Continental Serpentine Belts - OE vs OEM vs parts store

[NismoNVT]

Could you verify whether all the belts were made with EPDM?

 

[JHZR2]

Could you verify whether all the belts were made with EPDM?

The Bando site has decent info if you search a length or part number.

Bando 6PK2120 | Bando Catalog

For the part I looked at - 6pk2120, it specifically said theirs was a proprietary EPDM….

 

[NismoNVT]

All I look for is EPDM rubber in a belt. Everything else like crosshatch pattern really never crossed my mind.

 

[SC Maintenance]

The crosshatch definitely matters on some BMWs anyway. The slick back belts will squeak when cold or rainy.

I run the Bando's on both my Nissan's - which drive the clutch fan off the back of the belt - and it also goes around the tensioner back sided. They are smooth but almost feel tacky. the only belt I have ever had squeak was an OEM belt - but it was pretty old. The Bando's I get are made in USA.

I obviously don't care. I started using Bando's many years ago based on the recommendation on another automotive site.

In fairness I don't run my belts a really long time.

 

[Trav]

I usually use OE which are commonly Bando, Mitsuboshi, Contitech/Continental or Optibelt.