Cloyes Dynagear Mexicana, a subsidiary of Cloyes Gear and Products, has listened to feedback from its customers and has invested in multiple areas to support professional mechanic training in Mexico. As cam drives have transitioned from gear-to-gear, to chain and sprockets, to complete timing drive systems, engines have become much more complex and difficult to repair.
“Timing drive system replacement is typically performed due to the detection of unstable operation. Chains can experience wear and stretch, guide contact surfaces can become damaged and guide bracketry can break, damage to the tensioners can occur, and sprocket tooth wear will develop when operating with an unstable chain,” said Rodrigo Alvarez Wittman, sales manager in Mexico and Latin America for Cloyes. “For these reasons, and the fact that timing component cost is a fraction of the labor costs required to replace the components, it is recommended to replace all components when making the repair. And this is our focus when conducting training for our customers.”
Just recently, Cloyes joined the leading engine rebuilding association in Mexico, Asociación de Rectificadores y Reconstructores Automotrices (ARRA). On Feb. 21, Cloyes will make its first presentation to the ARRA membership during its seminar in Puebla. ARRA’s five 2020 seminars in Mexico will focus on engine component installation processes, wear and tear of the camshaft, compression testing on diesel engines, engine component identification and replacement, diagnosis and failure of the Pentastar 3.6-liter engine, and more.
“Cloyes is excited to re-join ARRA and begin sharing with its members our unparalleled level of knowledge and experience with timing drive systems that dates back nearly 100 years,” added Alvarez. “Our expertise, combined with a clear understanding of today’s mechanics and vehicles, enables Cloyes to provide reliable parts and relevant information to the market in timely manner.”
To end 2019, Cloyes participated in Caravana de Mecanico in Mexico City. Caravana de Mecanico is a monthly, combined technical and trade show environment focused on the professional mechanic. To date, Caravana de Mecanico has conducted more than 160 events and reached more than 37,000 mechanics.
“Caravana de Mecanico provided Cloyes with an excellent forum to communicate directly with the end-users of our products,” said Santiago Hernandez, commercial and technical product specialist for Cloyes. Recently appointed to this position, and with a degree in Industrial Engineering, Hernandez now conducts commercial and technical training for Cloyes customers throughout the country. “Conducting training in this manner not only helps the professional mechanic but educates the market on the wide range of timing drive system products Cloyes has available in Mexico.”
Cloyes has also published more than 20 technical and installation videos available on its YouTube channels, providing mechanics with visual guides for specific applications and replacement kits. The Cloyes engineering staff in Mexico has produced three videos specifically for the market in Mexico, including Mazda 2.3-liter Turbo, Volkswagen 1.6-liter DOHC, and Volkswagen 2.5-liter DOHC applications. In 2020, the staff will produce an installation video for the popular Honda and Acura 2.4L 4-cylinder engine.
