'97, small V-8, 102000 miles. S-belt and s-belt tensioner changed 40000 miles ago, 7 years ago. Hot Texas sun and heat.

No problems, no noises, but the inside of the belt has many small/tiny cracks all the way around it. Maybe the mechanic who changed it put in one of those one-year guarentee belts instead of the Gates three-year guar.

I dontwant to do it if it doesn't need to be done, but I've got a friend and good mechanic who I trust who'll is very reasonable. What do you think?

 

your probably right on the cheaper belt. Some small cracks are OK....but... if that belt grenades while driving , then you might be in for more than just the cost of a new belt. personally I've let the small/tiny cracks go unless you see the "V's" (where the belt actually contacts & provides drive for the other components) of the belt start to look glossy or shinny or little bits missing then change it.

NOT hard to change the belt yourself or if you do have someone do it. Be sure to have the grooves cleaned on the alternator & harmonic balancer, before the new belt is installed.

I had good luck with the gatorback belts...bit pricier but worth it to me.

 

I bought new a Gator back on EBay for 10.99. http://www.ebay.com/itm/120770556802...84.m1439.l2649

It looks as though it dropped.

I'm a 4.6 auto with A/C.

 

It was time about four years ago.

Brad