Serpentine Belt

[nobby]

I did a quick search but now I have more questions than answers.

At what mileage is it suggested to change the serpentine belt?

How about the power steering belt?

[2010exl]

Sounds like you have an older model if you have 2 separate belts.
While there is no mileage recommendation....they belts should be changed when you start to see small cracks develop on the ribbed side of the belt.

Another reason to change them is if the are making noise, which may be more noticeable with the air conditioner on.

Most of the older models with the 2 belts that I have serviced developed cracks or became noisy around the 80,000 mile range. They probably would have lasted till 105,000 but that is a gamble if they are showing those signs.

If the belts are in good shape they can stay on until the 105,000 mile timing belt service.

As for a replacement brand....I have found Gates to be the best one.

Belts in general are much better than those made just 20 or 30 years ago. Back then the rule was every 4 years change they belts and hoses because they had a much shorter life Span than they do now.

[rocky]

Waiting for the 105k mile service is the favorite since that end of the engine has to be taken apart anyway.

[samc]

Timing belt is 7 yr/105k. The age is just as important as the mileage.

The other belts can be replaced as you start to see dry rot. Such as on my 2006 with 60k miles, I don't see any problems so far.

And as to which brand, I would be silly not to go with oem.

[nobby]

Thanks everyone.

I do know what to look for but I also know that a perfectly good LOOKING belt... whether it be the serpentine or the timing belt can snap when it's useful life is done.
I was just curious at the general consensus of serpentine belt life expectancy.

[theirishscion]

It's anecdotal but I took the serpentine off my old explorer recently. 7 years and a little over 100,000 miles. Honestly, it looked and felt as fresh as a daisy, didn't even have significant cracking. I almost put it right back on and left the new one in the trunk just in case. The idler pulley bearing wore out before the belt. I don't know how they make them these days but I'm impressed.

[xGS]

Originally Posted by 2010exl

As for a replacement brand....I have found Gates to be the best one.

Better than Mitsuboshi?

[samc]

What to look for in a good belt? Generally the rubber should look good and you should not see dry rot (cracks in tbe belt). As said above the belts in my 5-6 year old pilot look brand new.

But once you do see dry rots, even one replace the belt.