My dealer claims that my belt should be replaced because it has cracks.
There are no cracks on the outside but there are some cracks showing on
the ribs on the inside. The belt has been on for 27,000 miles. This is
a 2001 Prizm. Is the dealer right or is he scamming me?


---MIKE---
>>In the White Mountains of New Hampshire
>> (44° 15' N - Elevation 1580')

twinmountain@webtv.net (---MIKE---) wrote:

>My dealer claims that my belt should be replaced because it has cracks.
>There are no cracks on the outside but there are some cracks showing on
>the ribs on the inside. The belt has been on for 27,000 miles. This is
>a 2001 Prizm. Is the dealer right or is he scamming me?

Cracks = replace

Or just let it go, and be stranded beside the road. A belt costs,
what, $20 at the auto parts place? $100 installed at the dealer, if
you don't wish to do it? What would one stranding, plus tow, and
hassle of lost time, be worth?

I replace my serpentine bellt when crachs show, or no more than
annually, or about 15,000 miles/belt. The one I take off goes in the
tool box. So I do have a temporary spare with me.

Let's see... here it is. $14.95 for a new one at AutoZone.

Next thinky you know, your dealer will suggest changing the OIL and
FILTER! :-;
>
>
> ---MIKE---
>>>In the White Mountains of New Hampshire
> >> (44° 15' N - Elevation 1580')

"---MIKE---" <twinmountain@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:2891-48CFA369-1860@storefull-3253.bay.webtv.net...
My dealer claims that my belt should be replaced because it has cracks.
There are no cracks on the outside but there are some cracks showing on
the ribs on the inside. The belt has been on for 27,000 miles. This is
a 2001 Prizm. Is the dealer right or is he scamming me?


---MIKE---
>>In the White Mountains of New Hampshire
>> (44° 15' N - Elevation 1580')


Absolutely replace it! If you care to take in on yourself, it will cost you
25 bucks or so, otherwise probably 100-150 at your dealer.

Wes

Why go to the dealer? A local auto repair will probably do id for half the
cost of the dealer.
"---MIKE---" <twinmountain@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:2891-48CFA369-1860@storefull-3253.bay.webtv.net...
My dealer claims that my belt should be replaced because it has cracks.
There are no cracks on the outside but there are some cracks showing on
the ribs on the inside. The belt has been on for 27,000 miles. This is
a 2001 Prizm. Is the dealer right or is he scamming me?


---MIKE---
>>In the White Mountains of New Hampshire
>> (44° 15' N - Elevation 1580')

"Woody" <TheDuck@pond.net> wrote in message
news:kgWzk.509$ZP4.426@nlpi067.nbdc.sbc.com...
> Why go to the dealer? A local auto repair will probably do id for half the
> cost of the dealer.

Last time I had one replaced it was $75 belt and labor at a local shop.

Dealers tend to know the brand of car they sell better that independents,
but they also charge much more for both parts and labor. I only go to them
for warranty work.

"---MIKE---" <twinmountain@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:2891-48CFA369-1860@storefull-3253.bay.webtv.net...
My dealer claims that my belt should be replaced because it has cracks.
There are no cracks on the outside but there are some cracks showing on
the ribs on the inside. The belt has been on for 27,000 miles. This is
a 2001 Prizm. Is the dealer right or is he scamming me?

*******************
I seem to remember someone posting a belt related site that says that some
cracks are normal and are not to be considered an indication that the belt
should be changed.

This is contraintuitive to me, and I would not keep such a belt on my car
any longer than necessary. So, there is the possibility that your dealer is
just
trying to give preventative maintenance.

A lot of cars are dead easy to replace the serpentine belt, well within the
ability of an beginner.

twinmountain@webtv.net (---MIKE---) wrote:

>My dealer claims that my belt should be replaced because it has cracks.
>There are no cracks on the outside but there are some cracks showing on
>the ribs on the inside. The belt has been on for 27,000 miles. This is
>a 2001 Prizm. Is the dealer right or is he scamming me?
>
>
> ---MIKE---
>>>In the White Mountains of New Hampshire
> >> (44° 15' N - Elevation 1580')

Mike,

Some things to consider -

How old is that belt? If it is more than 4 years old I'd replace it if
it has any cracks at all. Cheap insurance.

I don't know what the specs are on that belt and that car, but GM on
the regular line cars (remember, what you have there is actually a
Toyota Corolla with a GM label) used to recommend that the belt be
replaced if there is a crack that covers 2 ribs, especially if they
are adjacent. Minor cracks across only 1 rib are considered normal.
Any crack that exposes the cord of the belt is another story - replace
that belt immediately.

I'd also recommend that you look at the belt and see if there are
signs of side stress on the ribs or fraying on the outside edges of
the belt (we used to call this "reading the belt"). If you see this
kind of damage, check the mounting of all devices run by the belt
(alternator, etc.) and make sure that each device is solidly attached
to its mounting bracket. Also spin each pulley - look for any damage
to the pulley (dents, bent grooves, etc.) and see if there is any
wobble or signs of loosness in the bearings of the device. A damaged
pulley, pulley wobble or loose bearings can cause a belt to wear out
quickly.

Regards,
Bill Bowen
Sacramento, CA

This question got me checking my pickups belt. Yup it still has cracks in
it. Just like the shop told me 4 1/2 years ago. Suppose I should change it
soon. My buick has cracks in the belt too, for the last 2 years and 43,000
miles. Got to get too that one too, soon, soon.

"---MIKE---" <twinmountain@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:2891-48CFA369-1860@storefull-3253.bay.webtv.net...
My dealer claims that my belt should be replaced because it has cracks.
There are no cracks on the outside but there are some cracks showing on
the ribs on the inside. The belt has been on for 27,000 miles. This is
a 2001 Prizm. Is the dealer right or is he scamming me?


---MIKE---
>>In the White Mountains of New Hampshire
>> (44° 15' N - Elevation 1580')

"TomA" <tallemani@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:XtmdnZAlXJLzH0_VnZ2dnUVZ_v7inZ2d@comcast.com. ..
> This question got me checking my pickups belt. Yup it still has cracks in
> it. Just like the shop told me 4 1/2 years ago. Suppose I should change
> it soon. My buick has cracks in the belt too, for the last 2 years and
> 43,000 miles. Got to get too that one too, soon, soon.
>

When it does break be ready. Serpentine belts are a tow truck driver's beast
friend. When they brake it's over Not like an old car with multiple belts.

Al

Well Al, Here is what I have done, I have a spare belt in both vehicles
And an box end wrench to fit the idler. No they are not like the old cars
.... they are easier to change. At least for me. BTW I have never called a
tow truck in my life. Where I grew up If your car/truck broke down you-
were on your own. No fun in the winter. Just the same every time I take a
vehicle to a shop like an oil change outfit {being to lazy to change my oil
in the snow] they say I need a serpentine belt. I tell them I'll fix that
And I will soon....soon. Thanks for the reply, Tom. PS if a
Serpentine belt is thier best friend-They need to get out more lol.



"Big Al" <NoSpam@nowhere.net> wrote in message
news:QTvAk.13137$wr1.6436@newsfe02.iad...
>
> "TomA" <tallemani@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:XtmdnZAlXJLzH0_VnZ2dnUVZ_v7inZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>> This question got me checking my pickups belt. Yup it still has cracks in
>> it. Just like the shop told me 4 1/2 years ago. Suppose I should change
>> it soon. My buick has cracks in the belt too, for the last 2 years and
>> 43,000 miles. Got to get too that one too, soon, soon.
>>
>
> When it does break be ready. Serpentine belts are a tow truck driver's
> beast friend. When they brake it's over Not like an old car with
> multiple belts.
>
> Al
>