Serp Belt

[01Y87]

I've noticed recently that my serp belt has cracks in the Ribs and show most prominently where the belt goes over a pulley. The backing is not cracked at all. Is this an indication that its time for a change, or is the Rib supposed to crack under normal use? What would I look for to determine when to replace?

It only has 35k miles, BTW. Seems kind of new to have a worn belt.

[Al 96 Ram Air T/A]

It's time to replace. When you observe cracks...the belt is shot. It takes all of 5 minutes to do. Most of us replace the belt every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. I've done mine every three years to be safe. CHeap insurance against failure on the road or at the track.

[Rob B (shoebox)]

Cracking is normal wear and tear on a serpentine belt (not like a V belt). If there are more than 3 cracks per inch, then the belt is nearing the end of it's life. Most replacement intervals are around 50k miles. A Goodyear Gatorback is an excellent belt and also quiet. Autozone sells them.

[01Y87]

tommorrow I'm going to have to measure it and see......

[35TH ED/ed]

Originally posted by Al 96 Ram Air T/A
Most of us replace the belt every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.

Thanks for the info . Would not have thought of the belt(have usually seen 60k miles). Most of my vehicles dont get over 30,000 before there gone This is the first one that I will keep in awhile.

[JL8Jeff]

You should always carry a spare belt regardless of the miles on it. My SS454 pickup just tossed a belt last week. Fortunately, I was only 1/2 mile up the road. The belt only had 2K miles on it and I was only doing 30 mph. You should change the belt at 25-30K miles. I put the Gatorback on my truck, but I will warn you that it has a slight whine to it. It sounds like I have a supercharger on my 454(that would be awesome) but I don't. It doesn't bother me one bit though.

[01Y87]

Check This Out

Ok, I've got a digital pic of my belt. What do you think? Normal wear or time for change???

My Belt

[00 Ragtop Z]

I have seen much worse, but as some said they are not expensive (Gates runs about $30 or so) and it's cheap insurance.

[Rob B (shoebox)]

Re: Check This Out

Originally posted by 01Y87
Ok, I've got a digital pic of my belt. What do you think? Normal wear or time for change???

My Belt

That is definitely normal wear and tear. I would say it is not in danger of breaking too soon, but 00 Ragtop Z's advice is good.