Gates stretchfit AC belt

**Th3Franz** · #1: 03-05-2011, 09:46 AM

I see Gates recently released their Micro-V stretchfit belt for the newer 2008+ Subarus. These cars do not use an AC belt tensioner, since the OEM belt they come with is a stretchfit and self-tensions. The AC belt tensioner on the LGT is made of plastic and already broke once on my car.

Right now I'm driving with no AC because I removed the belt and tensioner temporarily. I am wondering if the Gates stretchfit belt would fit the 05-09 LGT if we got rid of our tensioner.

Has anyone tried the stretchfit belt on their LGT and removed the tensioner?

If not, I'm going to try and find an 08+ WRX to measure the distance between the crank and the AC pulley and compare with my car. If it's close I'll give the stretchfit belt a shot.

**AShoe** · #2: 03-05-2011, 10:39 AM

Subscribed for results. That plastic tensioner is stupid. I was planning to buy a new one whenever I change the belts.

**integroid** · #3: 03-05-2011, 02:52 PM

I believe it will....there were people that converted back with the tensioner and regular belt. How much is the belt? $10-$15? If it doesnt fit, just return it

**BAC5.2** · #4: 03-05-2011, 04:31 PM

Gates makes a TON of belts, so I'm sure there are other sizes for whatever our rib count is. I'd definitely be interested in removing that tensioner.

**Th3Franz** · #5: 03-15-2011, 09:53 PM

I measured it and the LGT's distance around the pulleys is 5mm longer than the belt for the 08's. So, I pulled the trigger and ordered the belt and install tool. Will post up with results either way.

**BAC5.2** · #6: 03-16-2011, 03:18 AM

That belt requires an install tool!?

**underground000** · #7: 03-16-2011, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAC5.2

That belt requires an install tool!?

Yes because the belt is smaller and needs to be rotated onto the pulleys. The tool helps hold the belt on one of the pulleys during install

**BAC5.2** · #8: 03-16-2011, 05:34 AM

That's right. I was thinking of the alternator having a tensioner on the bracket. The A/C belt tensioner is on the idler.

One thing I would be concerned about is excessive load on the bearings of the compressor. If the belt is much tighter than the tensioned belt with the traditional setup, I would not use it and instead find a gates stretch belt that is slightly longer than the WRX one.

Post part numbers once it works!

**integroid** · #9: 03-16-2011, 12:19 PM

You didnt need a tool for my Wife's MPV....Just a tie strap. They have install instructions on Gate's website using a tie strap.

**Th3Franz** · #**10:** 03-16-2011, 08:01 PM

It varies by make as to which ones need a tool and which ones don't. They have a tool for the Subarus. Other makes can just use a zip tie. I think it might fight me a little bit but the tool should help.

The belt is designed to stretch.. I have a hard time believing it would load the bearings of the compressor excessively.

My fear was finding one that's too long and is too loose. +5mm for a 820mm belt doesn't seem like a big deal to me.

**Th3Franz** · #**11:** 03-27-2011, 09:09 PM

I installed the stretch fit belt today. Took me a little while to figure out how to secure the tool to guide the belt properly.

Once I got past that, I used a ratchet to rotate the crank and guide the belt. It went on pretty smoothly and the tension feels about right. My AC works again. I figure my chances are better running this than putting on a plastic idler tensioner again.

Belt PN: K040317SF
Installation Tool: Part - #91031

**BAC5.2** · #**12:** 03-28-2011, 04:15 AM

Fantastic. Good news!

**integroid** · #**13:** 03-28-2011, 10:00 AM

Thanks Franz for the part numbers!

**sumfoo1** · #**14:** 03-31-2011, 12:14 PM

My idler tensioner is metal... i'm wondering how....

**ricepapertiger** · #**15:** 02-18-2013, 12:41 PM

I'm bringing this one back, since I just cracked my tensioner when I installed my Cobb pulley.

Th3Franz, how are is your AC belt holding up?