Gates Belt Cleaning
08-14-18, 05:59 AM
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Gates Belt Cleaning
We are in our second year of using the Gates Timing Belt. It has been a great experience and we are very pleased. This summer has been very wet for us and though we do not start in the rain we do finish in the rain and this has been one of those summers. We have a slight squeak in the power stroke of our pedal rotation which I'm thinking is grime in the system. What are others using to wash/clean your belt, and do any others spray their belts with silicon or anything?
08-14-18, 02:27 PM
#2
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I use compressed air and sometimes a stiff brush if I feel there is still grime on the belt. I have not felt a need to wash or treat the belt (or heard of anyone doing so).
08-14-18, 03:01 PM
#3
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We are in our second year of using the Gates Timing Belt. It has been a great experience and we are very pleased. This summer has been very wet for us and though we do not start in the rain we do finish in the rain and this has been one of those summers. We have a slight squeak in the power stroke of our pedal rotation which I'm thinking is grime in the system. What are others using to wash/clean your belt, and do any others spray their belts with silicon or anything?
08-15-18, 05:36 AM
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I've had squeaky belts also and I also called Gates about it. They said to quiet it on a ride, just squirt your water bottle onto the belt (assuming it's just water) and that will temporarily quiet it. It does work. They also told me to use silicone spray and I do that once in a while as needed.
A friend suggested rubbing a dry soap bar along the belt and that also works great. I mentioned that to the Gates rep and he thought that was an OK idea. I carry a small chip of soap in a tiny zip lock bag in my saddle bag for times when it's really driving me crazy.
A friend suggested rubbing a dry soap bar along the belt and that also works great. I mentioned that to the Gates rep and he thought that was an OK idea. I carry a small chip of soap in a tiny zip lock bag in my saddle bag for times when it's really driving me crazy.
10-06-18, 08:19 AM
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I've not done anything yet and am just now getting back to this. I have seen dry spray and what I think is more of a wet spray. Would the dry be what one would us?
10-07-18, 06:41 AM
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When I spoke to Gates about this, they suggested spraying little silicone onto a rag and then wiping the belt with it. I assumed they meant the wet spray, and that is what I use. Don't soak it. You just want to get a little on the belt.
I sometimes just clean the belt with a really wet rag - just water - no soap of any kind, and that can be enough. The only times I have done the silicone thing is when the squeaking just won't stop.
I sometimes just clean the belt with a really wet rag - just water - no soap of any kind, and that can be enough. The only times I have done the silicone thing is when the squeaking just won't stop.
10-10-18, 10:26 AM
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We use the dry spray. No mess and works well.
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10-10-18, 11:58 AM
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Thanks mikebian and Carbonfiberboy. I bought some wet on Sunday and wiped it on the belt with it quieting down on our ride last evening. I'm still getting a little noise which might be in the bottom bracket. the spray I found at Home Depot also had some Teflon in it which I'm thinking isn't an issue. I do wonder if going with the dry and spraying it right on the belt might be better. I didn't even see any dry at the Depot. Carbonfiberboy, what spray are you using and where did you pick it up? Thanks again for the feedback!
