Information On Serpentine Belt Wear (04-06-01-013)

Publication date: 2004-04-29
Reference number: 04-06-01-013

INFORMATION ON SERPENTINE BELT WEAR

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 04-06-01-013, Date of Issue: April 29, 2004

SATURN:	2004 and Prior All Models
SECTION:	06 - Engine/Propulsion

SERVICE INFORMATION

All current GM vehicles designed and manufactured in North America were assembled with serpentine belts that are made with an EPDM material and should last the life of the vehicle. It is extremely rare to observe any cracks in EPDM belts and it is not expected that they will require maintenance before 10 years or 240,000 km (150,000 mi) of use.

Older style belts, which were manufactured with a chloroprene compound, may exhibit cracks depending on age. However, the onset of cracking typically signals that the belt is only about halfway through its usable life.

A good rule of thumb for chloroprene-based belts is that if cracks are observed 3 mm (1/8 in) apart, ALL AROUND THE BELT, the belt may be reaching the end of its serviceable life and should be considered a candidate for changing. Small cracks spaced at greater intervals should not be considered as indicative that the belt needs changing.

Any belt that exhibits chunking should be replaced.