Replacing serpentine belt. Tensioner too?
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Replacing serpentine belt. Tensioner too?
I'm going to replace the serpentine belt on my 2005 with 29K. While I'm at it I will change the A/C belt, as well. Should I replace all the tensioners while I'm at it? Is there an aftermarket tensioner better than OE?
I'll be flushing the coolant, too. Should the hoses be replaced now?
Thanks!
I'll be flushing the coolant, too. Should the hoses be replaced now?
Thanks!
#4
Pro
Had a C4 once and Tensioner was 20 yrs old and just fine.
Replaced serpentine on my pickup with 80,000 because it was frayed on edges and lower Radiator hose only because water pump was being replaced.
Replaced serpentine on my pickup with 80,000 because it was frayed on edges and lower Radiator hose only because water pump was being replaced.
Last edited by ALS 08; 11-28-2010 at 07:39 PM.
#5
Burning Brakes
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You either have alot time on your hands and loads of cash in your pocket...The coolant is good until 100K miles and the belts can probably go that long as well. My 2005 has 45K on it and the coolant and belts are in same condition as first day I got it...
#6
Team Owner
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If the tensioner is okay I see no reason to replace it. Check the belts and hoses for cracks. All rubber parts last many years now compared to ten or so years ago. GM recommends replacing the anti-freeze at five years. My 05 is almost six years old (27,000 miles) and the belts and hoses look like new so I'm not going to replace them. I did replace the anti-freeze at five years.
#7
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
I took a close look at the belts and there are no cracks or fraying. I was under the impression that 4 years was the "time" limit on the belts, but I guess not.
I have heard that DexCool has a 5 year life span. So, I will be changing the antifreeze.
I have heard that DexCool has a 5 year life span. So, I will be changing the antifreeze.
#9
Safety Car
replace coolant for sure based on age rather then milage. Teh belts i would replace because they are cheap and easy to do. The tensioners are usually changed on a needed basis. If the yare strong and still running the belt smoothly then leave them alone till you need to change. They need changed when they either cause a belt to run crooked or the bearing on the tensioner will make a squalling noise
#11
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Serpentine belt change
I had to change the 6-rib serpentine belt because it tore apart with 29000 miles on the procharger supercharger. I'm told that the extra load of the s/c requires belt changes more often other wise if not cracked and running good LEAVE BELTS ALONE!
#12
CF Senior Member
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I had a tensioner fail at the track one day (it split in two like a clamshell). I found a dealership parts department open on Saturday and bought a replacement for just over $100 I think. In the absence of any problems I suppose changing the belts is acceptable preventative maintenance considering age. The tensioner isn't expensive but I don't know that I'd worry about it. They're usually pretty durable.
#13
The Dexcool is supposed to be replaced at 100k OR 5 years.