Is this aux drive belt normal? (pic)

[FreeLitres]

I just spotted these "nicks" in the drive belt of a friends VW Golf 1.6 (2000).



Is the belt faulty, or do some belts have nicks like these to somehow keep the belt correctly alligned?

Thanks

[Gad-Westy]

That doesn't look right to me. If in doubt he might as well replace it assuming it's not too fiddly to get at. They only cost a tenner.

[Athlon]

Wear and tear, swap it out.

[Jw Vw]

Worn out, needs replacing.

[FreeLitres]

He said the service is due in about a month and is planning on waiting until then. Is this belt likely to let go suddenly, or is the damage more cosmetic? It seemed in good condition apart from these nicks.

[Jw Vw]

FreeLitres said:

He said the service is due in about a month and is planning on waiting until then. Is this belt likely to let go suddenly, or is the damage more cosmetic? It seemed in good condition apart from these nicks.

On my Golf my aux belt looked a lot better than this and I was told to change it buy a mechanic and a friend. Best to get it done and save the worry of it causing any damage.

[Defcon5]

What would cause it to wear like that? It looks as if its supposed to be there

[Gad-Westy]

FreeLitres said:

He said the service is due in about a month and is planning on waiting until then. Is this belt likely to let go suddenly, or is the damage more cosmetic? It seemed in good condition apart from these nicks.

It does look to me like it's pretty close to letting go. Those ribs will be giving the belt a fair bit of its tensile strength and it looks like only one is still intact. I guess after that goes, the main belt will start to tear which might not take too long! On the plus side, it's not likely to do much damage. I guess this drives the alternator or air con pump or something? He may be left stranded at the side of the road but the repair bill should be small.

[Gad-Westy]

Defcon5 said:

What would cause it to wear like that? It looks as if its supposed to be there

I'd guess its where the join is and hence the weakest point.

[Jw Vw]

Gad-Westy said:

FreeLitres said:

He said the service is due in about a month and is planning on waiting until then. Is this belt likely to let go suddenly, or is the damage more cosmetic? It seemed in good condition apart from these nicks.

It does look to me like it's pretty close to letting go. Those ribs will be giving the belt a fair bit of its tensile strength and it looks like only one is still intact. I guess after that goes, the main belt will start to tear which might not take too long! On the plus side, it's not likely to do much damage. I guess this drives the alternator or air con pump or something? He may be left stranded at the side of the road but the repair bill should be small.

It drives the PAS and alternator I believe. Mine cost £20 for the part plus labour of 15-20 mins.

[ewenm]

FreeLitres said:

He said the service is due in about a month and is planning on waiting until then. Is this belt likely to let go suddenly, or is the damage more cosmetic? It seemed in good condition apart from these nicks.

Get it serviced early.

[West4x4]

Just get it done now. wont hurt to be serviced a month early

[FreeLitres]

Does anyone know what tools you will need to change the belt on a 1.6 2000 Golf? I think some VWs need a special belt tool.

I'll probably have to help him do it before the service.

[Nick3point2]

FreeLitres said:

Does anyone know what tools you will need to change the belt on a 1.6 2000 Golf? I think some VWs need a special belt tool.

I'll probably have to help him do it before the service.

Doubt it, did an alternator on a 1.6 2002 golf and don't remember using anything special.