Get a free serpentine belt wear gauge!

[bronsin]

And learn about modern serpentine belts.

http://www.gates.com/products/automotive/tools-and-sales-aids/belt-wear-diagnosis/belt-wear-gauge

[bronsin]

The serpentine belt on my wife's 2005 Camry has 148,000 miles on it and looks like new so I haven't changed it. It exhibits not of the problems mentioned in the above link but I wonder is it OK or should I change it? :iono:

[ern-diz]

I'm running the original one on my car, too.

[bronsin]

How many miles? :iono:

[ern-diz]

How many miles? :iono:

Just over 70k, but I assume the 10 yrs has been harder on it than the miles. In any case, the last time it was in for maintenance at Toyota, it passed the basic inspection, so I'm running with it until it starts squealing at me lol.

[bronsin]

According to the link above to Gates serpentine belt made after 2000 can only be inspected with their gauge. They don't show wear like they used to.

I don't really know what the truth is. The belt on my wife's Camry is 13 years old and has 147,000 miles on it. When I get the gauge I fully expected to show the belt is "Worn out". However, it doesn't squeal it doesn't slip and it doesn't give any indication at all that it's not doing what it supposed to. :iono:

[ern-diz]

Tough call. Probably worth replacing to avoid future issues, eh?

[bronsin]

Prolly going to change it when I get the gauge and test the belt with it.

IF it fails!

PS I do check the belt every week.

[bronsin]

Well s#$% Batman the alternator in the wifes Camry is smoking! :cry: Thats just what the link on the original post said could happen! The belt driven accessories can be overheated by a worn out belt which to the eye looks new. Which this one did. :eek:

You need the gauge in the original post to determine its condition. If the mechanic doesnt use a gauge his opinion is worthless. :mad:

[ern-diz]

Oh, wow, that blows. I had my alternator changed recently. I wonder if it's standard practice to replace the belt at the same time? If not, I have the original belt and might be burning up a new alternator as we speak lol.

[bronsin]

My brother-in-law the BMW mechanic just change the alternator and the belt. The bearings in the alternator we're good it was the windings that were smoking. Larry says if you want to new car by Toyota . If you buy a BMW, get rid of it before the warranty is out.

[tmontague]

Good find! Just signed up for a few belt checker. Should help me check my belt in my crazy now cramped enfine bay

[06YarisRS]

Just requested one too! Thanks for the link and info. I've always just inspected serpentine belts for cracks, missing rib chunks, fraying etc. It definitely makes sense that loss of rib material could cause slipping.

[bronsin]

I requested one when I made this post back on 9/8. When it comes I'll check the old bout my brother-in-law just took off!

[sickpuppy1]

Mine has 128K on it and has been doing a squeal upon start up. need to get a new one soon....

[othater]

Thanks OP, I ordered one too

[bronsin]

I got my Gates belt gauge! Have any of you gotten yours yet? I ordered mine in the middle of October so it took three months. I was beginning to give up hope.:cry:

I check the belt from my wife’s Camry with 150,000 miles on it and guess what ITS STILL GOOD!

It doesn’t wiggle it all. The gauge that it. We changed the bell when the alternator went maybe in November and I guess he was Smart to do so but I actually wasn’t necessary.:eek

[bronsin]

This talk to text feature really sucks! If this is a high artificial intelligence is hopeless!

[06YarisRS]

I got my Gates belt gauge! Have any of you gotten yours yet? I ordered mine in the middle of October so it took three months. I was beginning to give up hope.:cry:

I check the belt from my wife’s Camry with 150,000 miles on it and guess what ITS STILL GOOD!

It doesn’t wiggle it all. The gauge that it. We changed the bell when the alternator went maybe in November and I guess he was Smart to do so but I actually wasn’t necessary.:eek

Haven't gotten mine yet and I'm closing in on three months. Great to hear it works well. :thumbsup:

[bronsin]

The drawings that come with the gauge show the multi ribs narrow to a point with the belt is worn out. Bye-bye my belt I thought looked OK since the Vees we’re flat on top and not pointed. But the gauge removed all doubt That it was good.

[WeeYari]

Are you saying you tossed the belt based on flat or pointed ribs? Your post is unclear.

Sent from my Elite_5_5_Octa using Tapatalk

[bronsin]

We retard the bell because of its age and the number miles on it like 150,000 miles. According to the literature with the gauge pointed ribs indicate a worn out belt And the gauge keys on that. Flat tops to the ribs indicate goodness, assuming none of the other geometry is out of whack.

[ern-diz]

This talk to text feature really sucks! If this is a high artificial intelligence is hopeless!

Ha.

I ordered mine quite some time after you, so not surprised that I haven't gotten it yet.

[bronsin]

Soon it will be yours.

All of my posts are done with the talk to text feature. When you see nonsensical text that is. The feature seems to be capable of adapting to my style. I do have Parkinson’s which can lead to slurred speech but no one I know personally Has detected that yet.

[ern-diz]

Soon it will be yours.

All of my posts are done with the talk to text feature. When you see nonsensical text that is. The feature seems to be capable of adapting to my style. I do have Parkinson’s which can lead to slurred speech but no one I know personally Has detected that yet.

Saw your mention of that in your cruise control thread. Tough break; sorry to hear. Fortunately, there are a lot more options for it these days. A friend's mom was diagnosed and had an electrical device surgically implanted into her neck/back area that had a positive impact. Guys like boxing trainer, Freddie Roach, have been doing well with it for a long time. Wishing you strength, my friend.

[bronsin]

Thanks! :bow: