The Search for the Best Serpentine Belt

[DRyder]

I noticed this under my truck today while sweeping:

 

[DRyder]

I replaced this belt on the 31st of January 2012; along with a new tensioner, idler pulley, and water pump. I would have figured that this belt would have lasted more than 2 years and 15K miles. I put the original MOPAR belt back on until I could do some research (it is ten years old and still kicking)

 

[DRyder]

There was a lot out there, but nobody had anything on Gates Micro-V Fleet Runner Green Stripe Belt. It has extensive literature, research, and trials in a fleet operation. See this link:

http://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?brochure=2690&location_id=2743


Problem I had was finding where to buy this puppy; imagine my surprise when I found it at a NAPA. It is in a NAPA "box" but it IS the gates belt I was looking for:

 

[DRyder]

It fits like a glove! Weird to see green tho,

Hope this helps folks!

Dave

 

[PDM]

I've had a goodyear gatorback belt replacement for ~4 years now, looks like new. I also still have the original as a spare, replaced as a precaution.

 

[DRyder]

I love me some Goodyear! But gates sold me on their testing. Might have gone Goodyears way if they had similar details.

 

[JJPage]

I've had a goodyear gatorback belt replacement for ~4 years now, looks like new. I also still have the original as a spare, replaced as a precaution.

Me too! But, I have not been able to locate a Goodyear Gatorback for our truck application anywhere for the last year, year and a half.

 

[PDM]

That Gates belt looks great, I and wouldn't hesitate to use one. I am surprised that the Goodyear is not available though.

 

[mwilson]

Me too! But, I have not been able to locate a Goodyear Gatorback for our truck application anywhere for the last year, year and a half.

JJ,

Summit has them if I have done this correctly...

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/gtr-4081261/applications/make/dodge/model/ram-3500

Mike.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

When replacing the belt, make sure the pulley bearings are good and in line.

 

[seafish]

Ive read really good thing about the Gates HD Green micro v Belts...

Genos has it right here--


http://www.genosgarage.com/GATES-K0...67L/productinfo/GATES-K081264HD/#.Ut2_fCittGE

 

[Wayne M.]

I just really scrutinized my belt @ 106XXX mi, 38XX hr. It really looks great. I have what ever genos was selling for a belt in my road box. Still unused from 2010. From what I saw, the A/C bearing will be the next to go.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Am I the only one that had all the "green" disappear from my gator back?

 

[mpaulson]

So far I can't find a belt for my 2014 anywhere but the dealership at $120.00. I have the dual alternators, so it's a rare one yet. I always buy a belt and put it under the seat just in case. And in this case I likely wouldn't find one just anywhere. I've bought the Goodyear ones in the past and only used one after it replaced the oem one which has only been once in 22 years and six trucks.

 

[mweiman]

If you can find it on gates website they have a vin decoder where you can enter your vin and it will give you every gates part number that will fit that vehicle.
Matt

 

[JJPage]

JJ,

Summit has them if I have done this correctly...

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/gtr-4081261/applications/make/dodge/model/ram-3500

Mike.

Certainly looks right, as is the price. My Gatorback was $27 @ Autozone couple of years back, but they no longer stock it, and the local NAPA's, Oreilly's, same story. Thanks Mike, I'll certainly pass this on, because my Gatorback has been bullet proof so far.

 

[Woodenhead]

Years of good service out of my GatorGrip (back?). Found two new ones in the shop yesterday which was a score!

 

[Wayne M.]

Summit is real good for replacement parts.

 

[Blakers]

My Gaterback just failed as it jumped groves and one of the edges peeled off. I can't see any alignment problems or bearing problems. I found the Gates K081264 so I will give it a try.

Edit: After I made this post, I did end up replacing the tensioner with a Gates 38285. Everything seems ok now.

 

[MarkEkberg]

I got one from Geno's and it has been on for 12 K. Started green and is now black. Seems odd that I would wear the green off of it this quickly?