Serpintine Belt Replacement Interval

[mffarrell]

My MY2003 has only 21K on the clock, but it just turned 8 years old. I know that the belt should be replaced at 60K mi.

The belt looks fine...no cracks. Should it be replaced because of its age?

Thanks!

[Loren]

Cracks or signs of wear would make me replace it.

But if it looks good and remains flexible then you likely have more life in it.

[mffarrell]

Cracks or signs of wear would make me replace it. But if it looks good and remains flexible then you likely have more life in it.

Thanks Loren!

[JFP in PA]

We generally replace the serpentine belts whenever we are doing any work that requires releasing it, regardless of how the belt looks. On a mileage basis, we swap them out at around 30K miles, purely as a precautionary measure. The belt is cheap, usually less than $30 retail, and easy to replace. On the other hand, loosing it can strand you, or could end up costing you an engine. On an 8 year old car, I would definitely replace it. I would also suggest carrying the used belt in the boot as a spare, as a replacement can sometimes be hard to find quickly at 2AM...........

[logray]

And don't forget at least a large enough crescent wrench (or wrench) to swap it out... not sure if the stock provided one in the toolkit goes to 24mm.

Edited November 17, 2011 by logray