Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Serp belt needs to be replaced?

My 98 Contour SE (6 cylinder 2.5 L) has 65000 miles on it. But a dealer told me after an oil change that there are some small tiny cracks on the edges of the inner side of the serp belt. He reccommended replacing it ($100!). The service manual did not say you need to change the belt at at only 65000 miles. But Murrays Auto parts store has it for only $11 for 1 year waranty and $17 for lifetime warranty. Did anybody repalce the belt by themselves? Do you need special tools?

Thanks!!!

huacat

While cracks across (rather than longitudinal) are acceptable, 65K and 7 years is a long time for the serpentine belt.

If you can see cracking on the inner side of the serpentine belt, I'd replace it. The cracking will soon be followed by small missing chunks of rubber.

Yes, it's not a difficult DIY job. The biggest problem is getting access to the tensioner to loosen the belt. I was able to squeeze a standard ratchet in there on my car. There are also tools like this:

http://www.autobarn.net/lis57600.html

This thread has some more tips on removing the belt.
http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=trouble&Number=1031104&page=&view=&sb=5&o=&fpart=all&vc=1

Quote:

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The service manual did not say you need to change the belt at at only 65000 miles.

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But it probably does say, or at least the Haynes manual does, to inspect it every 10-15k and replace it if it is worn or cracked.

Definitely do it, it's fairly easy (or cheap) preventive maintenance.