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Serpentine belt problems!


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Bb97
New User

Nov 19, 2014, 6:09 PM

Post #1 of 7 (4793 views)
Serpentine belt problems! Sign In

Mechanic changed serpentine belt on 09 Chevy Cobalt, said there were cracks in it, which they showed me. I recently heard some screeching when I drove over puddles- but that's only thing I noticed. Car has 67k on it. Is this bad that it was cracked and needed replacing at this mileage, or is this normal wear and tear? Does this indicate further problems to come? No other major mechanical issues and runs good to this point. I keep hearing that you shouldn't even need to change these belts until around 100k- any input would be great :)


(This post was edited by Bb97 on Nov 19, 2014, 6:14 PM)


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Nov 19, 2014, 6:15 PM

Post #2 of 7 (4787 views)
Re: Serpentine belt problems! Sign In

Which engine?

Normally yes, an EPDM belt can last 90K or more. Did the mechanic show you the belt that had cracks in it? Usually neoprene belts are the ones that crack and don't last near as long as the EPDMs. EPDM just wear out through the grooves. You have to use a wear gauge to check an EPDM belt because it shouldn't show cracks.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.

(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Nov 19, 2014, 6:21 PM)


Bb97
New User

Nov 19, 2014, 6:28 PM

Post #3 of 7 (4779 views)
Re: Serpentine belt problems! Sign In

I think it says 2.2 liter engine- does that sound right? Yes they showed me the belt after they changed it, I saw alot of cracks on the ribbed side of it, they said the cracks were starting to "dry rot"? But I don't know alot about cars so I didn't question it. I just wonder what causes them to wear out sooner than they should and should I worry that it needed replacing at 67k, but sounds like you are saying the first kind you mentioned could in fact wear out sooner than 90-100k?


(This post was edited by Bb97 on Nov 19, 2014, 6:38 PM)


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Nov 19, 2014, 8:44 PM

Post #4 of 7 (4756 views)
Re: Serpentine belt problems! Sign In

Yes, neoprene belts crack and have a service life under 90K. If a belt has premature wear, it usually from slippage or pulleys that are misaligned. Worn out belt tensioners can cause premature belt failure.

Most vehicle manufactures these days install EPDM belts for longevity. EPDMs rarely crack unless some type of chemical attacked the rubber that causes it to crack or they are really old.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.

(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Nov 19, 2014, 8:54 PM)


Egas
User

Nov 20, 2014, 5:27 PM

Post #5 of 7 (4719 views)
Re: Serpentine belt problems! Sign In

Hi DS,

Is there a way to tell if my Mitsu Lancer 2005 ES 2.0 has EPDM or neoprene?

I have 134,000 Kms on it (which is 83750 miles i think ).. and I was debating if i needed one or not (due to how old the car is!)

thanks!


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Nov 20, 2014, 5:40 PM

Post #6 of 7 (4718 views)
Re: Serpentine belt problems! Sign In

Not sure in your case, but it should be EPDM. Just inspect it and make sure it doesn't look like any of these. You would have to use a belt wear gauge to see if it is worn out or not. Gates actually has a phone AP, called PIC Gauge 2.0, in which you take a pic of the belt and it will evaluate its condition.







Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.


Egas
User

Nov 20, 2014, 8:47 PM

Post #7 of 7 (4707 views)
Re: Serpentine belt problems! Sign In

Cool app!

i'll give it a try. thanks DS!






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