The best wear indicators for a serpentine belt are the cracks that form on the part of the belt travelling in the pulley grooves. If you can see little ropes or strings when you inspect the belt, then definitely replace it. If the flat surface of the belt is very shiny, dry, and cracking, it is a good time to change it. This indicates heat damage to the rubber--nothing lasts forever.
Even though a belt may look sound, you must realize that it is subjected to very nasty dynamic loads from the accessories. It looks like the belt is just churning along at a constant speed to the naked eye, but it is acting like a clutch between the engine, alternator, power steering, and especially the A/C compressor (if present.) Lock-to-lock parking lot turns cause the power steering pump overflow valve to open at high pressure, loading down the belt. Electrical load changes also can surge-load the belt, like cooling fans turning on and off and the rear window defroster. The start-up torque of an A/C compressor is very high, and the difference in speed between the belt and the compressor shaft can be high before the compressor clutch engages. These dynamic loads are the unseen factor which cause catastrophic failure at the least opportune times.... When in doubt, a $30 serpentine belt is a wise investment for a more secure feeling driving down the road.
I have a 1999 Plymouth. When is the best time to change a serpentine belt? Mine has a nice line of rust on it.
These are the best answer links I know.
Check them out and if you still need help feel free
to Email me for help, supergwo@Yahoo.com.
http://www.ask.com/?o=312#subject:ask|pg鈥?/a> - everything
http://www.info.com/ - 14 search engines
http://www.wisegeek.com/ - any question
http://www.autozone.com/ - diagrams,repair info,LOOK HERE
http://autoparts.411web.com/ - everything automotive
http://www.howstuffworks.com/ - how stuff works
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/ - dictionary
http://www.2carpros.com/index.htm - mechanics Q %26amp; A
http://www.streetracing.org/paris/dictio鈥?/a> - terms
http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/S-CHQL鈥?/a> - automotive audio/video etc.
http://www.partstrain.com/?id=doMecGRr - hard to find parts
http://www.mapquest.com/directions/ - directions %26amp; distance
http://www.carcarecouncil.org/index.sht > - basic car care
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/autos_boat鈥?/a> - DIY resource
http://www.autospeak.com/index.htm - for car enthusiasts
http://www.mendmy.com/answers.php?id=139鈥?/a> - fix anything
http://www.theautochannel.com/ - up to date auto news
http://www.motorera.com/ - old cars %26amp; definitions
http://www.autopedia.com/ - automotive dictionary
http://www.edmunds.com/ - automotive values
http://sd.craigslist.org/about/cities.ht鈥?/a> - community classifieds
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ - Nat'l Hyway Traffic Safety Admin.
Web search for Forums for your car, they are very helpful.
Fereral, State, %26amp; Local governments have websites.
