When does a serpentine belt need to be replaced?
When there is fraying, deep cracking or pieces missing, a belt must be replaced. Fraying is when cords are separating from the sides of the belt. Cracks in the back side of the belt also signal a need for replacement. The back is the side without ribs. I also recommend replacement at seven years of age, regardless of condition. Small cracks in the ribs of the belt do NOT indicate a need for replacement, unless other conditions dictate. For more information on belts, see our Detailed Topics article, About Serpentine Belts.
