Would you guys use after market serpentine belt or oem to save couple bucks? If after market, which brand?

 

For something like a serpentine belt, I'd stay OEM and not cheap out. Plus it's really not that expensive.

 

With the G35 I kept getting a random squeal when I used a Gates belt no matter how tight I went. I went to Nissan and all was well. Did you throw your belt already or just curious?

 

Gates will be just fine. They probably manufacture the OEM ones.

 

The first one (oem) was replaced at 30k mi and it didn't look bad. So I waited til now at 75k mi to replace it. I have not replaced it yet. Not sure what route to take yet.

 

+1

Infinit doesnt make serpentine belts!!

Bando OEMs the belts for Nissan. (Infiniti)

 

Interestingly enough the oem at the dealer cost $30 while the Gates cost $50. Go figure. It's a win win situation here. Watch when I get there, the price will change. Lol

 

Hmm, 3 dealers- 3 prices. Ranging from $ 25-35

 

$50 has to be the list price. That is if you don't buy it from an automotive store. If you go to a mechanic's shop and say how much is a Gates belt, they will buy it for $20 from the local automotive store and sell it to you for the list price. Check your local Advance or O'Reillys. You will be fine for now since it is warming up, but I can almost guarantee you will have to tighten it up when it gets cold or you will squeal once in a while.

 

^^^ thats how it goes they are all different....but i would go with whatever is cheaper OEM or Gates...

 

Part number for the Gates belt is K070795. $30.58 @ O'Reillys.

 

So here's a pix of a used (45K miles) on the left and brand new on the right. Both are OEM..

The used one is still in good condition. Just the ridges a worn out a bit compared to the new one, the ridges are thicker. So I heard that belts now a days doesn't wear out that easily but just prone to stretching, which may cause slipping..

Oh, and it cost me $26 at the dealer. I just told them that the other dealer cost $26, so they matched it.