Belts...

"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
07/05/2018 at 14:42 • Filed to: None

Does it mat t er OE versus, say, gates? I know gates is a good brand for some stuff. The OE one is over $100 at the dealer, and about $75 online. I can get a gates for $25. (serpentine belt, btw)

Thoughts? I would guess the job is a 2 out of 5 bananas job (up to 2.5) so its not a “ splurge cause you’ll only want to do it once if you love yourself” kinda repair. That being said, the water pump and fan are belt driven so it very much matters if it breaks. I freaking love the old Toyota system of 2 drive belts for the critical stuff like water fan and alternator, and a seperate single for accessories like AC...I kinda still wish they used it.

Pretty sure the belt is slipping right now.

DISCUSSION (14)

merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc > HammerheadFistpunch
07/05/2018 at 14:53

For a serp belt, yeah gates should be fine. Timing belt, maybe not ;). Can you find out who makes the OEM belt? I know the VAG stuff can be had for at least half price if I can find the supplier and go with a part with the four rings stamped on it. But it’s the same part in most instances. But for a serpentine belt, I wouldn’t stress.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > HammerheadFistpunch
07/05/2018 at 15:09

Can’t say I’ve heard anything bad about Gates. If this was a “G ates vs. unknown parts store house brand” I’d say Gates instantly, but Gates vs. OEM, can’t think you would need fancy in that case.

Or to put it another way, since Gates is not to my knowledge skirting the minimum quality plateau, the mere difference between “may fail” and “will work fine ” means diminishing returns above that level. There is no breakover from “will work” to “will provide whiskey and blowjobs”.

DipodomysDeserti > HammerheadFistpunch
07/05/2018 at 15:11

If you can identify who makes the OEM just buy it without the Toyota branding. The OEM belt for my BMW was $15 sans the BMW logos.

His Stigness > HammerheadFistpunch
07/05/2018 at 15:19

Gates for a serpentine belt is usually fine, but you can almost always get a Mitsubishi for the same price, and they’re OEM for a lot do the Asian stuff.

If you give me the vehicle info I can look it up with Worldpac. And I can send it to you if it's a lot cheaper than an online source.

HammerheadFistpunch > His Stigness
07/05/2018 at 15:24

2008 gx470

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > HammerheadFistpunch
07/05/2018 at 15:29

For a serp, just go for the Gates. Gates is the OEM for many companies, including VW and Ferrari.

A note on buying the same belt from the OEM company without a manufacture’s logo. Most of the time, these belts are cut from the same master (think several foot wide belt that the inch wide belts are cut from). Buuut, often times, the manufacturer will specify their belt needs to be cut from the middle. I assume they do this for consistency, but cannot verify that. I know you can buy the same Ferrari timing belt without the logo for much cheaper. But this belt is cut from the outside. I’m not sure it makes a difference, but it is something to consider. Like I said though, I’m sure you will be fine on the serp belt.

His Stigness > HammerheadFistpunch
07/05/2018 at 15:29

But what's the make and engine size? Haha I kill myself.

Mistu is $21. 59 cost.