I’m getting ready to replace the timing belt on my '97 Hyundai Elantra. Are all aftermarket timing belts pretty much the same? Is a factory replacement the way to go? I have a NAPA, a CarQuest, and an Advanced Auto in my town, and a dealer nearby. Just wondering from whom I should get this vital …

I recommend either OEM or goodyear belts.

Your choices are: Gates, Dayco or Goodyear for after market. Any other brands most probably made by either of the 3 companies. For more expensive belt, go to the dealer. Just so you know, the OEM is not made by the car maker. They are still made by one of the 3 belt makers with the difference that t…

I suspected OEM belts had to be supplied by someone. Any idea of what stores carry what brands?

I suspected OEM belts had to be supplied by someone. Any idea of what stores carry what brands? You’ll have to do the research yourself. It’s IMPOSSIBLE for us to tell you what stores in your area carry what brands…especially since we don’t know where you live. Get a price for aftermarket…then c…

CarQuest timing belts are made by Gates. Tester

Any idea of what stores carry what brands? While it is true that the manufacturers don’t make the belts, any belt that carries their name is made to their specifications. Belts from non-OEM manufacturers don’t necessarily meet the same specifications. If I were looking into doing this job mysel…

I found out that NAPA timing belts are made by Gates which seem to have a good reputation, so I am going with one of theirs. It comes as a kit with the tensioner pulley. The idler was not included, so I’m going to check out the idler when I have it apart and examine it.

I’ve been a government fleet mechanic for 25 (+) years. The only time you should use carquest, advanced, autozone, etc is when you are buying parts for a car you don’t plan to keep. Napa is very reliable and trustworthy eventhough you’ll find their prices are a bit higher - there is a reason why the…

Here’s a web site that may help a little. VW for one has recently increased the timing belt life for their diesels from 60,000 miles to 100,000 miles. http://www.aa1car.com/library/ar594.htm

Who makes the better (best?) timing belt

Maintenance/Repairs

MikeInNH April 17, 2008, 4:28pm 2

Every timing belt I’ve replaced I’ve always used OEM. I found the OEM belt to be about $1 more then aftermarket…So it was worth it. But if you must go aftermarket…try Gates. Several parts store in my area carry gates. The national chains don’t though.

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Who makes the better (best?) timing belt

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