Drive Belt
- Thread starter Weekly
- Start date
Should be changed immediately. Fine cracks means the belt is old and weathered. Probably cost $30 to $50 installed at a small shop or Canadian Tire.Weekly said:
Depends how old it is if it's a serpentine belt.Weekly said:
On a serpentine belt fine cracks are normal and occur after a few thousand miles. I'd worry if there are chunks missing.
I've usually gotten 60,000-70,000 miles out of them no problem, never had one fail, they are tough.
If you are handy at all, they are easy to replace.
I agree with woodpecker, if its a serpentine belt they go for a long time & small cracks are normal wear, it doesn't mean the belt is going to fail anytime soon. If peices are missing or the edge of the belt is frayed or seperating, its time to change .
I had one changed that had gone over 100,000 K, my mechanic told me there was still life in it, but for the money I felt comfortable replacing it, I didnt feel it owed me anything at that point.
I had one changed that had gone over 100,000 K, my mechanic told me there was still life in it, but for the money I felt comfortable replacing it, I didnt feel it owed me anything at that point.
What does the driver belt do? car is about 6yrs old, 120km. Maybe I'll get it replaced next time I take it into the shop. The st(d)ealer quoted me 120+.
By the way does it matter who changes the oil/filter, if I go to another shop could I end up with non-compatible grease or is it all the same, they'll know what to put in a GM no matter where I go?
Thx
By the way does it matter who changes the oil/filter, if I go to another shop could I end up with non-compatible grease or is it all the same, they'll know what to put in a GM no matter where I go?
Thx
On newer cars and trucks they call it the accesory drive belt...since one brlt drives everything....I used to carry a spare, and a pipe wrench.... 
Cost depends on the car.
My old stupid Buick, you had to remove the front engine mount to replace the serpentine belt.
Yea
250 bucks easy.
My old stupid Buick, you had to remove the front engine mount to replace the serpentine belt.
Yea
250 bucks easy.
Many of those belts can be $70plus at retail,,, add an hour labour,,,,,, it could easily run over a hundred without being ripped off, but, as always you have to be an educated consumer!Winston said:
If you can see the belt, chances are it is an accessory belt. Almost all timing belts are covered and they usually mention you should change the water pump at the same time.
What kind of car do you own? If it is the 6 rib belt, there is a number of cracks per inch you are allowed. If it is a v belt, there may be a crack per inch or a mileage interval.
Don't buy a cheap one. It will probably squeak on you.
Not all cars use a serpentine belt. GM was a pioneer in this. Reduced horsepower loss because the crank only has to drive one belt. As well, there is a spring tensioner that automatically sets the correct tension.
James T hated his Buick, but he'd probably hate the newer GM cars even more. I don't recall having to tilt the engine to change the belt in those cars as the belt is at the side. Maybe had to be tilted forward for spark plug change. Some of the new GM cars, you have to undo a top motor mount and lift the engine up.
What kind of car do you own? If it is the 6 rib belt, there is a number of cracks per inch you are allowed. If it is a v belt, there may be a crack per inch or a mileage interval.
Don't buy a cheap one. It will probably squeak on you.
Not all cars use a serpentine belt. GM was a pioneer in this. Reduced horsepower loss because the crank only has to drive one belt. As well, there is a spring tensioner that automatically sets the correct tension.
James T hated his Buick, but he'd probably hate the newer GM cars even more. I don't recall having to tilt the engine to change the belt in those cars as the belt is at the side. Maybe had to be tilted forward for spark plug change. Some of the new GM cars, you have to undo a top motor mount and lift the engine up.
I just had my timing belt changed in my 2000 Civic, at 140,000km. The mechanic(who used to work for Honda) recommended I change the water pump at the same time. With an oil change, and new antifreeze added, it cost $460 taxes included. The dealership wanted like over $600.
