Serpentine belt
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More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 680
Likes: 2
From: Las Vegas, Nevada
Serpentine belt
Hey guys,
My belt started squeaking a few days ago and im going to start with the replacing the belt. Im just wondering if you guys have any suggestions on a brand or if i should go OEM? Ive heard gates from oriellys is good. I noticed they have an HD version for $20 more. Whats the major difference there?
P.S. I aware that i probably need to replace my tensioner as well since i have 245k on the stock one.
My belt started squeaking a few days ago and im going to start with the replacing the belt. Im just wondering if you guys have any suggestions on a brand or if i should go OEM? Ive heard gates from oriellys is good. I noticed they have an HD version for $20 more. Whats the major difference there?
P.S. I aware that i probably need to replace my tensioner as well since i have 245k on the stock one.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,883
Likes: 776
From: SoCal/Wyoming
I am replacing mine on Tuesday when I throw in a new water pump. I am at 145k but I have a spare pump sitting around so I thought I would do it all on my schedule before it decides to act up. I went with OEM and I will keep the old belt in the box for a spare.
Molon Labe
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,272
Likes: 1
From: Alaska
I've had squeaking and shreading issues with two Napa brand belts. The cheaper and their more expensive belt.
I picked up the best belt that Advance Auto had and it's fine ever since.
It pays to get the better quality belt.
I picked up the best belt that Advance Auto had and it's fine ever since.
It pays to get the better quality belt.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,096
Likes: 26
From: Mesa AZ
So far my experience has been that anytime you hear squeaking then the tensioner is the culprit. Not sure it that is the case for everyone else out there but for me it's been the issue 100% of the time. A new belt would buy me some time but eventually it would shred or start squealing again.
A good test is to check the pulley alignment with a straight edge. The tensioner wheels should remain on the same plane as the other pulleys and not cam out.
A good test is to check the pulley alignment with a straight edge. The tensioner wheels should remain on the same plane as the other pulleys and not cam out.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 498
Likes: 0
From: Hagerstown, MD
Shake-N-Bake, I appreciate that post. I installed a new tensioner when I bought the truck in August. Started hearing a squeak a couple months ago. I put a new belt on last week, still squeaking. I haven't been able to pinpoint it but I haven't tried very hard either.
How do you like the Napa tensioner compared to the OE?
How do you like the Napa tensioner compared to the OE?
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FTE-Spread The Knowledge
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 240
Had a squeak also. Changed out the tensioner assembly and the top pulley, still squeaked. Sounded like it was coming from AC compressor then. Switched belts to my old motorcraft and squeak left. Didn't need nothing but a new belt. Found a motorcraft on eBay for $40 no tax free shipping. Got it the next day. Now I have two backups. I would have bet big money it was a bearing squeak.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,667
Likes: 5
make sure you give ford parts man your vin. number due to length options,couple years ago people here recomended OEM or Gates Fleet Runner Micro V H-D.The gates has been squeak free,but I replaced tensioner [f8uz-6b209-ca] & top idler pulley [f8tz-8678-fa,also was careful to not get coolant & lubricants on the belt while servicing.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 498
Likes: 0
From: Hagerstown, MD
Hey OP, here is the Gates HD on Amazon. Also the Motorcraft equivalent. As you can see, the Gates is only like $0.25 more. But beware, the smooth side of the Gates HD is green and as I said before, the pic doesn't show it. I was a little annoyed when it arrived but it doesn't look all that bad on the truck.
