Ribbed drive belt

[PositronicRay]

Hi all

My drive belt is squeaking on start up, seems to be a winter thing, fine in summer.

Anyhoo I like to replace it, but not sure of the length, my car has an aftermarket Diavia A/C system so I can't just rely on a lookup. I suppose it may be the same length as the same model with factory A/C but who knows.

A bit of a pain, taking it off, measuring & refitting while waiting for a new one and I can't see any markings on it.

Does anyone know how to measure the length?

[227bhp]

With a piece of string.
It's also often part of the code if its still visible.
Known as a serpentine btw, Dayco, Gates etc have accessible online cats.

[PositronicRay]

Thanks, I can't see any markings visible. It probably dates from when the A/C was fitted so 22yrs old!

I'll pop it off and measure it.

I was hoping to order the belt now and fit it when I service the car in the spring. It only squeaks in winter, so reminds me, when the weather gets warmer the squeak stops, so I forget.

[GreenV8S]

Before you take it off, make a careful note of exactly how it is routed, including the position of any moveable belt tensioner pulleys.

(Can't you measure it in situ with a length of string?)

The belt may be slipping just because it's worn out and needs replacing, but if you haven't already tried it you could apply a little belt dressing spray to the old belt and see whether that cures the problem.

[E-bmw]

I am sure this will be a silly question, but I take it you have tried tightening it in case it is just a touch too slack?

[PositronicRay]

I've tightened up the belt a little, about 1/2" deflection and I can turn the belt through 90 degrees, actually a little more but that hurts my fingers.

The belt looks to be in good order, no splits, cracks or frays and the ribs have the trapezoidal shape rather than being worn into points.

I'm only getting the "chirrup" for about 30s after startup, but I'm conscious that it's maybe 20+ yrs old.

It goes a tortuous route so I don't think I'll be able to measure it in situ.

[PositronicRay]

Gottit 2415. I went out with string to try to measure the thing in situ, then saw it printed on a bit I hadn't spotted.



Is Metzger the same as Dayco?

CP4L - Dayco=£21
v
Amazon-Metzger=£15


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dayco-6PK2415-Poly-Rib-Be...

Edited by PositronicRay on Friday 16th December 16:00