Makes for one wild *** ride when your brakes and PS go out @ 65mph. Belt and tensioner were replaced 20K/1.5 years ago so going to be SOL on the parts warranty. Stock one lasted 85K miles, I am guessing since a new belt broke in 20K that a tensioner is bad again or an idler. Surprisingly never heard the belt let go, just lost PS then you find out you lost brakes and the battery light being on is the final clue that your belt broke.

Would think if this happens often the tensioner should be recalled, if losing those two things on the highway isn't a safety issue I don't know what is.

The new '12 on the lot with a 6.2L for just over $30K was looking appealing. Too bad it was a shortbed.

 

Very unusual did you ever inspect for cracks

 

What is the average life for a belt?...

 

If the stock one was replaced at 85k..It wouldn't cross my mind to inspect the belt at 20k.....50k maybe but not at 20k

 

I look weekly

 

No didn't look with a year and a half and 20K miles. Way too short a period to be going through a belt.

 

I agree, but you know that they make a million of them so there is bound to be some that just are not up to the task.

 

While it could have been a defective belt I don't think that's the case. I'd be willing to bet something cause it to go, are you having your dealer replace it?

 

Yeah, happened close to them and had to tow to get it anywhere so that is where it went. I suspect the tensioner caused it, never heard a chirp this time like it did the first time it went though.

 

A reminder that I need to pickup a set of belts and possibly tensioners not that I'm at 71k+. As for hearing it, these trucks are really well sound insulated, it's surprising what you don't hear in them if the windows are closed.

 

Guess the reason I never heard a squeak was because it was just the belt that broke. Got it back today and they said all tensioners/idlers/pullies were good. When the first one went you'd only hear the noise at idle and when cold out.

 

They do break on their own. Twist them as best you can on occasion to check for wear and cracks.

the engine bay gets extremely hot when towing and that works those rubber items over