Best belt dressing?
- Thread starter JT20
- Start date
Belt dressings are usually a waste of time, get a new belt.
The best belt dressing is no belt dressing. If anything talcum powder, it acts as a mild dry abrasive. Just a little on the inside of the belt only, don't blow it all over the place.
AutoMechanic
Site Donor 2024
Gates is the only belt brand I use or have had any luck with. Don’t get one of the parts store knock off Gates either get a real one.
I stick with gates most of the time for belts, tensioners, water pumps, etc. I did install a Continental Gatorback style belt on my Ranger and it has been great. It was on close out at Rockauto and was super cheap.
Never use belt dressing! Get a new belt 
Motorcraft is the OEM belt, so no problem using that.
Bando is good, too.
The Continental Elite was phased out last year, but old stock may still be available. Look up the part number on eBay and look at the pictures.
That said, if you can't find an Elite/Gatorback, there is nothing wrong with the OE Technology Series that replaced it. They are good belts.
Motorcraft is the OEM belt, so no problem using that.
Bando is good, too.
The Continental Elite was phased out last year, but old stock may still be available. Look up the part number on eBay and look at the pictures.
That said, if you can't find an Elite/Gatorback, there is nothing wrong with the OE Technology Series that replaced it. They are good belts.
+1
AutoMechanic
Site Donor 2024
Probably easy with the belt tool since it’s low profile.
There's a belt tool?
I have found that a dab of silicone grease (NOT petroleum) placed every foot or so on the inside of the belt will stop squeaking, usually for a long time. I have done this for a friend who was continually getting squeaking from new belts. After this, no problemo!
After applying, just idle the vehicle for a minute or two to distribute the silicone grease. Don't overapply or you can get slippage.
After applying, just idle the vehicle for a minute or two to distribute the silicone grease. Don't overapply or you can get slippage.
AutoMechanic
Site Donor 2024
Yep to take the tension off of it.
Modern belts are made of EPDM rubber which does not tolerate greases and oils, silicone will work but it only induces more slip which makes it temporarily quiet.
I'm saying. On engines with the belt in the front. I thohght you would take just a standard wrench, move a pulley tensioner, and it would come loose?
The Taurus it looks kinda close to the overflow
AutoMechanic
Site Donor 2024
Oh you could use a regular wrench but the tool makes it much easier because it gives more leverage.
Is it basically some longish and crazy shaped tool like the one to loosen a distributor?
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