Hi,

My Panda is 6 years old, I had the cam belt replaced a couple of months ago along with the water pump. I was thinking, maybe the drive belt should also be replaced on the car.

The belt isn't making any noises, however the writing on the surface has worn, the vehicle has completed low miles for its age and I'm wondering if it's time to replace the belt - or would you just leave it?

I'm not sure what belt to replace it with - I phoned FIAT this morning who said a new one (for air con models) would cost £22, whereas online I've seen them for £10 with free delivery - however, I'm unsure if it's the right one!!

Matt

I'm sure two belts will be listed.

One for cars equipped with air con.
One for cars without.

The air con onewill be longer as it has to run around the air con pump's pulley.

It does no harm to change the aux belt, but if it's not slipping or squealing, doesn't look too cracked and it's tensioned correct, I'd be happy to leave it and get it sorted at the next service.

More important than the face is the grooves. Have a good look at them, if necessary, remove it to see. At 6 years old it is likely to be showing some cracking, if so, replace it. I would have hoped that when the cambelt was changed, this belt would have been replaced also, or at least examined. However, replacement is quick and easy. One from EuroCarParts will be fine.
If it breaks, you will lose your power steering, as it need the alternator to power it. Car would be undriveable.

Hi,

Thanks for the quick replies.. When I had the cambelt and water pump changed, the dealership did inspect the aux belt and I recall them saying that it was in very good condition. They also tested the coolant and they said it reached -35 degrees. That was a few months ago.

I just wondered if it needed attention, before winter. I guess I'll just leave it as it doesn't slip (make a noise) or look cracked (externally at least).

Matt.

Hi,

I've just purchased a new auxiliary belt for my Panda on Ebay however I'm now unsure if I've purchased the right one.

The information is so confusing!!

Ok, the one I bought is referred to as 5PK1150 and it's said it's suitable for a Panda with a compressor (Air con), however on a different site it states this size is only suitable for the 1.2 Panda with 69 bhp rather than 60. And they also state that I should have gone for a 5PK1145.

Does anyone on here actually know? I'm hoping 5PK1150 will fit.

Matt.

5PK means 5 ribs, 1150 or 1145 is the length around the outer circumference. When I changed mine, from Euro, it was I think marginally shorter, or might have been longer than the original, but fitted fine. A longer belt, by 5mm will probably be fine, as it is tensioned by an automatic adjuster, but may in a few years need changing earlier as it wears, but of little consequence.
http://www.eurocarparts.com/car-drive-belt
Aftermarket belts are made in fewer sizes than originals, and the manufacturers choose the sizes to ensure they cover everything without issues. The OE may well have bee 1145, the 1150 will be fine. You now need a long 13mm spanner to push against the adjuster spring tension. Keep fingers out. Otherwise, easy.

Hi,

Portland Bill, you're a life-saver, thank-you so much. I've been panicking about this as I saw them at 1135mm too.

The 1150 should be fine. I've been told to remove the wheel and wheel arch liner, however, the little 1.2 seems quite easy to access the drive-belt. So I'm wondering if it could be done by attaching the top pulley (air con) and bottom pulley (crank and alternator) underneath and then wrestling with the tensioner finally.

Matt.

The wheelarch liner is a real fiddle, but you need to do this.
The tensioner has a very strong spring. You need to hold this back with a long spanner, a short one needs a very strong pull, while you manipulate the belt over it. Any slip will trap your fingers and with the liner in place there is insufficient access. Take the time to manipulate the liner away, once you've found all the screws, then the job is easy and safe.