Serpentine....

[chimknee]

I have a 96LT1 with 59000 miles that I've owned for 2+ months. Far as I can tell(previous records), it has the original serpentine belt. Although it looks ok, I'm wondering about the 9 years its been in there, especially these engine bays being a hot environment. I know its not an inexpensive job. Any thoughts?
chimknee

 

[Tuna]

I'd replace it.
I consider them a wear out item and replace mine every 40-50K miles whether they need it or not. I don't want them failing and leaving me stuck some place.

 

[WhalePirot]

They're about $20, I believe. Get a quality belt, say, from Gates.

A 1/2" socket drive inserted into a square recess on the belt tensioner will ease the tension on the belt, allowing it to be slipped off the pulleys. As stated on another thread, you can look at the ribbed side of the belt for cracking, but lack of them or fraying, will not ensure a good belt.

While the belts have a much longer life that V-belts, with that age and mileage, an original belt is likely nearing failure. That would not be catastrophic unless you allowed the engine to overheat. It's not a bad idea to carry a spare when the belt gets old, or on very long trips.

The diagram for the belt's routing around the pulley is either on an underhood decal or in the owner's manual. It's a rather easy procedure.

 

[I_R_DA_ONE]

They're about $20, I believe. Get a quality belt, say, from Gates.

A 1/2" socket drive inserted into a square recess on the belt tensioner will ease the tension on the belt, allowing it to be slipped off the pulleys. As stated on another thread, you can look at the ribbed side of the belt for cracking, but lack of them or fraying, will not ensure a good belt.

While the belts have a much longer life that V-belts, with that age and mileage, an original belt is likely nearing failure. That would not be catastrophic unless you allowed the engine to overheat. It's not a bad idea to carry a spare when the belt gets old, or on very long trips.

The diagram for the belt's routing around the pulley is either on an underhood decal or in the owner's manual. It's a rather easy procedure.] The GATES number for that belt is ......KD60888..... Keep the old one in the GATES carton as a spare...

 

[Ken]

Do yourself a favor and always carry a spare with you. If you lose a belt, you lose everything.

 

[chimknee]

Thanks for the suggestions. I checked Ecklers and Mid America and they don't show Gates belts, only AC Delco. Mabey local's like Auto Zone might have one. Is it useful to have the tool they show?

chimknee

 

[Ken]

Whatever brand you're most comfortable with go for; they're all pretty dependable nowadays.

As for the tool, any 1/2" ratchet or breaker bar will do the trick; why spend needless money on a tool you probably already own?

 

[G Winter]

last I heard Daco made GM belts. could have changed by now

 

[slapshot]

It actually isn't a hard job to replace it yourself. I found it easier to remove the air intake tube from the air filter box to the throttle body. This made getting the wratchet/breaker bar in there MUCH easier. There isn't much clearance in some spots, but with a little patience, you'll get it swapped.

 

[ProEMTPFF]

I use the Goodyear Gatorback belts and they work GREAT!

 

[AdvancedAutoCC]

"Discount parts?"

Try NAPA part number 25-060670 (from their premium line)

Avoid the "discount" stores.... the classic line is "this belt is made for the JAPCO Belt Company by Goodyear, Gates, etc... and is the same belt but less expensive..." Caveat Emptor

 

[jcs44]

Get the belt from GM and do it yourself. Others above have stated the procedure pretty well and it really isn't that hard. There are a couple of spots where it's a tight squeeze and you have to make sure it's completely on all the pulleys. Just do it.