Should I replace my serpentine belt?

[The motor guy]

I'm starting to notice some wear on the backside of the serpentine belt on my truck, and it looks like hardened rubber on the tensioner pulley. This is a smooth pulley that also rides on the back of the belt. It's been that way for a few years now, but I'm starting to notice the belt is visibly starting to show more wear. It is the original. 112,000 miles 5500hrs on the motor. My concern is if I replace it that i'll just end up having an alternator pulley seize up or something a short time later destroying the belt. Or will something like that make noise for a while and give me a warning before it happens?

 

[Rand]

Belts are relatively cheap. A belt failure can be a pain if you are in the middle of nowhere.

If it bothers you just change it.. or keep a replacement in your toolbox.

 

[supton]

I thought they just snapped. With the constant tension tensioner it doesn't slip like a worn V-belt, I'd think.

Probably no way around avoiding replacing it twice if a something else goes. OTOH, waiting for it to fail is the same gamble. Just spin all the pulleys etc and see if any are rough, when doing the belt.

 

[Fattylocks]

Replace the belt. If you dig around a little you might be able to find a belt kit. That would include a new tensioner and an alternator pulley for a few more bucks more than the cost of the belt alone.

 

[bunnspecial]

Originally Posted By: supton
I thought they just snapped. With the constant tension tensioner it doesn't slip like a worn V-belt, I'd think.

Probably no way around avoiding replacing it twice if a something else goes. OTOH, waiting for it to fail is the same gamble. Just spin all the pulleys etc and see if any are rough, when doing the belt.


I've seen/experienced slipping serpentine belts, although it usually only happens on a cold start-up.

If you look at a belt well past its prime, you will see that some of the ridges will start cracking and flaking off.

On my old Maxima, I delayed changing the belt for a while(I know, but I was young...). It would squeal and chatter like crazy when it was started cold(before I changed the belt) and when navigating the parking lot or doing other maneuvers that would put a lot of strain on the P/S pump I would occasionally feel the power steering cut out along with a serious increase in noise from the belt. That to me pointed to a slipping belt.

 

[PimTac]

112k is a long time for a belt. Change it.

 

[ET16]

What about age? I have a car with 50k miles, but it's an 05.

 

[KrisZ]

Before putting the new belt, spin all accessories by hand, if they are smooth with no play, you're good to go for few more years.

 

[Rolla07]

If its worn, id replace it

 

[zzyzzx]

I would replace this belt.

 

[nwjones18]

Replace for sure.

 

[Kestas]

If you're worried about any of the bearings seizing, you may want to consider rebuilding or replacing the bearings, along with replacing the belt.

 

[andrewp1998]

Originally Posted By: ET16
What about age? I have a car with 50k miles, but it's an 05.


take a close look at it or have some good mech take a look.

 

[GMBoy]

Most belt replacements are called for at the 100k mile mark. You are over that and are noticing wear. Replace it along with the idler and tensioner. As mentioned above, a Belt kit is usually available that has everything you need and the costs are usually under $100. Check Rockauto.com

I'd also use a decent brand like Dayco, Gates, Contenential etc.

 

[Trav]

+1 Put a kit in it, 112K is EOL or close to for these components. Rock has the ACDelco with tensioner, idler and a green Fleetrunner belt, the belt is a good belt for $164 just a few more bucks than Gates or Dayco. ACDelco HD stuff is good stuff.

Edit: I believe this is the part# you need but check double check ACDELCO ACK081264HD

 

[Merkava_4]

Take the belt off and bend it backwards. Look for cracks and splits in the high peaks of the grooves.

 

[mk378]

Cracks that only go side to side on the belt are acceptable. Cracks lengthwise and / or parts of the ribs falling off are bad. Worn so far that you can see the ribbed pattern in the smooth side is bad. 120,000 miles is done. Replace belt and keep the old one for an emergency spare.

 

[spk2000]

My 2001 Mercury Sable has 150,000 miles on it with original serpentine belt. Found out it also has a mini cam belt that is separate. Ordered both belts and once taxes are done and riding mower is back up and working that will be the next project. Both belts still look decent but still want to replace them.

My 96 Grand Marquis I am not sure if it is original. I bought car with 82,000 miles about 7 years ago. Now at almost 180,000 miles this belt is starting to look a bit rough so it is also going on the to do list. Possible it may be original but not being original owner I don't know.

 

[E150GT]

i'd replace it. No use worrying about a bad tensioner or pulley because it hasnt happened yet. There is a legendary serpentine belt on the internets somewhere that lasted 500k miles. Its hanging on some guys wall.

 

[Merkava_4]