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Should I replace this alternator belt?
Posted: 27 Feb 2015, 12:55
by smurfbus
Hi all, having a go at my first service on the Smurfbus and stumbled across a few bits and pieces that need doing. Wanted to check with the forum though whether I should be looking to replace the alternator belt? Link to image below shows the level of wear. Unfortunately I don't have any record of when it was last replaced.
Thanks!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/marclwoodall/16476021309/
Re: Should I replace this alternator belt?
Posted: 27 Feb 2015, 12:57
by Ralf85
They only cost a couple of quid, so if you are servicing it why not put a new one on.
Re: Should I replace this alternator belt?
Posted: 27 Feb 2015, 12:58
by itchyfeet
I'm not even going to lok at the pic, just replace it regularly it's only a fiver, still the most common breakdown I hear.
Re: Should I replace this alternator belt?
Posted: 27 Feb 2015, 13:12
by clift_d
Just replace it.
Re: Should I replace this alternator belt?
Posted: 27 Feb 2015, 13:19
by smurfbus
Thanks guys, I'll be popping into town then!
Re: Should I replace this alternator belt?
Posted: 27 Feb 2015, 13:22
by itchyfeet
Buy two or keep the old as a get you home emergency spare
Re: Should I replace this alternator belt?
Posted: 27 Feb 2015, 13:33
by CovKid
Wish my engine bay was in sepia like yours.

Re: Should I replace this alternator belt?
Posted: 27 Feb 2015, 17:22
by itchyfeet
You made me look now
can't believe you even needed to ask smurfbus, it's cracked its had it, have you looked at your tyres recently?
Re: Should I replace this alternator belt?
Posted: 27 Feb 2015, 17:55
by Smosh
Yea replace! when rubber perishes, its elasticity is reduced. At this point it is more likely to fail. If you look at yours it is cracked between the teeth. this is a sure sign it needs doing.
As said previously, by a spare also. This one may snap you try to tighten it which would really suck at the roadside.
Re: Should I replace this alternator belt?
Posted: 27 Feb 2015, 19:53
by smurfbus
CovKid wrote:Wish my engine bay was in sepia like yours.

New phone and have no idea how to use it - only seems to take photos in Sepia when it wants to!
itchyfeet wrote:You made me look now
can't believe you even needed to ask smurfbus, it's cracked its had it, have you looked at your tyres recently?
Yea guessed as much, but was a bit suprised it was in such bad nick as have a invoice for a service by the previous owner from last June and I've only done 2,000 mile since. Tyres look fine and legal to me, will probably be asking another question in the near future though why there is massive clearance on them despite them being 16" wheels. I'm sure the bus has been raised at some point!
Cheers again guys...Didn't manage to pick the belts up today - wife wanted me to look at kitchens instead...but should be able to sort it tomorrow.

Re: Should I replace this alternator belt?
Posted: 27 Feb 2015, 21:22
by itchyfeet
I've only done 2,000 mile since.
Strange thing about rubber is the less you use it the more it cracks, same applies to tyres, needs to be kept moving.
Re: Should I replace this alternator belt?
Posted: 27 Feb 2015, 21:54
by clift_d
They wouldn't necessarily have changed the belt at the service. It may have been in much longer. Or it may have been an old stock part sat in a store cupboard for years.
Re: Should I replace this alternator belt?
Posted: 27 Feb 2015, 21:59
by smurfbus
Is there a reason why I can't type the word kitchen?
Re: Should I replace this alternator belt?
Posted: 27 Feb 2015, 22:12
by Smosh
smurfbus wrote:Is there a reason why I can't type the word Nehctik?
all to do with spam filter I think.