Serp. belt replacement
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: wichita ks
Serp. belt replacement
Hey guys and gals,
This is by no means a profound post, but it seemed like I should post anyway.
So I went to replace my serp. belt this weekend and was pleasantly surprised. I ran all over town between Autozone and Orielly auto parts stores trying to find the belt I needed (for some reason they couldn't locate one on the PC). Anyways, I ended up at Autozone where I ended up buying a one size larger, in length, belt for my C5. The original quote for the correct lenght belt was 35.00 for a "gatorback" by Goodyear. By getting the 'one size longer' belt I saved ten dollars. It was only 25.00. Not sure why it's cheaper for the longer belt.... But none the less it worked out for the best.
So if you are in need of belt replacent, just ask the guy at your local autoparts store for the next size up in the gatorback belt and save yourselves ten bucks. Thank for you time.
This is by no means a profound post, but it seemed like I should post anyway.
So I went to replace my serp. belt this weekend and was pleasantly surprised. I ran all over town between Autozone and Orielly auto parts stores trying to find the belt I needed (for some reason they couldn't locate one on the PC). Anyways, I ended up at Autozone where I ended up buying a one size larger, in length, belt for my C5. The original quote for the correct lenght belt was 35.00 for a "gatorback" by Goodyear. By getting the 'one size longer' belt I saved ten dollars. It was only 25.00. Not sure why it's cheaper for the longer belt.... But none the less it worked out for the best.
So if you are in need of belt replacent, just ask the guy at your local autoparts store for the next size up in the gatorback belt and save yourselves ten bucks. Thank for you time.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,651
Likes: 9
From: HOW FAST WAS I GOING OFFICER? Los Angeles Hating GM Dealership Service Dept.'s Since Sept. 2004
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Is it like parents who buy kids shoes one size bigger.... "Aww! They'll grow into 'em!" 
I dunno -- I know the belt doesn't stretch "that" much --- but nonetheless... it does.
Hope it works... and keeps working --- interesting
I dunno -- I know the belt doesn't stretch "that" much --- but nonetheless... it does.
Hope it works... and keeps working --- interesting
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 4
From: NW Arkansas
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
most likely the longer belt is a more popular part number so more are produced so the cost is less.
if the tensioner bottoms out on start up it will eventually spit the belt
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,592
Likes: 3
From: St Louis MO
Hey guys and gals,
This is by no means a profound post, but it seemed like I should post anyway.
So I went to replace my serp. belt this weekend and was pleasantly surprised. I ran all over town between Autozone and Orielly auto parts stores trying to find the belt I needed (for some reason they couldn't locate one on the PC). Anyways, I ended up at Autozone where I ended up buying a one size larger, in length, belt for my C5. The original quote for the correct lenght belt was 35.00 for a "gatorback" by Goodyear. By getting the 'one size longer' belt I saved ten dollars. It was only 25.00. Not sure why it's cheaper for the longer belt.... But none the less it worked out for the best.
So if you are in need of belt replacent, just ask the guy at your local autoparts store for the next size up in the gatorback belt and save yourselves ten bucks. Thank for you time.
This is by no means a profound post, but it seemed like I should post anyway.
So I went to replace my serp. belt this weekend and was pleasantly surprised. I ran all over town between Autozone and Orielly auto parts stores trying to find the belt I needed (for some reason they couldn't locate one on the PC). Anyways, I ended up at Autozone where I ended up buying a one size larger, in length, belt for my C5. The original quote for the correct lenght belt was 35.00 for a "gatorback" by Goodyear. By getting the 'one size longer' belt I saved ten dollars. It was only 25.00. Not sure why it's cheaper for the longer belt.... But none the less it worked out for the best.
So if you are in need of belt replacent, just ask the guy at your local autoparts store for the next size up in the gatorback belt and save yourselves ten bucks. Thank for you time.
Last edited by PierEagle; Jun 17, 2008 at 01:48 AM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I had the same problem. I tried to get a set of Gatorbacks when I was in CA and couldn't get them anywhere. I had to buy OEM belts which cost mega $$$$$$$$.
Not sure I'd want a larger belt. I know its a PITA to get them on but even with stock size they stretch with use. I wonder how long a larger belt will last before you get squealing. Just a thought.
Not sure I'd want a larger belt. I know its a PITA to get them on but even with stock size they stretch with use. I wonder how long a larger belt will last before you get squealing. Just a thought.
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Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,592
Likes: 3
From: St Louis MO
The NAPAs and O'Reilly's stores I checked with, didn't handle them. Advance didn't carry them in the store but you could order online and they would tag you with shipping. AutoZone had the A/C belt at one store and the main belt at another store. Didn't sound like they were going to restock. Also found out that the Gatorback main belt listed for the '98 was discontinued (per AutoZone) so the one I bought was listed for a 2000. It fits. 
8th Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Deptford NJ
Chirping C5
I finally ended my chirping bird problem this weekend. Over the past couple of months it went from chirps to squealing.
I also bought the the Goodyear belt from Auto Zone ( part # 40440420) but only after buying a DAYCO belt that didn't cure the problem. The problem was the tensioner for the A/C. Took a couple of hours but in the end replacing the tensioner and A/C belt made the problem go away. The tensioner is part # 305339 from Auto Zone. The Gatorback was a tight fit, but with the tensioner pressed all the way down, it slipped on. I'd be suspecious of a larger belt.
I also bought the the Goodyear belt from Auto Zone ( part # 40440420) but only after buying a DAYCO belt that didn't cure the problem. The problem was the tensioner for the A/C. Took a couple of hours but in the end replacing the tensioner and A/C belt made the problem go away. The tensioner is part # 305339 from Auto Zone. The Gatorback was a tight fit, but with the tensioner pressed all the way down, it slipped on. I'd be suspecious of a larger belt.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: wichita ks
The belt fit just fine, and just like with the OEM length it was still a little snug trying to fit it over the tensioner. Also, the tensioner still has more than enough play to keep plenty of tension on the belt. 4060802, I believe, is the number of the belt I bought. I think it's only about half to three quarters of an inch longer.
Nobody HAS to do this, it is merely a suggestion. I have run my car thru the the 'quarter mile test' on the streets around here (1st-3rd with pedal mashed) with no slippage, nor did I throw the belt.
I wasn't sure if I could fit the 4060795 (the shorter belt) since the stock length is a bugger to get over the tensioner as it is.
Nobody HAS to do this, it is merely a suggestion. I have run my car thru the the 'quarter mile test' on the streets around here (1st-3rd with pedal mashed) with no slippage, nor did I throw the belt.
I wasn't sure if I could fit the 4060795 (the shorter belt) since the stock length is a bugger to get over the tensioner as it is.
