Best Automotive Replacement V Belts in 2022

Last update: January 1, 2023

Are 5V and B belts interchangeable?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the specific make and model of the vehicle. However, in general, 5V and B belts are not interchangeable. This is because the pulleys they are designed to work with are different sizes. Additionally, the belt widths and tooth profiles can also vary between the two types. As a result, it is always best to consult your vehicle's owner manual or a qualified mechanic to ensure you are using the correct type of belt for your car.

Are notched V-belts better?

There is some debate over whether or not notched V-belts are better than regular V-belts. Some people say that the notches provide better grip and prevent the belt from slipping, while others say that the notches make the belt weaker and more likely to break. Ultimately, it is up to the user to decide which type of belt is best for their needs.

Are V belts measured inside or outside?

V belts are measured on the inside diameter (ID). The most common ID sizes for v belts are: 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", and 1".

Can a serpentine belt last 150000 miles?

Yes, a serpentine belt can last 150000 miles. The serpentine belt is a type of belt that is used to drive the alternator, water pump, and power steering pump. The serpentine belt is made of Kevlar or other high-strength material, and is designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle.


Gates K080810HD Micro-V Belt Review:


I bought this to replace a serpentine belt on my 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 with a Cummins 12 valve diesel engine that was almost 20 years old. The belt appears to be twice as thick as the original and fits well. Heavy Duty was mentioned in the summary. I suppose they meant it that way.Please be aware that this belt costs roughly 300% more at retail.



Gates K060930 Multi V-Groove Belt Review:


I've always liked and used Gates' products, and when I was 15 or 16 years old, my father and I both worked at a gas station. The Gates man would frequently stop by to spread the word about Gates Fan Belts.



Motorcraft JK81267A V-Ribbed Belt Review:


The belt I removed from my 2006 F250 6.0l PSD is of far lower quality than this one.If you've never changed one before, watch a YouTube video to learn how to unwind the tensioner and take the belt off.The new belt should, in my opinion, be routed in the following manner: it should be lowered down in front of the alternator, wrapped around the crank pulley first, then the tensioner (you must slide it around the back of the tensioner pulley), worked down the bottom passenger side, and finally raised to the alternator. After that, move all of the loose ends to the opposite side and finish with the final two pulleys. I initially attempted a different approach before pulling it out and attempting this one. Even though the tensioner may be locked with either a pry bar or no tools at all, it's not the simplest belt to put on.Good fortune!



Gates K081223HD Automotive Accessories Review:


There are THREE distinct Serpentine Belt options available for the 7.3 Powerstroke, none of which are interchangeable.One is for the ambulance package with two alternators; however, this belt is NOT suitable for that use.Two are 122.3" and 122.7" for single alternators (a length difference of 0.4" or roughly 1/2").You can only be certain that this belt is the right replacement for your 7.3 by holding it side by side with the one you've removed and comparing the P/N on the previous belt. This belt is 122.3" for a single-alternator.The Motorcraft # 1C2Z-8620-NA is being replaced by this GATES # K081223HD.



Gates 38058 Automotive Accessories Review:


This idler pulley worked perfectly with my 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L. Even the part seems to be the same as the original. There are two idler pulleys in the 5.7L, so don't forget to order two of them. It is advised to replace the belt tensioner as well. I purchased Gates part number 38382, which fit perfectly and seemed to be an original replacement.



Gates K070834 Multi V-Groove Belt Review:


This was freshly installed today. I've had it in my closet for more than a year since I knew I'd need it eventually. Installing it is difficult... I strongly suggest that you sketch out how the old belt is wound around the bearings on a piece of scrap paper. It was difficult and took me approximately 30 minutes to install.Since you must remove this belt in order to repair your alternator, I strongly advise purchasing this.



Gates 91107 Belt Tension Tester Review:


I used this device to adjust the alternator belt tension on a 225 horsepower Mercury outboard motor. After every change, I performed the measurements three or more times and got very consistent results (within 5%). The belt deflection was exactly half of the factory specification when I achieved the specified 80 lbs. of tension "22 pounds of force are used.Utilizing this tool is quite simple. Simply position the tool's pivot point (which is under your finger) in the exact middle of the belt span, *SLOWLY* press down, and place your index finger under the band. When the tool clicks, quickly release pressure. Read the gauge after lifting the tool. In order to maintain alignment with the belt, the tool even features a ridge on one side.This device was created to work with V-belts up to and including 7/8 "upper width. Timing belts not. not belts that synchronize. not a serpentine belt. just V-belts It works incredibly well when used with the appropriate belts.* If the alternator V-belt tension is not strictly maintained, it is common for late 1990s and 3.0l Mercury outboards to fail. Mercury likely changed to a broader, flat belt a few years later as a result of this.



Gates 30G3750 G-Force CVT Belt Review:


Have ridden a Commander 1000 XT in the high desert and mesas of northwest Colorado for roughly 750 miles. This belt has handled the desert heat and lengthy, heavy laden pulls from the desert bottom to 10,000 feet without any issues, unlike my standard belt, which used to shriek and smoke a little on hard pulls and in rough portions (and my rig is loaded down with equipt and hunting stuff). The fact that it costs less than half as much as the OEM belt is the icing on the cake! I purchased this belt because I dislike working on my UTV when I might be shooting.I recently took my clutch apart to service my one way bearing, and I now have roughly 1500 miles on this belt. This belt still has a brand-new appearance, and it works exactly as promised. In an instant, I would purchase this belt once more.



Gates 38006 Automotive Accessories Review:


This pulley is undoubtedly flawlessly crafted. The 2007 Impala SS just wasn't appropriate for my application.The entire bearing assembly is clamped and will not turn when it is placed with the factory flange/washer piece because of the way the inner collar of the bearing is designed (height in relation to the body of the pulley).Without the OEM flange, it is feasible to install the pulley (by using a washer with a smaller diameter), however doing it that way leaves no guarantee that the bolt will be correctly centered within the pulley bearing, leading to offset


Do V belts stretch over time?

V belts are not immune to stretching over time. The main reason for this is because the tension in the belt lessens as it wears down. This is a natural occurrence that happens with any type of belt, and it cannot be avoided. The only way to prevent stretching is to replace the belt before it gets too worn down.

Do V-belts need to be matched?

V-belts, also known as V-ribbed belts, are a type of drive belt that V-shaped. They are commonly used in automotive and industrial applications. V-belts need to be matched to the size of the pulley or sheave they will be used with. The width and diameter of the V-belt must be the correct size for the pulley or sheave. The V-belt must also be the correct length for the application. Improperly sized or mismatched V-belts can cause problems such as slippage, shortened belt life

How do you know what size V belt to get?

If you need to replace a V belt on a pulley system, you will need to know the V belt size. V belts are measured by both the outside length and width, and are usually described by the outside length in inches. To measure the outside length of the belt, place it flat on a table and measure from the inside of the V to the top of the belt. To measure the width of the belt, measure from the bottom of the V to the top of the belt.

How Do You measure V belt pulleys?

There are a few ways to measure V belt pulleys, but the most common is to use a V belt pulley size chart. This will give you the dimensions of the pulley, as well as the belt size that it takes.

How often should V-belts be changed?

The average lifespan of a V-belt is between 30,000 and 60,000 miles. However, many factors can affect the lifespan of a V-belt, such as the type of vehicle, the size of the engine, the driving conditions, and the quality of the belt. To be on the safe side, it is recommended that V-belts be changed every 30,000 miles.

Should I replace all belts at once?

It's generally a good idea to replace all the belts in your car at the same time. That way, you know they're all fresh and you won't have to worry about one breaking down unexpectedly.