Is it time to change the accessory belt and tensioner?

[Shropshirewrangler]

My 2001 4.0 came with a Dayco drive/fan belt which is in good condition visually - no cracks or side damage.

Bearing in mind that I can't find a genuine tensioner over here in the U.K. (it's a Dayco belt) and the TJ has now done 85,000 miles, I don't know when the belt was last changed and the Jeep does around 7.000 miles a year - is it time to change belt and tensioner (probably genuine for copy) or just the belt?
Thanks

 

[TheBoogieman]

Just replace the belt unless the tensioner is giving you problems. I have 140,000 on mine (tensioner) and no problems.

p.s. I always use Continental Elite Poly V belts with Quiet Channel technology.
1112302_RP_Quiet+Driver+Sell+Sheet_v2_HR.pdf (squarespace.com)

 

[Goatman]

If the tensioner runs quiet and still holds the belt tight you are fine. They should last easily to 150-200 thousand miles if they are kept clean from mud a d grime.

 

[Chris]

X2 to the above. Just replace the belt unless the tensioner is making noise and not holding the belt tight enough.

 

[SPECWAR]

May I recommend you locate a Continental Gatorback which was previously known as Goodyear Gatorback to replace your existing belt. They have a crosshatch mating surface rather than a ribbed surface which enables them to cling better to the pulleys and eliminate any possible slippage.

 

[SPECWAR]

Like this;

 

[oldjeepman]

You can replace just the pulley if the tensioner is still good. And Gates or Continental are good belts..

 

[Shropshirewrangler]

Thanks - I'll just replace the belt, not sure if Continental Gatorback is available here but looks interesting.

 

[Goatman]

Never seen that before. Definitely will try one the next belt change. Nice.

 

[Big-Al]

I plan on changing my tensioner tomorrow after work. I was looking at it this morning and it was jumping all over the place. I only checked it because I heard a grinding screechy sound coming from under the hood when I was driving to work.

I'm also going to check out that Gatorback. Thakns.

 

[toximus]

Gatorback is designed for accessory drives with misalignment or making noise. Unless you're having a problem, a normal belt from one of the major manufactures is perfectly fine.

 

[Rubicon88]

Your belt is fine.

Any cracks on the ribs? You can't miss them if there are.

If not.... fuhgetaboutit ...

No need for a change yet.

 

[SPECWAR]

Gatorback is designed for accessory drives with misalignment or making noise. Unless you're having a problem, a normal belt from one of the major manufactures is perfectly fine.

I find it to be humorous that some seem offended to another’s suggestions. I personally don’t care what style or brand anyone chooses to use. Just offering an option.

 

[Big-Al]

I'm glad I bought that tensioner and changed it when I did. the pulley locked up when I pulled into the shop this morning.