Belts and Hoses Maintenance
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 33
Likes: 7
From: Chicago NW Suburbs
Belts and Hoses Maintenance
Purchased my first Vette (2004) last summer and wanting to make sure I have the main maintenance items completed to spend my time once the snow is gone driving, not broken down in the garage. So far I have put on new tires, brakes and had all of the fluids changed (rear diff, coolant, transmission, oil and brakes). Thoughts on needing to replace any belts and hoses and if so which ones? My initial thought was to replace the Serpentine Drive Belt, AC Belt and Radiator Hoses.
Do you agree that after 17 years regardless that they look and feel good that these should be changed? Any others that should be done? Thanks for your input. Great forum!
Do you agree that after 17 years regardless that they look and feel good that these should be changed? Any others that should be done? Thanks for your input. Great forum!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
Do you need to? I bought my '04 with 32K(now have 47K) in 2014. Did not change any belts or hoses after purchase. Each year my go to mechanic inspects them for wear. I did replace the belts when a new HB was installed in 2019. Because my mechanic is not shy, probably on the ultra safe side, telling me things need replacing, I trust his inspection.. All hoses are original.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 601
Likes: 79
From: Georgia
My 2004 with 28K on the clock still has the original belts and hoses. Every year when I have the oil changed I ask my mechanic, who is very knowledgable, if they should be changed. Year after year, it's been the same answer, "the originals are still better than anything that you can buy today."
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
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Likes: 4,667
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,864
Likes: 4,667
Do you need to? I bought my '04 with 32K(now have 47K) in 2014. Did not change any belts or hoses after purchase. Each year my go to mechanic inspects them for wear. I did replace the belts when a new HB was installed in 2019. Because my mechanic is not shy, probably on the ultra safe side, telling me things need replacing, I trust his inspection.. All hoses are original.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 203
Likes: 100
From: DFW
USAF
Like others have said, do you have to? Maybe, maybe not. It depends on the condition of the items and the level of risk you’re willing to accept. Rubber parts will deteriorate with time which can accelerate depending on how the vehicle is stored when not being driven.
I bought my 2001 Vert in Sept of 2019. I wasn’t willing to trust 20 year old rubber parts or fluids. I changed oil and coolant. I still need to change ATF and differential fluid. I also changed all belts and the upper and lower radiator hoses.
Some may say it’s overkill but it gives me peace of mind that my wife or I won’t get stranded by something that was incredible simple to change.
I bought my 2001 Vert in Sept of 2019. I wasn’t willing to trust 20 year old rubber parts or fluids. I changed oil and coolant. I still need to change ATF and differential fluid. I also changed all belts and the upper and lower radiator hoses.
Some may say it’s overkill but it gives me peace of mind that my wife or I won’t get stranded by something that was incredible simple to change.
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From: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990
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I think it up to you, that said, I have 2005 Corvette. I replaced serpentine bolt for GP, and the bottom radiator hose started to leak, all other hoses inspected and plenty of life left on them.
I did replace all 4 TPMS, when one started giving me crazy reading, back in 2019.
I did replace all 4 TPMS, when one started giving me crazy reading, back in 2019.
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 13
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From: Powder Springs, GA. Own 2000 Base C5 Coupe
I would take a look at your belt tensioner and idler pulley as well. Its an easy fix, and you might want to consider it if you are going to take your belt off anyways.
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Joined: May 2003
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From: Iowa
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I still have all original belts and hoses in my 02 (37k miles). No issues what-so-ever but I do plan on replacing all this Spring when I get the harmonic balance changed out. I'll be going with the silicone hose kit.
No Hostility Be Happy
Joined: Aug 2018
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From: South Hill Wa
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I also have the original hoses on my 97. They are low mileage though and stored inside. If you spend a lot of time in your engine bay and do simple visual inspections these modern hoses can last a very long time before needing to be replaced.
If you are of the type that rarely looks in your engine bay then I would recommend changing all the belts and hoses.
If you are of the type that rarely looks in your engine bay then I would recommend changing all the belts and hoses.
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I would definitely replace the belts and it would not be a bad idea to go ahead and swap out the hoses while you are at it. The ones currently on the car may be fine for a while, but considering their age, you just never know when they may cause problems.