How do i get the right size serpentine belt?

[groundwire]

I have a 400 amp alternator on the way and the pully on it is smaller than stock oem. so how do i go about getting the right size serpentine belt to fit proprly? I tried to have my mechanic help me but they are like "we dont want to be involved with aftermarket parts and install", Psshh. I hope i can just walk in and get it from napa or auto zone etc. So how do i figure out this belt size thing? The alternator manufacturer says the belt will need to be about 1/2" to1" shorter than stock

 

[543_Dallas]

The widths of the belts are all dependent on the number of ribs. Mark the factory belt and measure around it to get the length.

You can also look up a replacement belt for your vehicle on the website of your favorite auto parts store. The specs should give you the number of ribs and the length. You can check it against the link below...

Most places have gates belts or can cross reference them if you find what you need. Serpentine belts are called micro V belts if you use this website.

https://www.gatesautocat.com/

 

[Highway Man]

Did you get the MechMan?

 

[groundwire]

Did you get the MechMan?

Yes i did

 

[Highway Man]

Where did you order from?
I seen some on fleabay recently out of knox TN

 

[Slowmover]

The widths of the belts are all dependent on the number of ribs. Mark the factory belt and measure around it to get the length.

You can also look up a replacement belt for your vehicle on the website of your favorite auto parts store. The specs should give you the number of ribs and the length. You can check it against the link below...

Most places have gates belts or can cross reference them if you find what you need. Serpentine belts are called micro V belts if you use this website.

https://www.gatesautocat.com/

To add to what this gentleman said, the cross-reference numbers can be a problem where small variations exist in length.

 

[groundwire]

Where did you order from?
I seen some on fleabay recently out of knox TN

I ordered it from the MechMan website.
Also that gates site is for newer cars only, they dont have my suburban. I really wish i could just pay someone to do it but i cant find anyone. Not even stereo shops, go figure

 

[Highway Man]

Id do the truck driver check for belt tightness, install new alternator try and fit old bet then if it goes on check again and take a strong guess. Most any auto parts store will let you swap them out till you get proper fit

 

[2NC995]

Got a local parts store with an older guy that knows how to use a book?

The guy that only only knows, “year, make, model” isn’t going to be a help this time.

 

[Highway Man]

Did you get a 2 or 4 pin? And which pin is the exciter

 

[groundwire]

Did you get a 2 or 4 pin? And which pin is the exciter

Its a 4 pin and i dont know yet, its still on the way here.

 

[543_Dallas]

A carpenter would probably be more helpful than the guy at the parts store. They can read a tape measure.

 

[groundwire]

Thats whats hard to is all these parts stores are like i dont know, the computer says, etc. Pshh i bet 95% of them probably dont turn wrench or are even into cars. Seems that way anyway.

 

[543_Dallas]

I ordered it from the MechMan website.
Also that gates site is for newer cars only, they dont have my suburban. I really wish i could just pay someone to do it but i cant find anyone. Not even stereo shops, go figure

Use the dimensions search on the gates site to get a part number after you measure the belt, subtract and figure out what you need. Year, make and model aren't important.

 

[groundwire]

My stock belt is 97.175inches -1" gives me 96.175 inches. Ok so now if i go to the parts store and tell them i need a 96.175 inch belt i guarantee they will say what kind of car and year. Then i will have to explain what im doing then they are gonna say well i need a car and year, i cant get one by length