Just got in the mail the belts for my 4Runner 94 V6 SR5

The Alternator belt that arrived is good. The ridges match my existing belt. However, the two other belts have teeth. My existing belts on my truck does not have teeth. I guess my existing belts are called V belts.

Ive attached the pictures. Can I use these belts with teeth on my A/C and power steering? I was told by the vendor these belts "A lot of these newer belts are designed that way to prevent premature wear".

 

I've not heard what the vendor said... Doesnt seem to hold much water to me...to prevent it wearing out, we took out half the belt material. yeah...I just dont know man...or WOman (judging by your avatar and S/N - but I could be wrong) hopefully someone else will chime in with some solid info, but for my money, I say get ribbed belts to match the OEM ones.

 

I use them. No problems to speak of. Don't know where you get the other kind, got mine at NAPA, their version looks like those as far as I can see. As long as they're the right size that's all I care.

I dunno how closely they resemble those, but they do have teeth. What are they supposed to look like? The one I replaced looked like these too.

 

Yes, Mudhippy, it looks just like the picture you posted. I did a search on some of the vendor sites...looks like many are starting to sell these belts for the trucks now. They seem to all have teeth now.

By the way, how did you post your picture inside your response? I had to attach my picture. I tried a insert image, but asking for a url.

 

I have a photobucket.com account. But in this case I "borrowed"(free advertisement)the pic from NAPAonline.com by right clicking on the image and then under "properties" you'll find the url that can be copied and inserted in the post by using the "Insert Image" icon in the message border.

 

i have used both and no problems.

 

The "teeth" are there to make it easier for the belt to bend around the radius of the sheaves (pullies), and to reduce heat build up. They will generally last longer than a comparable continuous v belt.

The best belts I've ever used, in terms of long life, were Gates Top Cog belts. They also have a tooth-like pattern on the top of the belt, as well. The combination of the top and bottom "teeth" make them very flexible, and they shed heat very well, hence leading to longer life.

 

I use similar ones. They seem to last longer than traditional belts.

 

wow...nice to learn...thanks for teaching me.