Serpentine Belt - When to Change and Preferred Belt

[WhatsUpDOHC]

Hi -

Just wondering when the serpentine belt should be changed and if there is a preferred manufacturer of the belts.

I searched for "Serpentine" but couldn't find the answer.

Thanks all!

Mark

[RoyLPita]

Motorcraft: JK6932AA
Goodyear: 4060922

There may be more from Gates and other manufacturers.

[RF Overlord]

Unlike the V-belts of old, serpentine belts don't have a set replacement interval. It's a good idea to check them every 30,000 miles. A few small cracks are normal and do not indicate replacement is needed. If a crack goes across multiple ribs, or the belt has chunks missing, replace it.

I prefer Dayco PolyCog belts, but the Goodyear Gatorback is a good choice, too.

[visionmercury]

yeah eather dayco cog belt ot goodyear gatorback

[SpartaPerformance]

Unlike the V-belts of old, serpentine belts don't have a set replacement interval. It's a good idea to check them every 30,000 miles. A few small cracks are normal and do not indicate replacement is needed. If a crack goes across multiple ribs, or the belt has chunks missing, replace it.

I prefer Dayco PolyCog belts, but the Goodyear Gatorback is a good choice, too.


yeah eather dayco cog belt ot goodyear gatorback

+2 on either choice

[fastblackmerc]

Take the belt off and look at the under side. Bend it in half, if you see lotsa small cracks, missing teeth(?) etc, you need a new belt.

HINT: Keep the old belt in the trunk for emergencies.

Belts:
Serpentine (NAPA) – PBH4060923 - stock
Gatorback (Goodyear) – 4060922 - stock

[Mr. Man]

I change ours about every 30K. I suppose if your car has less than 30K and you are on the original you should check it for dry rot and replace if necessary.

[tbone]

Goodyear Gatorback solved my squeel at startup and the 1-2 shift. Going strong for the last 20k miles.

[04MRADR]

Had my belt replaced at 100 K even though it wasn't very worn or cracked. Mt mechanic replaced at 148 K when a chirping noise developed. He advised the belt was a factory defect and replaced for free. Chirpping went away. Don't know the brand name. Personally I like all original Motorcraft.

[Mr. Man]

Had my belt replaced at 100 K even though it wasn't very worn or cracked. Mt mechanic replaced at 148 K when a chirping noise developed. He advised the belt was a factory defect and replaced for free. Chirpping went away. Don't know the brand name. Personally I like all original Motorcraft.
100K on the original belt... your brave

[MOTOWN]

my belt has 90k!, if it aint broke.....keep a spare in the trunk!

[Mr. Man]

my belt has 90k!, if it ain't broke.....keep a spare in the trunk!
You know when it breaks it's going to be dark, cold and raining and you won't be able to pull over safely.:twocents:

[MOTOWN]

You know when it breaks it's going to be dark, cold and raining and you won't be able to pull over safely.:twocents:

maybe dark, and cold but she no likey rain/snow:cool4:

[Mr. Man]

maybe dark, and cold but she no likey rain/snow:cool4:
It'll be that one time that you take it out in the rain because your buds want you to get pizza and beer.:cool:

[Seneca]

I had a gates belt. Alot more happy with the gator back belt. The poly cog belts really nice too.. I agree on the two. :D

[justbob]

I always ran a Gatorback belt till last night. I tried a Napa belt as well as all new bearings in the idlers and tensioner and so far all is whisper quiet.

[sailsmen]

For S/C I found the Gatorback stretches too much over time. I have had the best luck with Gates.

Gates makes a Fleetrunner that does not stretch. If there is not an exact length Greenback for your application it will not stretch and you will not get it installed. I have had the exact same size in Gates and Gates Fleetrunner but the Fleetrunner would not stretch to fit.

Throw the old belt away and keep a new one as a spare otherwise you will put an old one on there that you took off for a reason and then have to take it off a second time.