Continental vs. Mitsuboshi vs. Gates Timing/Balancer Belts

[The Critic]

I need to perform a timing belt service on a neighbor's 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse with the 2.4L engine. This isn't a common vehicle so the choices are limited and tend to be older stock. Dealer isn't an option since we no longer have a local dealer.

I purchased a Continental Kit which included a timing belt, balancer belt, both tensioner pulleys and idler pulley. I spoke with Continental Tech Support and they confirmed the belts were Made in Germany in 2022 and 24, but both belts feel unusually stiff to me.

I also purchased a Mitsuboshi timing belt from Worldpac. Per MBL's tech support, the cryptic printing on the belt confirms that it was produced in 2024. This belt feels fairly supple and I have no concerns about using it.

Unfortunately, I was unable to find a Mitsuboshi balancer belt, so I sourced a Gates from Walmart (by way of Undercar Plus). This Japanese Gates belt has some cryptic printing on it. Gates Tech Support was unable to decipher the printing but based on the label on the unsealed box, they're telling me that the belt was packaged in December 2023 so the belt "should" have been manufactured within a few months of packaging.

I tried sourcing a Dayco belt but a 15-yr old balancer belt showed up. Didn't bother sourcing a timing belt from them.

Would y'all go with the Continental belts or the Gates/Mitsuboshi combo?

 

[slacktide_bitog]

I'd pick the Gates/Mitsuboshi combo.

However, if the Conti belts were too old, they'd send you a new one to replace it. Someone on here actually contacted Conti about the age of the belt, shelf, life, etc., and they responded by sending a new belt.

 

[UNC174]

That's a hard one without seeing the parts. If older gates quality it could be ok. Gates parts and service have been TERRIBLE of late. They used to be a reputable brand. They are basically Dorman now. Junk.

 

[The_Eric]

I'd be willing to bet that the Conti belts would be fine and last, but I bet that they'll be noisier than the Mitsu/Gates belts.

 

[The Critic]

I ultimately bought belts from a Mitsubishi dealer.