JoeR

Snoopy guessed corrrectly.

MWG2

Did not know that about the HHR. Thanks for correcting.

solman98

One thing to keep in mind is modern belts don't crack or loose ribs like the older ones. They can still look good and be worn out. They will also last 100k miles +. Gates was giving away a special tool a while back to check the belt groove depth for wear. They might still be doing it. Neat little devise.

ecl

happened to check my belt the other day and its majoraly cracked. I have 51000 miles so its aways before that 100k mark discussed earlier in the thread. Any reason for needing to change it so early?

solman98

Belts and hoses go when they want to go, there is not real life cycle on them. But yours does seem to be going early. Wonder if any sort of chemical ever got on it. That will shorten it's life.

ecl

well not that i know of. I havent had any thing under the hood except for oil and coolant and use funnels to put those in. Any ways any one know how much a dealer would charge to replace one? Im going to ask some guys I work with about it, so might get some help with that but not real sure.

sleeper

Change it yourself, & helper is handy to pull back the tensioner.
You can go in from underneath.. Helper on top side.

urbexHHR

I wouldn't bother until it's got quite a bit of cracking. Some cracking in the grooves is alright, but if it's cracking across then it's time for a new one.

rcdougie

Is the proper way to relieve tension through the 3/8 square hold or the 15mm bolt that holds the tensioner on? Thanks!

sleeper

use the 3/8" square hole to pull away & release tension. Don't let it snap back, easy off..