opened directly, which is glued very tightly, and it is quite difficult to tear it off. If, when checking, you feel that it is secured with glue in only 2…3 places, then this is a fake. There is also a sticker on the front of the box in the lower left corner that says it needs to be torn off. Below it is a hotline number and a short number to which you can send an SMS message with a code.

Conclusion

Finally, I would like to note that due to the large number of counterfeits of Gates timing belts on the auto parts market, it is necessary to check each product intended for purchase. Moreover, it is not difficult to do. The simplest and most accessible method is via SMS messages or QR code. If you come across old packaging that does not contain the relevant information, visually inspect both the packaging and the belt with rollers itself. Although nowadays almost all packages have a hologram by which you can check the authenticity, and a hotline number is also indicated on the box, by calling which you can quickly and accurately determine how original a particular product is. Try to make purchases in reliable and trusted stores. This way you will minimize the likelihood of purchasing counterfeit products.

Source

Ukrainian Club - Forum of Shanuvalniks of German Buses Volkswagen Club

“What is the production date of the belt?” and “Can I still use it for editing?” These are frequently asked questions that people contact us with on our hotline.

It is not uncommon to find one or more belts with an old production date during inventory or cleaning. Previously, the production date of a timing belt was marked on the product, sometimes in coded form. And even in those cases where it was possible to identify the production date, there was no confidence in the suitability of the product for practical use.

ContiTech decided to help in this matter. For this purpose, the following marking is applied to the narrow side of the timing belt packaging:

INSTALL < 01 - 2012 01 - month January 2012 - 2012 This marking means that the belt can be used until January 2012, or more precisely, this belt can be installed on the car before this date and used until the next time the belt is replaced.

The transition to the new marking is being made gradually. Preparations are now underway for replacement timing belt sets to switch to the new marking.

T-4 pure passenger. AAV 2.4D. 94y.v.

Re: ContiTech. Toothed belts. Information.

kds » Sep 27, 2009, 00:18

T-4 pure passenger. AAV 2.4D. 94y.v.

Re: ContiTech. Toothed belts. Information.

vital'ka » Sep 27, 2009, 08:52 pm

Re: ContiTech. Toothed belts. Information.

eurobus » Sep 28, 2009, 07:12

Re: ContiTech. Toothed belts. Information.

kds » May 31, 2011, 08:41

Timing belt: determining the year of manufacture Timing belt: “New or old?” The year 2006 at the MEK Workshop was marked by a massive malfunction: more than half of the cars coming for repairs had the same malfunction: “Breakage of the timing belt.” Or simply: “The timing belt has broken.”

The reason was found. When they began to carefully examine the “broken” belt, outwardly it was still “more or less.” And when we looked at the release date of the belt, everything became clear.

Look at photo 1 and try to remember, it will come in handy.

1 - factory designations 2 - year of manufacture (the last digit of the year is written, in this case “2007”) 3 - week of manufacture

Photo 1 shows a belt from the warehouse of the Workshop “MEK and more expensive for yourself.”

Selecting a Gates timing belt. How to distinguish a fake?

Hello everyone, dear readers.

The car has already been disassembled and a manifold has been installed, but considering that I don’t really want to pay twice for disassembling the car, I decided that the timing belt also needs to be changed. I don’t know how long we drove the old one, but the current belt still looks like 20 thousand, but this is not an indicator, because the belt is changed according to mileage. Which one to choose and which company? There are 2 options at once: Gates and Contitech. I started browsing the Internet and found how to distinguish the original from the fake: 1) Sticker with authentication via SMS. (depending on the country - not everyone has it) 2) There should be an adhesive layer on the box flap, not tape. (14 photos) 3) Factory sticker: the edges are rounded, not square. 4) On the side of the box, the counterfeit barcode is wider than the original and there is no pixel QR code. 5) The print is crooked or double on a fake. 6) Open the box: a) The belt itself should have a red cord, a gray one is a fake. b) The inscriptions are clear, both in the center and on the sides. c) The fake has markings printed in 2 rows and there is no continuation of this inscription up and down. d) inscriptions in Russian with gross errors (DO NOT MINATE, etc.) d) On the belt there are numbers that go in ascending order in 9 photos (I have 77, 78, 79). If they are not there, it is a fake. f) The roller boot is black, if it is red it is a fake. e) A guide roller with a blue boot or black, if it’s red, it’s a fake. g) The service maintenance sticker is glued to the instructions, and is not lying around separately. h) The QR code on the front side, when scanned, leads to the Gates website indicating the product catalog number. This information is valid for almost all Gates belts until July 2015, and the company recently added a couple more ways: 1) added a 14-digit alphanumeric code, which can be checked at gates.com/original 2) A new hologram that shimmers with 4- a digit code that matches the last digits of the 14-digit code. These numbers and letters are different for each set.

There is one more point: don’t go after the cheap! If it costs 74-80 everywhere, then for something over 30 it is clearly a fake or it is already 5 years old, but for rubber products this is already a lot!

In the original Z19DTH 150hp there is a timing belt with a code 6606029

.
I chose the analogue Gates K035623XS 199 teeth, 24mm
.
One GMB Korea roller, Litens gear. Here's another great option: Contitech CT1105K3
.

Thank you all for your attention. Good luck on the roads!

Source

Today I decided to do a full service of the timing belt + rollers - oil seals. I did it at the Pleiada Kolomenskoe technical center... I want to say right away that before the replacement I spent a long time choosing where to go... there are a lot of good and negative reviews about the Pleiada... From my own experience I realized that everything depends on the master and my Fortunately, the master was very competent and intelligent... I stood next to him throughout the process and watched the replacement, to which he was absolutely not against it and, on the contrary, answered my many questions with interest... It was also very pleasant that they cleaned and washed it to complete newness themselves the covers and the space under the timing covers also washed the engine protection... For spare parts: 1. Rollers and tensioner Koyo (Japan) 2. Gates timing belt before purchasing, I studied a lot of information on the manufacturer as there are fakes on them! I advise anyone who is going to buy a Gates to check the authenticity on the official website of the manufacturer using the codes from the packaging or using the barcode via the phone. www.gatestechzone.com/ru/…%D0%B8-%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%BC Based on the experience of friends and acquaintances, the original Gates easily runs its 100 thousand km 3. Original oil seals. 4. It was decided not to change the pump since there was not the slightest hint of its malfunction... no play, no leaks... and the original native Japanese one is better than the new two... 5. Mitsuboshi suspension belts Well, a few photos with the result

Change: after 3 thousand km, I completely changed everything to the original, including the pump and a new 12 mm oil pump :) I was haunted by the fact that I often heard here and there that the gates were breaking off, and I advise everyone to install the original and not skimp on such an important unit ...

Source

How to distinguish an original Gates timing belt from a fake

Hello, dear readers! Does everyone know that Gates products are installed on many cars at the assembly line stage? According to reports, the company cooperates with more than 40 automakers. Covers over 50% of the market. This timing belt with the Gates marking can be seen on Volvo, Ford, Mercedes, Toyota cars, as well as Nissan, Audi, Volkswagen, etc. Plus, these components are also installed on new Lada cars.

High demand and popularity have led to the emergence of counterfeit products. That’s why today we’re talking about the Gates timing belt – how to spot a fake.

The manufacturer knows that counterfeits are actively filling the markets. And they try to constantly monitor high quality, as well as inform consumers about the features of copies.

Now there are several options for how to distinguish a Gates timing belt from a fake. We will talk about them.

Analogs

The most popular company whose products are in high demand among customers is Gates. Similar products are supplied to retail chains from manufacturers Contitech and Dayco. A domestic manufacturer in Balakovo supplies car owners with belts at an average price. Bosch and Lemforder also produce similar products at an affordable price. You can learn more about analogues in this article.

High quality products that can be purchased at an affordable price are in demand and popular among drivers. This is consistent with Gates products.

Counterfeit identification methods

Let's start by talking about the Gates timing belt - how to distinguish a fake.

This can be done using the following methods:

Now it would be logical to talk about how to distinguish a fake Gates timing belt, based on one or another identification method.

Additionally, you can read about fakes of the following parts:

Next to the question of timing belts from Gates.

Installation nuances

Replacing the timing belt on most cars requires different timing. If, for example, Renault Logan recommends changing the belt at 60 thousand km, then for many Volkswagens this period is 120 thousand km. Sometimes the manufacturer limits the service life to a time frame, which also makes sense. Therefore, Gates’ recommendations in this regard do not contradict car manufacturers. Even if a Gates reinforced timing belt with a large margin of safety is used, its maximum service life should not be checked.

In any case, replacing the timing belt is recommended as an assembly with its associated elements, that is, at a minimum, rollers and tensioners. Gates kits always come with replacement instructions. If you follow all the recommendations and have experience or skills, you can easily replace the timing belt.

What can the packaging tell you?

The first way to distinguish a timing belt from a fake is to study the packaging material.

Oddly enough, it is the packaging that often draws attention to potential signs of counterfeit products.

If the authenticity of the product is in doubt, do not rush to unpack the item. First look at the packaging.

The Chinese and other scammers copying Gates are gradually reaching a new level. The resemblance to the original is impressive. That's why Gates periodically changes its packaging design. Now there are more degrees of copy protection.

Choose parts packaged in new boxes. They have a black line as well as a control sticker.

The modern packaging of Gates belts has received additional protection. This is a QR code and a barcode. They are made wide. And the copies are usually narrow.

Check to see if there is a special tag. When you open it you can find a code for SMS.

What to pay attention to

First of all, you should see if there is an adhesive layer on the box flap. The fake I purchased did not have an adhesive layer; it was sealed with regular tape. The original must have an adhesive layer .

Special attention should be paid to. The edges of the sticker should be rounded , since square ones are much cheaper, and manufacturers of fakes take advantage of this.

pixel code on the fake , and the barcode is much wider than on the original.

Pay attention to the print itself. If it is crooked or poorly printed, then it is definitely a fake.

SMS authentication

We continue the conversation about the Gates belt - how to distinguish a fake. This time via SMS.

The Gates Company strives to protect its consumers from purchasing inferior parts that imitate a popular brand. After all, numerous copies cause severe financial damage and also damage the image of a well-established manufacturer.

Therefore, counterfeit Gates belts should not exist. Or at least sell. If everyone learns to quickly recognize deception, then it will simply be unprofitable for fraudsters to continue to engage in underground production.

SMS messages are still a popular method. You can check whether it is a copy or an original using your phone and text message.

There is a protective sticker on the box with the Gates strap. Once you remove it, you will see the code. Consists of letters and numbers. Plus a short telephone number.

You need to open your phone, create a new SMS message, enter this code in the field, and send it to the specified number. The cost of SMS usually corresponds to the tariff of your operator.

In response to the sent message, the buyer will receive information about the authenticity of the product.

Visual inspection

The strap can be faked, as can the codes for sending SMS messages. This identification method should not be trusted 100%.

You need to go through other methods to finally verify the authenticity of the product. Or you can make sure that it is a fake, and you cannot install such a spare part on your car.

The contents of the box may vary depending on which Gates plant the packaging takes place at, as well as which machine the kit is intended for.

Most often this is a set of belt and rollers. Sometimes rollers are sold separately.

Additionally, counterfeits usually have a strong, chemical, and pungent rubbery odor. The original was never like this.

Plus there must be a document in the package. Copies usually only have the parts themselves in the box. That's all.

Box Contents

Having unpacked the box, we see that the belts and rollers are in a special plastic frame. The rollers for the Priora are in the packaging base, and the rollers for the VAZ-2112 are packed in cellophane.

People often say that the cord in the belt should not be visible on the original, but in fact this is not the case.

You need to understand how drive belts are made: the belt blank is installed on a round drum, and a special machine cuts the required width and the required number of these belts.

On this drum, the inscriptions are printed at full length, so when cutting the belt, the inscriptions may be cut off. But on a fake, the inscriptions are applied directly to the finished belt in two rows, and the inscription will not continue either up or down.

Pay attention to the quality of the inscriptions. On a fake, the print is uneven, as if drawn with a brush using a stencil. On the original it is clear, the edges are even.

Also, on the fake that I purchased, the word “do not crease” was written with gross spelling errors.

On the original belt there are numbers arranged in ascending order . If all the numbers are the same, then the belt is a fake.

In the videos, I did not notice any obvious differences between the original and the fake. But, as we have already understood, nothing good should be expected from a fake.

Electronic methods

Gates offers authentication using electronic solutions.

The 14-digit code must be entered into a special field on the manufacturer’s official website. Moreover, be careful about which letters are indicated. Can be regular or capital. Enter exactly as directed on the package. Otherwise the code will be perceived as incorrect.

In the second case, you need a scanner or a smartphone with a special program. This is Neoreader or Teclidentify. Next, the QR code is read through the smartphone camera, and the user receives an answer.

There are 3 possible scan responses:

In the latter case, additional verification will have to be carried out. But you can be 95% sure that the absence of code in the database is a sign of copying.

Holographic protection is the most serious. It is extremely difficult to fake.

Hologram sticker verification is performed using the following methods:

Gates takes the safety of its products very seriously. Therefore, there are fewer and fewer scammers who are trying to copy Gates timing belts.

Original protection system

She appeared in 2015. A two-layer protective sticker began to be applied to the packaging.

This system has the following features:

The top layer of the sticker must be removed. Below it is a combination of letters and numbers.

You can check the authenticity of the code in 3 ways:

In response to SMS, not only information about authenticity or fake is received. They also add a hotline number. You can go there for any questions related to Gates products.