Serpentine Belt

[94VL]

What brand of serp belts are being run on all the 2.0/2.2s out there,and what kind of service have you gotten from them? I've had terrible dealings for years with (1989)2.0 and (1994)2.2 Cavaliers and their squeaky,quickly drying out serp belts.I've used Gates belts,GM belts (those are Dayco I think) and Kelly Springfield,and they all have a nasty habit of developing those small rib cracks,and making squeaking noises after a very short period of time.All the pulleys are in excellent condition,and the alternator was replaced a couple years back with a Delco Remy rebuilt.And I have changed out the idler pulley a number of times.The squeak always comes back.Belt dressing cures it temporarily but it comes back after a few weeks.Both cars did this,and these cannot be the only 2 of all the millions of J cars made this problem has happened to.I blame junky belts.I have had excellent service from Mitsubishi belts on Mitsu products (100,000+ miles on the original belt with NO cracks!),and their belts seem thicker and more reinforced,even their radiator hoses seem to have a criss cross design reinforcement under the outer layer of rubber for further strength.I simply have to place the blame where I believe it is....shoddy manufacture.Anyone have any feedback with GoodYear belts? Nobody around here sells them,nor the Dayco Top Cog belts....these are about the only ones I havent had experience with.

[ctesla]

Gates are excellent belts.
I know what you are talking about concerning the Mitsu's; as Saabs, Audi/VW, are very similar.
the Goodyear GatorBack (as compared to Dayco's Top Cog) is a better choice, but for the cost: Gates is right there.
certain Fords (I think the Windstars (all of them) and certain 3.8l) actually have a TSB posted that any other than Gates and squealing will incur.
If even Gates is starting to make noise on yours, try one size shorter, as GM's tensioners are notorious for loosening and then, belt flex, and noise.
another option is to see if anyone's cross-hatched belt is close to sizing for yours... the only other option I can think of, that I've done in the past:
candle wax. just like waxing a surfboard, prior to belt install. will immediately tack, and absorb(some of it) into the belt to help keep pliability with under hood temps, and give it grip and less slip. (this will last about 10-15K, depending on car, driver, and climate)

hope this helps,
ctesla

[Tookie]

You should have a close look at the tensioner. They are prone to loosening and causing slight yaw of the belt. I think its caused by dirt and grease getting sandwiched between where it mounts to the block. Also check the power steering pump for tightness and operation. It could be a sign it's bearings are worn.

[94VL]

The car has only 32,000 miles and the previous 1989 did the same thing,and it traded in at 25,000 miles.If thats the recommended schedule of changing out belts/ps pumps/tensioners all the time,its no wonder the imports are doing so well.

[public]

I personally have had these issues in the past. The cure was a Goodyear Gatorback belt. Last forever and none of the noise. Good Luck.