2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Mopar belts rule the day.

[CCiatteo]

I've been on borrowed time with my serpentine belt for quite a while. Last year I replaced the belt with a Dayco from the local parts store and it did nothing but howl and squeal. I figured, maybe the tensioner is bad. Replaced the tensioner twice (first one, Dayco again, failed in less than a month). Finally I got so tired of the noise, I put the old belt back on. All the noise stopped. Fast forward to now.



Today I got around to putting on an OE Mopar belt, because the "old" belt was starting to really look old. After swapping it on, started the truck and wonderful silence. No howling, squealing or other nonsense. Sometimes you get what you pay for.



I did notice the ribbed side of the Dayco belt was different than the Mopar belt. The ribs on the Mopar belt were continuous along the length of the belt, where as the Dayco belt's ribs were "dashed" or interrupted every 1/4 inch or so. Don't know if that was the cause or why that difference would even be there?

 

[JMcCoy]

Good to hear you got it figured. When my Mopar belt got old and squeeky, I went with the Goodyear Gatorbacks. They have been flawless.

 

[CEdwards]

I'm sure people have had good experiences with several different brands. Having said that I always request Gates at any parts house. I definitely agree you get what you pay for. I'm not saying gates is the only high quality product out there by any means but I see them every day in industrial applications and belts and hoses are their specialty. Personaly I'm so tight it has taken me a long time to learn this lesson, but even though your wallet might be thin when you need to buy parts I gaurantee it will save you money to spend a little more for better quality.

 

[B.G. Smith]

I'm sure people have had good experiences with several different brands. Having said that I always request Gates at any parts house. I definitely agree you get what you pay for. I'm not saying gates is the only high quality product out there by any means but I see them every day in industrial applications and belts and hoses are their specialty. Personaly I'm so tight it has taken me a long time to learn this lesson, but even though your wallet might be thin when you need to buy parts I gaurantee it will save you money to spend a little more for better quality.

X 2 on the Gates belts and hoses. bg

 

[HEMI®Dart]

Goodyear Gatorbacks have been flawless for me also.