The shop says the timing-belt kit is defective. But you know it’s not. What do you need to look for, and what questions do you need to ask?

Returns are going to happen when you’re in the parts-selling business. But when a part comes back to you and the customer says there’s a manufacturing defect, you need to look a little bit deeper to see if they know how to install the part properly.

If you get a timing-belt kit that’s been returned to you, make sure you look through the box. Make sure that they’ve installed of the associated parts, including the water pump, seals and tensioners.

A lot of returns on timing belts come from the shop not installing all of the components inside the kit. They’re cutting corners, trying to save time. But, when they neglect to install certain parts, it has a direct impact on the life of the belt – and it’s not a manufacturing defect.

So, make sure you’re going through the kit; see what was installed and what wasn’t installed.