Belt Replacement - Tension Gauge Vs Eyeballing
 

I'm getting ready to change the belts on my G and I'm a little disappointed AutoZone doesn't have a belt tension gauge on its Loan-A-Tool program. In the past I never cared about being precise on my previous vehicles, but I would like to be as accurate as possible this time.

I imagine I should be pretty close if I mark the original positions of the bolts and get a feel for the tension before loosening everything up.


How have some of you guys done it, tension gauge or other method?












...

I would like to hook up and change my belts as well. I got the belts but I am worried about the same thing, eyeballin or Gauge. I can't find anyone that has a gauge locally, online only.

Yea, the only gauges I have been able to find are either in bad condition or $150. I would normally buy it since I love tools, but I've been out of job for months. Even though I could afford it, my wife would kill me. hahaha

I've tensioned my belts at least 20-30 times w/ all the messing around I've done w/ the Vortech belt setup. Never had a gauge...always did it by feel.

Never used a gauge, always tightened mine by "feel" on the Vortech setup.

I had the dealer install mine during an oil change for an extra $49.99. I supplied the belts of course.

man...belt change is EASSSSSSSSSY. Loosen one nut and turn one bolt. I'd do it for $30 :)

Well it was more of a convenience thing than anything. I had them in the car, and they said they'd do them so it was all good :biggthumpup:

is this for FI only?

Quick question: How often should the belts be replaced on a G35 coupe?? Mine has 30k miles on it...

Belts...
 

My '06 coupe has 30k miles on it (with minimal driving), and the dealership is tellin' me I need to replace the belts. Is this a normal time to change... or, are they BS'in me to make more $$ ?!

Also: where's the best place to buy the belts myself - to avoid dealership costs??

Thanks!

Check the belts to see if they're worn/cracking. If they look okay, then I wouldn't change out the belts. I just bought my belts from Autozone. Gatorback.

Yeah... I just checked them, and they don't seem to be too worn (or cracked) - although I'm not sure how they'd look if they really WERE worn (?)
Thanks for the info on where/what kind to get!

You might notice chunks of ribs missing, cracks in the belts ribs, etc.

dude, I dont know if you can do it on these but put a straight edge between the pulleys, then use a ruler to measure the deflection while you put pressure on it. if the pulleys are 7-9" apart deflection should be 1/4" if 9-12" then it should deflect 1/2"