...a regular autoparts stores? By that I mean, is there any difference between a "dealer" belt and one you can pick up from a Pep Boys/Advance/AutoZone type store. I'm stretching belts out like crazy; they only last about two months before I'm into the wear indicator pretty deep - and this is on a mostly weekend driver. I'm also flinging tiny particles of rubber all over the engine compartment making it a pain to keep clean - yet I can find no evidence of "rubbing" anywhere. My last belt actually split in the middle for about a six inch section (middle running parallel with the belt obviously).

Any thoughts?

S.

 

i'd buy a gates over any thing else ,i believe they are the best. yes there is a differance in belts. as they say you get what you pay for.

 

Is that a dealer belt? Or does the aforementioned "auto store" types carry them? Where do you get yours from?

I appreciate the help,
S.

 

I've bought Gates belts at the parts stores. Call them and ask what brand they carry.

 

GMSPO currently supplies Goodyear belts as OEM for TG's. They are probably on an equal par with Gates if not better. Ede is correct, pay a little more and have less headaches.

 

Scauffiel, is a pulley bent or misaligned somewhere?

 

Thanks for the replies fellas, I found the Gates brand at Napa for $35 - but lo and behold, the dealer actually came through for me at $23! It's unheard of for the dealer to actually be cheaper than a parts shop! Anyway, I'll pick it up today and install it this afternoon, taking careful note of the length of time it takes to stretch it out. My tensioner couldn't just become stronger all by itself right? As far as I can remember there's only one way to install it as well. None of my pulleys are misaligned and everything spins freely with the belt off... I dunno, I just don't get it. I may have to rev it in the driveway to see if it's hitting something under high rpm.

S.