Dual Drive Belts Concern

[Kylesparx]

Not sure if anyone else has run into this potential issue. Doing some routine maintenance on my 96 and ordered 2x drive belts, same part #s from the same manufacture at Rockauto. When they came in they were slightly different. See pic. The outer diameters are different as well as the pattern on the inner diameter. They seemed to tension up relatively similarly but not identically. Any thoughts on if this could/would cause long term issues with uneven loading on various pulleys?

 

[rolliges]

Always order Toyota belts. They come as a matched pair.

Take those off and save as spares.

 

[Kylesparx]

Copy that. Will definitely save me any concern.
Appreciate the reply!

 

[cartercd]

This certainly isn't preferable. I'd return them and get a proper matched set. In this case you can't go wrong with OEM.

 

[Kylesparx]

OEM on order!

 

[Desert Dino]

I ordered from Toyota 2 and got 4 apparently they are sold in pairs

 

[mudgudgeon]

Quality aftermarket should be available as matched pairs also.
Gates have matched pairs available in Aus

 

[bigredmachine]

their cheep enough from the dealership so no reason to not go with oem. since it is a matched set as mentioned above if in the future you need to replace one, replace them as a set. also don't even bother with the cog style belt, they will not hold up and the pullies are not designed for them

 

[mingles]

How paired belts are made (courtesy of @Onur from a while back). I found it interesting .

OEM alternator dual belt replacement

 

[Kylesparx]

How paired belts are made (courtesy of @Onur from a while back). I found it interesting .

OEM alternator dual belt replacement

Interesting indeed, thanks for the share.

 

[98 SNAKE EATER]

I'd prefer to run one belt rather than two that are unmatched

Reason being the one with the looser fit will most likely come loose and take out the other

 

[LINUS]

Always order Toyota belts. They come as a matched pair.

Take those off and save as spares.

If even that. Unless you can catch 1 more of either brand/style R-A sent, both are ‘orphans‘ IMO.

Chalk it up as a learning moment & stash a fresh ‘Yota set in your spares bin. It’s still what - <$25 for a pr ???

 

[Kylesparx]

If even that. Unless you can catch 1 more of either brand/style R-A sent, both are ‘orphans‘ IMO.

Chalk it up as a learning moment & stash a fresh ‘Yota set in your spares bin. It’s still what - <$25 for a pr ???

Yep, OEM was ~$20 shipped. Also learned there's no real way to contact R-A directly. Regardless, not worth the hassle of online returns at this price point. Hopefully my lesson learned can save folks a bit of time/effort. I'll also post a pic of the packaging of the belts. I was surprised that the same brand/part numbers were so different.