Time for Belt Change? (1 Viewer)

[Romer]

I bought a set of OEM belts and was getting ready to replace the OEM belts that were on the rig. I first inspected the old belts. The layer that touches the pully has some small cracks in the surface. None of the other layers have any cracks and look good. So I'm thinking I should keep the new belts for a latter time.

The PO told me he had the belts (OEM) checked at 96K and they didn't need changing. 104K on it now. Saw the surface cracks and thought it might be a good idea, now after a better inspection I don't think so.

Is there a rule of thumb?

The belts also feel loose, so I am going to buy the $10 tension tool from NAPA and check that.

 

[e9999]

if the existing ones have cracks, what I would do is to put the new ones on and keep the older ones for spares...

 

[IdahoDoug]

Ken,

I agree. I'd put the new ones on and have trail spares. Belts die on the trail even when brand new because the odd piece of debris, stick etc gets into the pulley, so good idea.

The primary reason I'd put new belts on is because it's easier on a lot of components. It's not commonly discussed, but worn belts put stress on the bearings of the expensive alternator, crank, A/C pulleys and the tensioners by producing a small amount of constant vibration. The key to long life on these expensive items is changing out $19 worth of belts (call Cdan) before they're worn out. It's not a good idea to try to get the max life out of belts. Personally, when they wear to the point they're loose, I change them out.

A fresh set of hoses run smoother, are properly elastic, slip WAY less, and lengthen the life of the components they drive.

For install tips, I posted on some time-savers for this simple replacement - last year I believe.

DougM

 

[Romer]

Ok, I decided to follow your advice, but you know

THERE IS ALWAYS ONE THING

No problem looseing the compressor and take the skid plat off gives you real good access., but

THERE IS ALWAYS ONE THING

I couldn't loosen the alt lock bolt. It was on tight and it looked like it had been cinched down too hard.

THERE IS ALWAYS ONE THING

I know if I cut the belts I would have good access to get the bolt out. But if I am unsuccessful, then I would be screwed. Remember, the belts aren't that bad and I was going to take them for spares.

So, I sprayed PB Plaster and am going out and have a few drinks and will attack it in the AM. I really want to get that bolt out. The belts are loose that are on there.

Damn, that one more thing!!!

Hey, but I went to the store and bought some new gear wrenches with swivel heads to try and get better access. New tools are always a good thing!

Ken

 

[Rich]

All you need to do is use a deep, six sided socket to loosen the lock bolt. The longer length of the deep socket will allow you to easily lever the belt out of the way of the bolt head. Six sided socket will be less likely to slip and strip.

 

[IdahoDoug]

Plus you must not have followed my advice as there's no need to remove the skidplate. Heh. Anyhow, good luck with the PB - that's my first choice.

DougM

 

[Romer]

Plus you must not have followed my advice as there's no need to remove the skidplate. Heh. Anyhow, good luck with the PB - that's my first choice.

DougM

Actually I started too. I got so frustrated I took it off to see if I could get better access to that bolt. It didn't help for that, but access to the V Belt adjuster is right there. I would recommend taking it off.

All you need to do is use a deep, six sided socket to loosen the lock bolt. The longer length of the deep socket will allow you to easily lever the belt out of the way of the bolt head. Six sided socket will be less likely to slip and strip.

Rich - Thanks for the tip on the deep socket. With a small socket, with and w/o an extemsion, the wrench was always in an akward place. The deep socket put the wrench right were I could fit a breaker nar on it. So, with the extra grip of the 6 sided socket and the breaker bar, the bolt came loose. Don't think the PB Blaster would have worked yet, but I am sure it didn't hurt.

New belts on, old belts intact (for spares).

I sure did get spoiled working on the 40. You can get your hands in an area and not have a lot of stuff making it akward.

I'll tighten and adjust them in the AM with my new fancy NAPA gauge

 

[RavenTai]

Did you get that kricket (or whatever its called) tool? let us (me) know how that works out

 

[CruisinGA]

Think its about time?

Found this turned over upside down in the pulleys.

Good thing it happened the day after I got home from my 900 mile trip through the mountains.