What is the recommended replacement time on Serpentine Belts.

Is it the same for all vehicles, say a Ford P/U or a Honda Civic?

Should you just replace them every 100,000 miles.

Ron

 

I'd say replace it if it looks worn or cracked. If it been glazed (squeeks) or if there are any ribs missing damaged or broken. Prolly not a bad idea to do it at 100k but it may not be needed.

 

what civic has a serpintene belt?

 

Most of them have the flat ribbed belts, not sure if it should be called a serpentine because each unit has a dedicated belt instead of one long one driving everything.

When the little ribs start to fall apart it needs to be replaced. After a short period of use, the ribs will always crack across the width of the belt, which is not a problem. Cracks that go lengthwise, accompanied by chunks falling off, are the problem. Also any damage to the back side of the belt, or being soaked in oil, calls for replacement.

Many people just replace them at the same time as the timing belt. The belts have to be taken off to work on the timing belt anyway, so there should be no additional labor required to put new ones back on.

 

My 2007 Civic R18 has one.

The flat ribbed belts are often called serpentine belts, even when they are not installed in a big convoluted path.

 

How are the belts listed in the online parts catalog at hondaautomotiveparts.com? I can't find them.

 

I think the drive belts are categorized by component (e.g., PS, A/C, alternator).

 

Thanks RonJ

 

it is my understanding based on my 2 vehicles that a single belt that handles all the accessories along with the crankshaft pulley is called a serpentine hence my windstar has one. they also tend to go through a convoluted path over all the pulleys. my experience with the civic at least the 6th gen is that the belts are called accessory belts not serpentine at least at the dealers and parts stores.