HOHN

So after 11 years, I finally changed my poor factory-original serpentine belt.

By all rights, it should have snapped years ago. It was in sad shape.


The replacement I got was a Gates Fleetrunner with the green backing. This is a REALLY impressive belt.

1) Super strong
2) Excellent heat resistance
3) No belt squeal at shutdown


If you're in the market for a new belt, do check out the new Gates greenbacks. I was really impressed!

Hvytrkmech

That's what I run on all my equipment. More money up front but they last 100% longer than any other belt.

john40

How do these compare with the "Goodyear Gatorback? I've had good luck with these for years. My last truck, a '98 12V, had one for 170,000 mi. and was still going strong when I sold it.
John

lovinCTD59

They are a nice belt! My truck gets a lot of hours plowing snow. No problems with it. I should say there are times I miss the shutdown squeal

Hvytrkmech

The gator back is a good belt, probably more readily available. None of my local suppliers stocked the Gates except my commercial class 8 supplier. If you were to hold each belt side by side the decision would make itself.

soulezoo

I'll date myself and say I can remember when Gates was known more for their tires than belts and hoses...

They've always been topshelf.

Dr.Dizzle

I find that the Gates heavy duty, Fleet runner belts are an exceptional value. They last a long time,wear very well and tend not to chirp at shutdown. Just add HD to the end of your belt number. They are available at Geno's. The Goodyear belts are good as well, but I found they do not last as long as the Gates Fleetrunner belts.

Fiftygrit

So how often should you change these belts, I have 138k on my 06 and it still looks okay. But I don't want it to crap out when Im towing.

MikeyB

I have 70k on the 11yr old OEM Gator Belt and it still looks new. I'm not sure when to change it.

soulezoo

Fiftygrit... oooh. I'd be changing now.

Consider you have gotten exceptional life and feel good about it.

Don't wait for it to fray and split and take stuff out.

Look on the inside of the belt on the ribs... If you see a lot of cracks, it is time.

lovinCTD59

I usually change mine between 50k to 75k. I know they will go longer but its cheap insurance.. I always throw the old one under the back seat just in case I need a spare on the side of the road..

Hvytrkmech

The biggest issue with the 6-8-10 groove belts is not cracking, it is the grooves wearing off the belt. It may look to be in good shape but if you were to compare it to a new belt you would notice a drastic difference in the peak/valley height.

Fiftygrit

Ya I think Geno`s will get an order before mine gets bad, rather fix it at my leisure than on the side of the road, cheer`s

Spooler

Oops, this thread just reminded me what I need to get. 103,000 miles. I need a new serp. belt.