Going to replace belts sooner

[wander2039]

Up till my current vehicles I've always replaced serpentine belts on a 75-80k schedule, sometimes sooner. Not sure exactly why I got away from it guess it just seemed to be waste of money. Replaced the 02 Focus with 108k for the first time today, factory belt. Initially the belt looked fine but was squeaking at idle. But if you looked closer to the inner groves it was wore all the way to the inner lining in little spots all over the belt, small enough at first glance you wouldn't notice. Replaced it with a Dayco on recommendations from other threads. Seems to did the trick. Interesting is it only started to squeak after replacing the timing belt, guess I disturbed it.

Probably wouldn't of snapped anytime soon but sticking with a spark plug and belt change routine, one gets changed so does the other. Now need to replace the both the Escape's with 125k.

 

[V8man]

I replace my Serpentine Belt every 4 years, my brother carries an extra belt in his trunk.

 

[JHZR2]

Good for you. Im surprised at some belts that seem to wear really well, others get squeaky after just a few years without many miles. Im sure it has to do with length, number of turns in opposing directions, etc.

IMO you did the right thing, sounds like it was on its way out...

 

[Doog]

Originally Posted By: Eric Smith
Up till my current vehicles I've always replaced serpentine belts on a 75-80k schedule, sometimes sooner.


Stick with that schedule. I usually do 60-70k. Never a failure.

 

[The Critic]

YMMV. On EPDM belts, you will need to measure the rib wear in order to determine if replacement is needed.

I've found that 7-years/100-120k is a good replacement interval for most EPDM belts.

 

[KrisZ]

On a self tensioned system, if the belt starts to squeak during cold starts and after a while squeaks slightly at idle even when wormed up, it's an indication the belt needs changing.

That's what happened on my mazda. The belt looked decent but when I checked with Dayco belt tool, it was clearly worn out.
My 03 Focus is starting to exhibit the same symptoms as well.

 

[wander2039]

I'll look into one of those tools. I've found the one from Dayco but can't find where to get one, Gates is offering one for free.

Also I'll mention my vehicles are a bit different than most. On the Focus the waterpump is ran off the timing belt, and the Escape is run off a smaller belt and the back. Not sure how many vehicles are like that today. Technically if they snap if the batteries hold up can go a few miles. If it wasn't for that would change it less than 75k.

 

[wander2039]

Horrible picture but it's worse than I thought! Good thing I took my own advise. It wasn't making any noise though. The water pump belt is squeeking which I'm going to pick up now. It has a 03 built engine 03 built chassis but has the 05 water pump setup.. and I did the original order from rockauto that sucks.

The stock belt tensioner... Replaced the pulley only. Picked the right brand had the same part #'s and the old was still in good condition. For $10 wasn't worth the chance.