Serpentine belt brands; yes, there is a difference

[aldive]

When installing my new Jon Smith special red powder coated power steering pulley (http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=209681 ) I decided to do a little experiment.

Since I have been plagued with a ticking sound from somewhere on the front of the motor ( http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=203852&highlight=tick ), I decided to try several different brands of serpentine belts and evaluate their effect of noise.

I had several almost new Dayco belts (http://www.daycoproducts.com/DaycoWeb.nsf/2006 About_Us!OpenForm ) and a couple Goodyear Gatorback belts (http://www.goodyear.com/media/pr/pr_2002/22439ep.html ) lying around.

The test went as follows: I installed a belt and drove the truck for 1 mile and then idled the truck in the driveway. I had a friend listen and tell me which belt was the quietest.

I used 3 Dayco ( 5060850 ) and 2 Goodyear ( 4060850 ) belts.

The difference in sound was indeed noticeable. In all tests the Goodyear belt was noticeably quieter than the Dayco.

Based on this rather simple evaluation, I will never use anything but a Goodyear Gatorback belt again.

 

[Turdle]

Just curious Al
Have you tried a Gates belt?

 

[aldive]

Just curious Al
Have you tried a Gates belt?

No, I have not. I use Dayco and Goodyear because they are the easiest to find in my area.

 

[toypaseo]

My ex-Ford mechanic neighbor recommended the Goodyear Gatorback belt.

 

[Yomie]

Based on this rather simple evaluation, I will never use anything but a Goodyear Gatorback belt again.

Been Using goodyear belts on my X for YEARS, replace them periodically (preventive maintenance) ever since i put the first one on, i told myself i would not ever use another brand

 

[techieman33]

Just curious Al
Have you tried a Gates belt?

I really like my gates belt. I started off with o'reilly's house brand belt and it was noisy and had a squeak, which for some reason they said was normal, so I bought the only other belt they had, the gates belt and I could tell as soon as they put it in my hand that it was a much nicer belt. And it's a lot quieter than another other belt I've used.

 

[badge49]

Hey Al, I was thinking about picking up a spare Gatorback in case mine went out on a trail. Is the box in the picture the correct size for our 4.0L SOHC? Thanks.

 

[aldive]

Hey Al, I was thinking about picking up a spare Gatorback in case mine went out on a trail. Is the box in the picture the correct size for our 4.0L SOHC? Thanks.

No, that belt is what I use. I have an underdrive crank and waterpump pulley as well as an overdrive alternator pulley.

If I remember correctly, the stock size belt is a 4060865.

 

[mr.p]

i would be interested in a comparison between the gatorback and an oem motorcraft. My ex came with a gatorback but had a belt chirp so i took it back to the dealership i purchased it from and the installed a motorcraft belt and the noise has never returned. I believe it has more to do with belt wear rather than quality of the belt but i am curious.

 

[aldive]

i would be interested in a comparison between the gatorback and an oem motorcraft. My ex came with a gatorback but had a belt chirp so i took it back to the dealership i purchased it from and the installed a motorcraft belt and the noise has never returned. I believe it has more to do with belt wear rather than quality of the belt but i am curious.

Its easy enough to test; buy both belts, install and drive.

Good luck ....

 

[Kyle0614]

funny how we pic chevy/gm brands for our ford i should know i have goodyear tires lol hence Mr. Goodwrench

 

[mr.p]

yea

i will test them if the chirp comes back, but if its not broke no need to fiddle with it. especially when it annoys me an insane amount....

 

[daves97sport]

I noticed on my Son's SuperCoupe that the (3) Gatorbacks - 1 of which was less than a year old, all had cracks on them on the underside.
I've used Gates (one of the first things my Dad stressed to me years ago) for years with no problems, and will continue to do so.

 

[muzzymaniac]

Love my Gators. 3rd vehicle and never an issue. My old Blazer went 60k on one before it started with some minor noises. Nothing bothersome - just an increase in noise. % mins later new belt and no noise.