Drive Belt Kits

What is a drive belt kit?

Drive belts connect and drive the accessories in the car such as alternators, air conditioning, water pumps, power steering pumps etc. Drive belt kits are available where the pulleys and the belt tensioners are included.

What comes in a drive belt kit?

Drive belt kits do vary in their contents. The stock image from the manufacturer will show which parts are included in the kit.

How do I choose the correct drive belt kit?

The correct drive belt kit for your vehicle often depends on the accessories that the vehicle has. The more accessories that it has (i.e. air conditioning, power steering pumps etc) the longer the belts needs to be to reach and drive it. It may also include additional belts depending on the vehicles specific requirements.

Many makers of v-ribbed drive belts use a code to indicate how long it is and how many ribs it has. For example:

1. A belt with the code 6PK2050 is a belt that has 6 ribs and is 2050mm in length

2. A belt with the code 5PK1980 is a belt that has 5 ribs and is 1980mm in length

When searching for the correct replacement drive belt kit there may be different ones listed for your vehicle. It is important to check which accessories the belt is listed for.

Here are some factors to consider when selecting a replacement drive belt kit:

• Does the vehicle have air conditioning (manual or automatic air conditioning)

• Electric or hydraulic power steering

• Number of ribs required

• Length of the belt required

• Vehicle manufacture date (this is not the date the vehicle was registered but the date it was made)

• Engine number sequence (up to or after as specific number/letter)

• VIN (chassis number) sequence (up to or after as specific number/letter)

What brand of drive belt kit should I choose?

Brands such as Bosch and Contitech manufacture drive belts for the original car brands however there are a good number of high quality aftermarket brands of the highest quality that meet or exceed the original specifications. Brands such as Gates, Febi, Blue Print and Borg & Beck offer long warranties. Makers that provide long warranty cover tend to be of better quality. Which brand you choose is down to your brand name preference and budget.

How can I tell my drive belt kit needs replacing?

Drive belts should be changed at the intervals recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. If you believe your belt to be failing and need some advice we would always recommend that you have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to receive accurate advice. The pulleys and tensioner only need to be replaced when they develop a fault or are damaged.

Here are some symptoms of a failing drive belt system:

• The belt makes a squeaking or squealing noise

• The drive belt pulley is noisy or squeaks

• The belt is not tight and slips especially when the engine is revved

• The battery light on the dashboard remains illuminated while the engine is running

• The air conditioning does not work

• The power steering does not work (if hydraulic)

• Smell of burning rubber

• The belt has cracks or splits in it