Quote:
Originally Posted by Ferdman
Graham, a CRP-Contitech serpentine belt presents no service problems. Better to buy a premium quality belt than have issues with a lesser quality aftermarket brand.
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You might check out this review:
https://toolstastico.com/best-serpentine-belts/
Bando top of list and mine was Made in USA! Been around for about 100 years! Also OEM supplier for many makes.
https://www.bandousa.com/
I would have no problem using Continental - In fact that is what my full length spare is. Looks like they have more than one quality grade.
I have now bypassed the A/C compressor, so needed a 2310/2315 belt and the ones readily available here were Bando. Glad to see they are rated top of the heap and that their OE and aftermarket are same quality.
By the way, I had an OE MB (likely Conti) belt break on the W210 at about 100k miles. The idler and tensioner were replaced (with new design) at 47k miles, but looking at invoice, dealer didn't change the belt when they did that.
I would advise anyone with W210 or any other car to change the serpentine belt early. Don't wait for it to break!
I know from personal experience that it creates a dangerous situation. Ours broke on an elevated high speed expressway, with no room to pull off. You lose Power steering, Power brakes, Alternator and Water pump. Engine temperature skyrockets and engine/rad could be ruined. I was able to limp to exit by using the heater/blower with windows wide open to keep temperature down.