Fan Belt
Submitted: Monday, Sep 15, 2008 at 17:52
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Member -Captain Chaos (QLD)
I have had my Nissan for nearly four years and replaced the fan belt three times first at 90000km second at 130000km and one today at 140000km the first because of a few cracks in the belt the second due on service and the last because of the noise (thought the alternator bearing had gone) have also replaced the belt tension pulley at 100000km. Does this seem normal or could there be something else I should be looking for.
Reply By: Member - Tony B (QLD) - Monday, Sep 15, 2008 at 18:58
Monday, Sep 15, 2008 at 18:58
Had the same problem with my new Holden Rodeo, belt got changed at 10,000k - now making noise again at 28,000. Maybee they are not making them as good as they used to! Be good to hear what others say. Cheers Tony
AnswerID:
325441
Reply By: Jack180 - Monday, Sep 15, 2008 at 20:12
Monday, Sep 15, 2008 at 20:12
I've just clocked 150k in my 3ltr patrol, and have never replaced the fan belt. - Didnt bother changing it at 130k becuase it still looked fine. I dont get my car serviced at Nissan, but will probbably get it done at its next service (This firday) just to be sure.
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325469
Reply By: Member - AJB (VIC) - Monday, Sep 15, 2008 at 20:26
Monday, Sep 15, 2008 at 20:26
The first belt lasted forever,
well longer than the motor anyway. It is now on the second and the third is in the ever growing spares box. The tensioner pulley was replaced about 10,000k's ago as it became noisy and was flogged out. So I think what you have experienced is "normal" in todays cars. They have the technology to make them last longer in every area but then they wouldn't sell so many and the repair/spares business would cease to exist!
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Follow Up By: On Patrol & TONI - Tuesday, Sep 16, 2008 at 09:06
Tuesday, Sep 16, 2008 at 09:06
AJB
You wrote "The first belt lasted forever,
well longer than the motor anyway"
Ditto, got 180000km from motor and belt was still fine. gave away the spare to a mate who is still on his org. belt (120000km) and now has my spare.
You wrote "They have the technology to make them last longer in every area but then they wouldn't sell so many and the repair/spares business would cease to exist"
I'm not too sure about that statement. Remember when we did valve grinds and head gaskets etc at 60000Ml. modern engines last the life of the car (except a ZD30) on average & gearbox repairs are not as frequent as before, in fact the after market parts industry had to push accesories to fill
the gap left by those things.
Cheers Colin.
FollowupID:
592595
Reply By: Tippa - Monday, Sep 15, 2008 at 21:03
Monday, Sep 15, 2008 at 21:03
I'd say its a combination of non-japanese factory belts (our Ozzy Dayco belts are great, cheap and widely available but do deteriorate quicker than oem belts i think), and installation tensions (no mechanic would have touched your belts up to the 90,000km mark).
So Australian manufactured belts, installed too tightly and deterioration and noises willl come along quicker.
I make sure my belts are at the right tension (usually 1 inch deflection at the longest belt span with moderated hand pressure) and give them a spray of WD40 or similar whenever they start to get noisy.
AnswerID:
325476
Follow Up By: Heefers - Tuesday, Sep 16, 2008 at 08:27
Tuesday, Sep 16, 2008 at 08:27
I use a stick of dry-lube to quieten
mine down. How does the WD-40 go? I haven't heard of anyone using it on belts before.
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Follow Up By: Tippa - Tuesday, Sep 16, 2008 at 20:16
Tuesday, Sep 16, 2008 at 20:16
It quietens it instantly, as does dry lube. I think dry lube may last longer though so might be the way to go. I've used both and they both work
well and dont cause belt slip (dont saturate them in WD40 though! A quick shot is all it needs- you'll hear it go silent instantly), its just that i have a few cans of WD40 laying around so its the quick, easy and cheap way of fixing dry belts pretty effectively.
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Follow Up By: Member - JohnR (Vic) - Tuesday, Sep 16, 2008 at 21:39
Tuesday, Sep 16, 2008 at 21:39
Belt Grip is great
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Follow Up By: Waynepd (NSW) - Tuesday, Sep 16, 2008 at 22:14
Tuesday, Sep 16, 2008 at 22:14
I use WD40 too. I was shown the trick by a mechanic mate and use it whenever i hear the squeal starting. Cheap, effective and convenient as i carry a can or 2 anyway in the drawers
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