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Engine Belt?? When should i change it?


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Posted
Just look at the ribbed side and if you see cracks, change it.

 

 

 

Yeah, look at the ribbed side where it passes over a pulley and bends backwards. That's where you might see the cracks.

Posted

I would change it at any sign of wear /cracking on the ribbed side

 

Also even if it still looks good I would replace at time of Coolant flush, keeping the old belt as a spare "just in case". Chane that thermostat at the same time. Killing all the birds with 1 rock.

 

buy quality replacement belts (GoodYear, Dayco)

 

the GM factory belts are also good quality

Posted

I would recommend changing an engine accessory belt(s) preventively about every 60k miles. I generally do this on all of my vehicles, although none of them have a single serpentine belt. I fully agree that a good quality belt is the way to go - stay away from cheap belts sold at discount stores, as they will not last and cause you constant giref by loosening frequently and squealing. I have had good luck with OEM belts and also Gates belts sold by NAPA.

 

I case you did not know, Gates also makesl heavy duty V belts and NAPA carries them. These belts are green in color and they are much more durable than a regular V belt, and are generally designed for extreme commercial duty (dump trucks, bulldozers, etc.). They cost much more, but if you are looking for ultimate belt quality, this is the way to go on a heavy duty vehicle.

  • 10 months later...
Posted
Im Coming up on 80 thousand miles...yea i drive alot..its an 02 Silverado..5.3 L V8..im still in HS.im still new to what is required...

 

im coming up on 110,000 Miles and My Belt Still Looks New..Same Year and Motor As yours

Posted

I agree with some of the above. Change it if you see abnormal cracking. I've ran them over 100,000 before but I don't do that anymore.

Posted

I will agree with Pete. These belts are rated to run at least 100K but I typically change them at 60 to 80 to be safe. I am a Gates fan and they are our (CARQUEST) supplier as well. Nothing against Goodyear and Dayco, but IMO Gates is the leader in the industry.

 

Pete, one thing you may not know about NAPA belts by Gates. They get all the Gates belts that will not meet up to our quality standards. :cheers: Hope you know I am just having a little fun.

Posted

I just changed both belts at the 60K mark because of multiple cracks in the A/C belt. At first the primary belt looked fine until I took it off to change the air conditioning belt and started looking closer. It wasn't bad but it did have a few cracks in it so it was changed as well. I used the Dayco Poly Cog belts. Keep in mind that if you lose that main belt you're screwed!

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