accessory belt broke while driving

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06-02-08, 10:33 AM

#16

raytseng

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Quote:

Originally Posted by dpayne

At how many miles should one replace the Drive Belt on a GS-430 ? I hear from some Lexus Tech's they've never seen one break, unless of course something binds up and makes it break. The small cracks on the ribs are on most cars after a short time,but the original belts usually will go for 100K miles ++. Any suggestions on WHEN to replace ?

Thanks.

David

Typically what happens is they start squealling or making noise on cold startup as they start to slip, but then will stop after the engine warms up and the heat expands the belt. So that's usually when people go to replace the belt.
If you want to get technical, you can look up in any automechanics textbook the basic how to examine a belt for wear. But I think the sound probably is the key indicator for us.

The belt is still probably usuable as it's just slipping a little, and only during startup, but the longer you go, the squeal period will slowly get longer and may not quiet down even after warmup until you get continous squealling. Should definitely change it then, at a minimum just to retain your sanity.

Last edited by raytseng; 06-02-08 at 10:39 AM.