Gates has made its top 20 Torsional Vibration Damper (TVD) applications available with fixing bolts included. The company says it is a move that offers major benefits to both motor factors and installers alike.

TVD bolts are not a universal fit and installing incorrect bolts or re-using bolts from a previous installation are practices that have been identified as major causes of premature TVD failure. Each TVD absorbs vibrations from the crankshaft and protects the belt as well as other components in Auxiliary Belt Drive Systems (ABDS). In doing so, it helps to extend the operational lifetimes of all of the associated components and increase ride comfort for drivers and passengers. However, by absorbing vibrations the TVD becomes subject to wear. The bolts stretch over time, so in order to protect the integrity of the TVD and the other associated components, new bolts are essential for every installation.

TVDs are often fixed with a single crankshaft bolt, but with some applications, between three and six bolts are required. This creates potential issues for motor factors in terms of correct part selection and appropriate storage facilities.

The inclusion of new bolts with its top 20 most popular TVD part numbers adds convenience for both factors and garages and makes a higher quality repair through the installation of new bolts each time possible. The move also eliminates parts selection and storage issues at motor factor level.