Alternator's belt worn indicator.
 

Hello guys,

1) Is it accurate?

2) How long do these belts lasts?

Mine at 70.000 Km is impeccabile with, no pieces missing and a perfect profile of the rubber lines.

I don't know anything about a wear indicator. I replaced mine at 190k km and it looked like new. If it looks good, I would be tempted to leave it.

Today's serpentine belts don't crack, and will continue to look good when they are worn.

The grooves get worn down so the belt's "traction" diminishes.




Gates Rubber used to offer a FREE Belt Wear Gauge, I don't know if they still do...

Gates Belt Wear Gauge For Serpentine Belts | Gates Corporation

Thanks for pointing that out. I didn't realize that. I don't know how really useful it is, but I found an iphone app called, PIC Gauge 2.0. You take a picture of your belt and it will analyze it to say if it is still good or not. I took a pic of my old belt and it said it was still good. Not sure how reliable it would be though.

I've heard of that App.


Never used it though.

Thanks for your replies.
My experience is that they may look ok and then crack all of a sudden.
It is only the serpentine belt, no damage to the valves but the water pump stops working...
I have a BMW motorcycle and the alternator's belt may look ok but around 70.000 Km cracks if not replaced leaving you with a couple of Km of autonomy before the abttery is dead and engine shuts off.

The indicator is situated on the tensioner, see the arrows.