Replacing Drive Belt. Which One and Where from?

Widget on 20/01/2024 - 18:11
Last edited 20/01/2024 - 18:38 by 1 other user

Hi guys, (10/03) 03' Nissan Pulsar N16 (QG18DE)

I need to replace my alternator/AC Compressor drive belt for my Nissan Pulsar. I went to the Gates website and did a search, apparently it's the 6PK1105 belt, but was going to ask you guys, what other brands are worth looking at and where's the best (reasonably price) place to shop at?

I've looked around online and it seems this belt is priced between $30-$60 (ebay-bricks n mortar) with SCA repco being the most expensive. On ebay, I did find the belt for $12 (+shipping) from a seller called "Australians Online Car Parts", which also has a website. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/254330964836?epid=1841897857&has… :U64AAOSwGIViRavA

They were significantly lower than other sellers which made me question whether they were genuine sellers. I did email them an they said;

"Hi,

Yes, this is a genuine Gates belt. We maintain a good relationship with our suppliers, in turn, gives us a competitive advantage over our competitors.

Regards
*Customer Support Australian Online Car Parts"

Has anyone purchased from them before?

Alternatively I've run into brands such as 'Racer' brand for $24.50, Endurotek $22 (with ebay+). GBC $25, Optibelt $29

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/145148932561?hash=item21cb8cf1d1…
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/283141949985?hash=item41ec934a21… A:sc:AU_StarTrackExpress!2753!AU!-1
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/115818088765?hash=item1af74bc93d… X

Any suggestions? I haven't tried a Nissan dealer, but I'm assuming it'll be on the higher end of prices.

Also, anyone familiar with the tightness-test? Apparently you twist the belt & if you can twist it to 90* that's a good way of telling it at the correct tightness?

Automotive Nissan

Comments

  • oscargamer on 20/01/2024 - 18:12
    +5

    Buy the Gates belt. You can choose from where.

    • Widget on 20/01/2024 - 18:14

      woah, thanks for the super fast reply :). So Gates is a good belt then? Have you heard of or purchased from 'Australian Online Car Parts' ?

      • oscargamer on 20/01/2024 - 18:19
        +1

        Gates are good. They do lots of OEM. I do not know that company but their eBay page looks totally legit.

  • Murkymerv on 20/01/2024 - 18:37
    +1

    Gates belts are used on Harley's , i even have one on my focus planet TR1 !

    • Widget on 20/01/2024 - 21:22

      Thanks Murky, seems like everyone recommends them. Any ideas on tensioning the belt without special tools? I've read a couple of times to twist the longest section of the belt and if it is at 90* it's generally good. Have you heard of this before ?

      • Murkymerv on 20/01/2024 - 22:34
        +1

        Not sure on tensions , you could always ring gates head office or your cars manufacturer.
        Thats where id start 👍

  • brendanm on 20/01/2024 - 18:37
    +1

    How did your rebuild go?

    • Widget on 20/01/2024 - 21:14

      still doing it. I have major procrastination issues, always distracted with other stuff. Weather hasn't been the greatest. Gotta take off timing cover, inspect water pump, realign timing chain, then everything goes back. I have the tools/sealants, just have to get out there.

  • JIMB0 on 20/01/2024 - 18:40
    +1

    Gates are a good belt, they last a long time. eBay has a lot of counterfeit items, you'll only find out if its fake when it fails prematurely. It's upto you if it's worth the risk.

    Repco sell them for $62.
    https://www.repco.com.au/parts-service/cooling/drive-belts/g…

    • Widget on 20/01/2024 - 21:16

      Thanks Jim. Never considered counterfeit belts, thanks for the tip. $62 is a bit steep, I'll see what other solid businesses have stock.

  • Euphemistic on 20/01/2024 - 19:17
    +3

    Just buy one at your local parts shop. It might cost a little more, but if it’s wrong for some silly reason you can easily change it.

    • Widget on 20/01/2024 - 21:17

      Thanks Euphemistic, that is true, exchanges might be easier. Hopefully this is the correct belt and I won't have to. :)

  • Minimum chips on 20/01/2024 - 19:52
    +2

    Go with the reputable brand. Gates are good.

    Here it is for ~$25 shipped, or $13 if you pickup in Castle Hill (Sydney).

    So theoretically you could get it at around $12. I wouldn't trust eBay as much though. If it breaks there's potential for (minimum) inconvenience or (worst case) damage, so just find the best price from a bricks and mortar store.

    • Widget on 20/01/2024 - 21:19

      Oh nice, thanks Chips. Pretty sure I looked at them a couple days ago, I swear it was $30 something for it. Seems like it would be same price from them as it would ebay, maybe that's the way to go.

  • NevC on 20/01/2024 - 20:23
    +2

    Just find a Gates belt online for cheap and then price beat at Supercheap.

    • Widget on 20/01/2024 - 21:20

      Thanks Nev. SCA has it for special order, but I do wonder if they would price match such a significant price difference.

      • NevC on 20/01/2024 - 21:38

        If not in stock, then they probably will not price match.

      • NevC on 20/01/2024 - 21:46
        +2

        Is there an Autobarn near you? They have the Gates for $40. Sale ends very soon though.

      • brendanm on 20/01/2024 - 22:41
        +1

        They do, and they will do it for special order, I've done it with brake pads that were about 25% of the price Supercheap had listed.

        • Widget on 21/01/2024 - 00:18

          oh really? This is for SCA? Ill have to contact them and see if they can. Would certainly be a lot easier as I have a store 15min away.

          • brendanm on 21/01/2024 - 11:21
            +1

            @Widget: Yep, just do it on live chat, very easy.

            • Widget on 22/01/2024 - 17:07
              +1

              @brendanm: Did it with Live chat & placed an order. They price matched the belt for $12.07 (even cheaper than autosuperstore) and I grabbed some 1L CT14 for $13.90 while I was at it. Thanks for the suggestions :D.

  • Bilby s on 21/01/2024 - 09:01
    +1

    I have a spare parts background and I’d stick with Gates. It’s proven and used by many oems.

    • Widget on 21/01/2024 - 22:36

      Thanks Bilby, I'll grab the Gates then :)

  • backpaqer on 21/01/2024 - 13:09
    +2

    if it is only driving AC compressor and alternator - go with what fits…a pair of pantyhose will get you home. If it's a timing belt and you have an interference engine…OEM only and stick to the intervals. Overtightening a belt is the #1 belt killer. Youtube is your friend.

    • Widget on 21/01/2024 - 22:37

      Thanks backpaqer. It's just for the AC/Alternator. Seems Gates can be had cheap at a couple stores, so I'll grab that one. The car's timing though it a timing chain, which will need to be adjusted, so I'll have to make sure to do it right :S.

  • Widget on 22/01/2024 - 17:08

    Thanks everyone for feedback. Ordered the Gates belt, just waiting for it to come in so I can pick it up :).

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