Mine looks brank spankin' new, but belts and hoses can be deceiving that way. Debating whether I should change it out at 60k or leave it alone, any reason I should replace it if the current one looks fine? I've owned the truck for about 1 year/10k, I know the 30k service was done but no records other than that so can't verify if it's ever been replaced.

 

If it doesn't have any tiny cracks there's no reason to replace it. But you have to look closely and bend it to see.

 

I've seen recommendations to just change it out every 30k. If it snaps, it will not destroy anything, you'll just lose all of your power and accessories, so, from what I've seen, carry a spare and you'll be ok.

 

Normally it would have been replaced on the free 45K service that Rover pays for. Check the traction side of the belt, if you have cracks that are less then 1" apart, then change the belt. Also have some check the belt tensioner and idler pulleys to make sure they are not starting to fail yet.

 

Those belts are good for at least 100k miles. I change mine every 100k or so anddont worry about it. Just make sure you buy a good one and keep your old one as a spare for long trips.
And like jwfuller said all that will happen if it breaks is you will lose alternator, power steering and water pump. Not the end of the world.
Pull over and put on the spare and go buy a new one.

 

Just replaced my belt. 128,000 miles. Had first belt replaced at 65,000 miles. The current belt started to have small cracks and I did not want to break down.

 

Yeah, buy a good Gates or Goodyear belt from Napa or other "good" parts store. Don't buy a cheapie. It'll last a long time.

Mark G

 

If you do it yourself, pay close attention to the correct threading of the belt. I've seen them on wrong, believe it or not.

 

Some people mayget 100,000 miles out of their belt but bottom line is change it every 60,000 or stand the chance of loosing it on the road.