Passions

So I'm about to buy the Goodyear Gatorback serpentine belt. I have 110,000 miles and I never replaced the belt. Although I did buy it used at 30k miles.

I don't have any noises or issues, but I thought it would be a good time to replace it.

Do I also need to replace the belt tensioner? The marks are in their correct spot.



Thanks!

SgtB

If it makes a deep growling noise or a squeaky noise the bearing is gone. It's probably ok though. My car has 107k and the tensioner is fine. The idler pulley on the other hand is quite angry at me right now.

zeroptzero

Based on noise and the amount of tension it holds. It can be moved with a certain level of torque applied to it, I haven't checked the shop manual lately but there is a torque level that allows you to judge how well it is working (20 ft lbs or something like that, I'd have to refer to it for the exact number). Put a 14 mm socket on it and try to move it, it should have some decent tension on it such that it can hold the belt in proper position, if it feels too soft then it is worn out, it should be firm in terrms of tension.

Many people don't realize that there is an indicator scribed into the tensioner that can be used to tell you when a belt needs to be replaced, based on the belt stretching over time/miles. I did mine at 55k miles and it was near the end of the indicator box indicating time to replace it, put on a new gatorback belt and it is now at the top of the indicator box (indicating proper belt condition). Most people think you replace the belt when it looks bad with cracks and frays, but you should go by the indicator mark on tensioner as well which is a measurement of the belt stretch.

SgtB

Age is important too. A belt may not stretch even though the rubber is deteriorating.

hirev

anyone have a photo of the wear indicator or a shop manual page with picture, etc...?

zeroptzero

I thought it might be listed in the owner's manual, it's in the shop manual for sure.

SgtB

There is a small raised tick mark on the arm right on top where the two halves meet. In the same area on the mount is a small box shaped mark. If the tick mark is in the box you're good. Follow the manual on belt replacement though. If you're over the mileage, change it.

DutchOven

Old thread, but here's the shop manual instruction for all future references

Billman250

That guide/marking on the belt tensioner is far from accurate.

Check its positioning on the new belt after a 1/2 hr run in. Then it can be used as a reference guide.

cosmomiller

I also understand the OEM belts are really the best ones to get.