Determining Optimum V-Belt Replacement Mileage

V-belt replacement costs on alternator, air-conditioning, and power-steering drives can be reduced significantly by installing new belts at a time established by an age or block replacement plan, instead of waiting for belt failure. Methodology and a realistic example are presented for determining such plans and associated cost reductions. The plans are based upon historical belt failure data and upon the increase in after-failure replacement costs over those resulting from scheduled replacement prior to failure.