Gates Couplings, when to replace

[bushnut]

you only see them fail when the couplings sieze up and rip them apart there fairly chunky

[tossman]

just did mine @ 245k. They were fine. Put in the new ones as its such a job to do. I had the rattle at idle that would go away if the A/C was turned on, so i figured that at least that was worn and maybe about to go bang. The new ones were a nice snug fit on the hubs. The old ones were a tiny bit loose but not worn out by a long shot. Reccon they would have lasted for another 100k easy.

[Rebuild]

133K km
alternator one has about 1mm freeplay
you can check this one easily from underneath,after removing the undertray
Not concerned yet.

[BobRonk]

I'm approaching my 150K service (2006 2.5), although my service schedule states 'coupling and freewheel for alternator and air conditioner' it seems the both service centres I contacted weren't aware of this. Even the service manager at VW wasn't having it and said the next major service was at 180K??

Should I replace them anyway or make the decision based on their condition?

I may also be up for a new waterpump as I've recently notice a slight drop in coolant levels, preparing myself for a big one $$$$.

Thanks for any advice

[Cousin]

282,000 ks with original couplings
But I have been noticing some water on the ground after stopping, perhaps time to investigate and will probably replace both couplings if the water pump needs replacing

M

[Transporter]

282,000 ks with original couplings
But I have been noticing some water on the ground after stopping, perhaps time to investigate and will probably replace both couplings if the water pump needs replacing

M

There is not much to be saved (maybe 10 minutes) on labour when replacing the water pump. Check your engine oil for the coolant contamination, if your w/pump is leaking.

[BobRonk]

That's interesting as I've been quoted 3 hours labour for the water pump, I put this down to flushing the system? - This is on top of the 3.5 hours for the couplings.

[Sunny43.5]

Water on the ground had that the other day after a hundred kay drive in my case it appeared to be water from the washer bottle not the engine .

[Syncrotek]

Fitting an electric water pump

Mainly a question to the service guys on the forum, when getting the couplings replaced I was intending to pre-emptively replace the water pump at the same time. I saw mentioned here a suggestion of replacing with a Davies Craig electric pump kit, the question is have you fitted, or seen fitted, the electric kit to a T5 2.5 TDI 128kw, if so, can you give any details ? If any owners have done it I would appreciate any input from them too. My main concern is the available space to do the conversion.