Alternator Belt Question

[redtigerrocks]

I have a 94 camry xle V6 and just checked the alternator belt and noticed that its cracking vertically (not horizontally across the belt). Should I be worried and change it? How much will it run me?

[JohnGD]

It's hard to tell when a belt decides to fail. But in general cracks mean the rubber has hardened with age and heat. At $14.03 for the AC/alternator and $9.31 for the power steering belt. I'd say change them.

This also means that if you haven't changed the timing belt, I'd do that too. You should do a "complete" timing job doing the oil seals, water pump, thermostat, and radiator hoses.

AC/Alt:
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=4194

PS:
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=4063

Originally Posted by redtigerrocks

I have a 94 camry xle V6 and just checked the alternator belt and noticed that its cracking vertically (not horizontally across the belt). Should I be worried and change it? How much will it run me?

[fenixus]

just wanted to inform that you can get OEM belts real cheap (free shipping) from toyotapartsoutlet.com (click the OEM catalog banner).

i got the alternator&a/c belt for $9 shipped and it is OEM with Toyota & Bando logos on it. not worth to go aftermarket on those i think. don't remember the timing belt price from them but it was ~$20 i think (or less). i don't have OEM p/s belt though (running Good Year belt with success, replaced 6mo ago in a shop i was too lazy to do this myself hehe).

[redtigerrocks]

I changed my timing belt, water pump, seal just last year but my alt. belt and power steering belt do need to be changed. How much would an average shop charge me to change both of them out?

[fenixus]

Originally Posted by redtigerrocks

I changed my timing belt, water pump, seal just last year but my alt. belt and power steering belt do need to be changed. How much would an average shop charge me to change both of them out?

i paid $60 to the shop to get both belts done before winter. they used Good Year on p/s which is OK, but they used some shitty noname v-belt for alternator which started failing 4 months later (replaced it with OEM myself recently).

[redtigerrocks]

Originally Posted by fenixus

i paid $60 to the shop to get both belts done before winter. they used Good Year on p/s which is OK, but they used some shitty noname v-belt for alternator which started failing 4 months later (replaced it with OEM myself recently).

So I'm guessing OEMs are the best way to go for the belts?

[JohnGD]

Toyota typically uses Bando, Dayco, GoodYear and Mitsuboshi as OEM. They're less expensive and in general ok, but as Fenixus said there are worse out there as parts stores carry all grades to suit customers of all budgets.

However, I personally prefer Gates belts and hoses. The rubber formulation is just superior. They're softer and supposedly run quieter and hold their tension well.

But you can't beat those online dealer prices. In general I don't think most people can tell the difference. So unless you've become familiar with aftermarket parts as you accumulate DIY experience, I'd say just get OEM as a safe bet.

BTW, I'd highly recommend a Kirkit-II tension gauge. It really helps you tension the belts properly. About $20 on Amazon.

http://www.ryderfleetproducts.com/cg...mpaign=product

Originally Posted by redtigerrocks

So I'm guessing OEMs are the best way to go for the belts?

[fenixus]

you may probably safely go with aftermarkets John posted on rockauto.com. though i went oem since it was even cheaper than that

there are some reputable aftermarket belts even in autozone, but price is like $22 for alternator belt (over double oem price...). so choice is yours

i like toyota oem parts, they have very good quality, now accessible at real good prices from online dealers (especially with free shipping!)