Quote:
Originally Posted by bruceh
I just replaced my serpentine belt with one that I purchased new about 5 years ago and carried as a spare.
I feel like I picked up a little roughness since then.
Are serpentine belts like tires where they can age out? Does having them packaged lead to kinks that won't come out?
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I have seen these belts take a set after being stored wadded up in those cardboard sleeves for a long period of time. Usually they conform to the belt drive but not every time. I would run the belt for 100 miles or so and if you still feel roughness I would change back to the original belt and give it a road test.
There are a couple other things to consider also. The original belt no doubt has stretched some and worn a bit over the time it has been used. The new belt is tighter on the pulleys and tensioner than the old belt (at least in theory it should be). You may have a pulley bearing beginning to fail and the additional tension has amplified the failing bearing. Also most auto tensioners have a spring in them and the pivot is a plastic sleeve inside the spring and pivot assembly. These sleeves can become contaminated over the years and not allow the tensioner to tension properly. This can allow the belt to "whip" as it is looser than designed. Remember you moved that tensioner way past it's normal movement to remove and install belts. If it is sticking and hasn't tightened the belt properly this could be your problem.
I like to replace belts and tensioners as a pair. They are like shoes. Just because one shoe shows more wear than the other would you buy just one shoe?
These newer belts are tough and will last a long while yet they aren't totally fool proof.
Lynn
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