My truck is already in need of a new serpentine belt. I had changed it about a year ago and have only put about 20K on it since then. I know that the book calls for it to be serviced at 60K. Its not that the belt has cracks, it’s that the tensioner is at the end of its travel. Belt stretched. It’s a gates belt.

Anyway I was just wanting to know how often ya’ll have had to or do change the serpentine belt on your trucks. And if it is common for a belt to stretch this soon.

From reading on here the belts strecth very easy and way too fast on a 6.5TD. I guess the 6.5TD does something to them but who knows. From what people say the goodyear gatorback belts seem to strecth less on our trucks.

I will say a serpentine belt is easier to change out than the old way. A year ago I purchased a serpentine belt wrench set off feebay for cheap. It was worth every penny.

I will see if I can get a pic of my kit too show it to u.

Check your tensioner pulley also, it is one of the most overlook maintenance item. I used Gates on mine but it is only about 5K miles since I changed it.

DieselCash...I have always used a 24" breaker bar with an 18MM socket to loosen the belt tensioner. Isn't that essentially what the Serpentine Belt tool is?

Yeah with some other fancy attachments!
But in a nutshell "YES"

I need to ge those pics!

Here is a picture of what I got!

i just use a 3/8 ratchet when i changed my belt. seems the square hole was made for it. Ed

I should replace my belt and remove the vac pump before i go to dallas next week (500 miles one way) but i am afraid the belt will stretch and ill be screwed and left on the road somewhere. But if I DONT replace it, the belt which is looking kinda nasty could break ,or the vac pump could lock up and shred the belt. So i dont know which leg to stand on. lol!

ed
That is true, same as I do. I just use the long tool I have instead of the ratchet.
I purchased the thing, might as well put it to use!

[quote=edzzed;2826059]i just use a 3/8 ratchet when i changed my belt. seems the square hole was made for it. Ed[/quote X2 or 3 or whatever, my snapon flex head with comfort handle is just right for the job