Hi! My name is Martin, I'm new to this forum. First of all, sorry for my bad English, it is not my primary language.


Now, Im looking to buy a Uplander, 2008 with a V6 3.9liters Engine. The car has driven 56000km. I now wonder when it is time to change the enginge drive belt. I've found the manual online and studied it so I've seen the service intervalls, but I am afraid I have missed something, or is it only to change when the car has gone 240.000km? That is like once in the cars lifetime.


Thank you all in advance!

 

If by drive belt you mean the timing belt then you are in good shape because the uplander has a timing chain and not a belt. The chain will last much longer and with proper maintenance you might never have to change it.

 

Hi! No, not the timing belt - I know it is a chain. I Think it is called "enginge drive belt".


Saw on this page: Difference Between Timing Belt & Serpentine Belt | eHow that it is called Serpentine belt .


How do I do a proper maintenence of the timing belt/chain? I did not know they needed maintenence. I have a Mercedes Benz 308D with timing chain and I've never done anything with it. It is from 1992 and it has been driving for over 600000 km.

 

It is not anything that you really do to it. You just need to do the regular oil and filter changes to keep clean oil min the engine as this oil lubricates the chain.

On the serpentine belt, just occasionally look at it to see if there are cracks on the underside and if it is getting brittle.

 

That's all? I already love a car I do not own. I have a Renault now for "everyday-use car" and it ... well ... It needs some genlte french care every day...





Thank you!

 

If you take care of any car, it will take care of you!

 

80% of belt failures happen after 4 years...so every 4 years. Serpentine belt rib cracking is not a reliable way to inspect belts, it is an indication of belt wear but old belts can look fine and fail the next day. Also, if its squeaking or chirping its worn, change it.

 

our uplander 2005 has 107000 mi on it with org belt, my sierra 2001 has org belt with 227000 miles, they look good, i change the ac belt on the sierra every year or too, there cheep quality belt [$15], the oem are real good quality belts. just keep an eye on it change it when its cracking or missing pieces, hard, or oil soaked

 

Thank you all so much! I will look at the car again on tuesday , and I will look if the belt is cracked or so. Thank you all again!