Serpentine Belt
#1
Serpentine Belt
grrrr, shredded mine on the way home Friday night. Fortunatelly my wife was following me so I wasn't stranded. Good thing it didn't happen in the morning as I was bombing a couple miles of 18-36 inch drifts. Got it off the road (actually into a drift, no power steering).
Went back yesterday and first spent an hour unwinding pieces of belt off pulleys. Got it out of the drift, again challenging with no PS, and back on the shoulder. Only took a bit to get new belt back on.
The belt that shredded, was at the most 3+ years old, it was probably a Duralast from Autozone, shouldn't it have a better life than that? I replaced it with a Goodyear Gatorback, looked a little more substantial. Anyone have a guess as to its lifespan? I have to admit I hadn't really inspected the old one in recent past.
Anyway, part rant, part curious.......
Went back yesterday and first spent an hour unwinding pieces of belt off pulleys. Got it out of the drift, again challenging with no PS, and back on the shoulder. Only took a bit to get new belt back on.
The belt that shredded, was at the most 3+ years old, it was probably a Duralast from Autozone, shouldn't it have a better life than that? I replaced it with a Goodyear Gatorback, looked a little more substantial. Anyone have a guess as to its lifespan? I have to admit I hadn't really inspected the old one in recent past.
Anyway, part rant, part curious.......
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#10
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yes - i obviously agree - which is why I asked - dont want to throw money away but I sure as hell hate walking !
So - tell me, guys - does anyone know - what is a good ball-park mileage figure I should replace that belt. ?
Oh - it is cold out in the garage ,l so I am not going to go out and look; is this an easy job to do ? Typical spring-loaded tensioner that you release the tension using a socket and long-handled socket-wrench ? Have to take anything apart to change out the belt ?
yes - i obviously agree - which is why I asked - dont want to throw money away but I sure as hell hate walking !
So - tell me, guys - does anyone know - what is a good ball-park mileage figure I should replace that belt. ?
Oh - it is cold out in the garage ,l so I am not going to go out and look; is this an easy job to do ? Typical spring-loaded tensioner that you release the tension using a socket and long-handled socket-wrench ? Have to take anything apart to change out the belt ?
#11
You can get the Duralast serpentine belt for $35, or you can get the Goodyear Gatorback for $45. (V-10 gas engine prices)
#13
WOW, looks like I brought up a good subject, at least remind all of us to check them out. I've changed them out before on a couple chebys that I had, like beachcomber said, they had cracks on the inside, perpendicular to the ribs. That's why I replaced this one three some years ago. I didn't put a bunch of miles on since replacing either, with the $4 gallon fuel, mine didn't get a lot of use last year.
This one totally destroyed itself. I did spend the time needed to remove all the bits and pieces, the pulleys all appeared to be working well, but I will for sure keep an eye on the belt for the next couple thousand miles to check for unusual wear.
And I understand, you get what you pay for at Autozone, I've had reasonable performance, vs. price with most of their parts. But that's up to the individual, roll the dice, or pay the price. Like I said. the extra $10 for the Gatorback, turned into a no-brainer.
Check them out folks, I think I will buy an extra "Duracrap" just for emergency use. Kinda like the CPS that I have in the glove box, (no, I haven't ran it in for the recall yet, bought the CPS before the recall)
6686L, yes, typical tensioner, but no socket required, 1/2" inset for a ratchet or breaker bar, cheater bar makes it easier. Oh, and on the 2000 7.3, removal of the upper radiator hose is required. Seems like the first time I lost some fluid, but this time I didn't, and my reservoir was full.
Happy Trails.........
This one totally destroyed itself. I did spend the time needed to remove all the bits and pieces, the pulleys all appeared to be working well, but I will for sure keep an eye on the belt for the next couple thousand miles to check for unusual wear.
And I understand, you get what you pay for at Autozone, I've had reasonable performance, vs. price with most of their parts. But that's up to the individual, roll the dice, or pay the price. Like I said. the extra $10 for the Gatorback, turned into a no-brainer.
Check them out folks, I think I will buy an extra "Duracrap" just for emergency use. Kinda like the CPS that I have in the glove box, (no, I haven't ran it in for the recall yet, bought the CPS before the recall)
6686L, yes, typical tensioner, but no socket required, 1/2" inset for a ratchet or breaker bar, cheater bar makes it easier. Oh, and on the 2000 7.3, removal of the upper radiator hose is required. Seems like the first time I lost some fluid, but this time I didn't, and my reservoir was full.
Happy Trails.........
#14
[quote=, . . . 6686l, yes, typical tensioner, but no socket required, 1/2" inset for a ratchet or breaker bar, cheater bar makes it easier. . . . . . Happy trails.........[/quote]
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thanks for the info. Still trying to get someone, anyone, to voice an opinion as to at what mileage we should change the serp. Belt...? ? ?
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thanks for the info. Still trying to get someone, anyone, to voice an opinion as to at what mileage we should change the serp. Belt...? ? ?
#15
Well, I braved the friggen wind to go out and get my owner info. In the "Scheduled Maintenance Guide" there is no mention that I could find of a "replacement" only inspection.
I guess myself, I will start checking the belt for cross-checking whenever I change oil. Seems like a good interval for inspection.
Once bitten, twice shy..........
I guess myself, I will start checking the belt for cross-checking whenever I change oil. Seems like a good interval for inspection.
Once bitten, twice shy..........