Aux Drive Belt Change

[robington]

Seeing the conversation in the C Service thread about the aux drive belt interval being 4 years I am thinking about getting mine done. I've not looked in to it yet, but is it within the scope of a diy mechanic or a more specialised job that needs to be done at the dealers?.

[Don262]

Look on Lotus Talk. https://www.lotustalk.com/forums/.

The go to: Lotus Evora > Evora How-to's > Replacing idler pulleys (N/A)

Then click on "replaced the belt" which is in green lettering.

This will then take you to a rundown of how to do it.

In the paragraph above the "belt run image" click on "here" which is in green lettering, and this gives pictures of the job.

Hope this helps.

[robington]

Excellent! 

I've just had a look, it looks like a really clear step-by-step guide.

Thanks.

[nigelh]

This might not be relevant (I never had any problems with the belt on my N/A Evora), but thought it might be worth flagging up as it might be related to the change in service schedule.

I've had ongoing problems with the aircon stopping working on my 400 due to tripping the 'belt slip' error code in the ECU.  It's been looked at a number of times under warranty, and one of the things Lotus instructed the dealer to do was replace the S belt.  This was done in May, but the problem resurfaced before the end of the year.

I've just picked up the car from another attempt to fix the problem by, you guessed it - replacing the belt.  The only difference this time is that they have switched belt design to one of the gatorback style belts (see attached).  Not sure if this design is being used for all belt replacements now, or they are just trying it out.

 

[Cdm2018]

I have just read an email from PJ lotus near Burton who did some warranty work for me several months ago.

they informed me and sent an extract from lotus about changing the belt every 4 years or every 36k.

i just has my car serviced at Central lotus who didn’t seem to concern about it and I had basic service in line with my service history ? My car 2010 na mileage at 39500

PJ quote £278 to do the aux belt 

they also quoted TPMS valves have to be replaced every 4 years at £364 , funnily I have one failed TPMS valve I managed to get one off eBay but not got it on !

[2011 Chrome Orange]

For what its worth, Lotus Service Notes, Section GJ.2 page 2 (TPMS),  states... "Note that the pressure sensors are powered by integral batteries, with an average service life of 10 years.
It is recommended to renew all pressure sensors at this time interval."

[Cdm2018]

23 minutes ago, 2011 Chrome Orange said:

For what its worth, Lotus Service Notes, Section GJ.2 page 2 (TPMS),  states... "Note that the pressure sensors are powered by integral batteries, with an average service life of 10 years.
It is recommended to renew all pressure sensors at this time interval."

So a confusing advice then ?

the extract which I can’t copy and paste Clearly states life span of five years ! So hence the lotus service note to dealers recommending to replace the TPMS valves ! My valve was faulty at its MOT but it still passed no advisories 

all I am left with is faulty code on dash which I have lived with for past 6 months 

[2011 Chrome Orange]

I don't want to hijack this belt change thread. But, the owner's manual also references 10 years. Of course, you can have a sensor that craps out long before the 10 years.

Just for fun, I would try a few simple steps to see if it will fix itself:

1. Deflate the bad tire and then over inflate the bad tire
2. Go for a short drive until the TPMS registers

3. See if that tire shows up. If so, let some air out and re-inflate to proper amount

4. If it does not register, over inflate and try 1 more time

5. test drive again to see if everything is working. Either way, make sure you have proper pressure when done using an accurate hand held gauge.

I know this has worked on other vehicles when the system was just acting wonky. Although, if it is a battery failure this will not help. But of course it won't hurt either and cost nothing to try.

[Cdm2018]

Cheers Chrome

yez I tried the steps you indicated 

but for now I will ignore the email and when I change tyres in next few months will get front sensors changed 

[EuropaSman]

 

5 hours ago, Cdm2018 said:

So a confusing advice then? 

Not really; I too received the e--mail from PJS Sports Cars. I think it's great that this dealer is being proactive.

The message states that Lotus have recently added two additional operations to the vehicle maintenance schedules for Evora and Exige V6; changing the aux belt every 4 years/every 36k miles instead of on condition and the TMPS sensors every 5 years/45000 miles instead of when faulty. 

My Launch Edition is coming up to 10 years old in September and the aux belt and TMPS sensors are okay (touch wood). I see this as preventative maintenance, just like changing a timing belt every 5 years regardless of condition (I'm glad that the 2GR-FE has timing chains).

[Cdm2018]

20 hours ago, EuropaSman said:

 

Not really; I too received the e--mail from PJS Sports Cars. I think it's great that this dealer is being proactive.

The message states that Lotus have recently added two additional operations to the vehicle maintenance schedules for Evora and Exige V6; changing the aux belt every 4 years/every 36k miles instead of on condition and the TMPS sensors every 5 years/45000 miles instead of when faulty. 

My Launch Edition is coming up to 10 years old in September and the aux belt and TMPS sensors are okay (touch wood). I see this as preventative maintenance, just like changing a timing belt every 5 years regardless of condition (I'm glad that the 2GR-FE has timing chains).

I have purchased an aux belt from eBay a seller was selling it with the correct part number so I made an offer £50 which he accepted 

I will get it fitted by lotus mechanic as I am not DIY skilled to attempt it myself 

the seller advert said he had 4 so will likely have some left still ? 

[Kristof Thys]

On 26/01/2019 at 14:12, nigelh said:

This might not be relevant (I never had any problems with the belt on my N/A Evora), but thought it might be worth flagging up as it might be related to the change in service schedule.

I've had ongoing problems with the aircon stopping working on my 400 due to tripping the 'belt slip' error code in the ECU.  It's been looked at a number of times under warranty, and one of the things Lotus instructed the dealer to do was replace the S belt.  This was done in May, but the problem resurfaced before the end of the year.

I've just picked up the car from another attempt to fix the problem by, you guessed it - replacing the belt.  The only difference this time is that they have switched belt design to one of the gatorback style belts (see attached).  Not sure if this design is being used for all belt replacements now, or they are just trying it out.

 

On the Exige, a service bulletin was issued at the end of 2013 already to only use these gator style belts. Strange the Evora is then still using them? 

[Cdm2018]

On 28/01/2019 at 09:12, Kristof Thys said:

On the Exige, a service bulletin was issued at the end of 2013 already to only use these gator style belts. Strange the Evora is then still using them? 

I have just received this aux belt advertised on eBay picture below gives the codes 

anyone knows if this points to that it’s correct for Evora NA ? 

Otherwise been conned to tune of £50 and there goes my faith in my fellow man !!!!! 

[Bruss]

7pk2090 is the correct code.

[Cdm2018]

9 minutes ago, Bruss said:

7pk2090 is the correct code.

Thank Goodness ! Cheers Bruss I will get it put onto the car when I get the brake discs and pads replaced in the spring 

I think I found an ex lotus mechanic who started his own business in my area and apparently not too bad from some comments I had received and also he had knocked on my door a few weeks ago ! 

[nigelh]

On 28/01/2019 at 09:12, Kristof Thys said:

On the Exige, a service bulletin was issued at the end of 2013 already to only use these gator style belts. Strange the Evora is then still using them? 

Was any reason given in the TSB for the change?  The Evora belts will be different due to the power steering, but it would certainly be interesting if they were changed on the Exige due to belt slip problems.

[Kristof Thys]

On 04/02/2019 at 23:12, nigelh said:

Was any reason given in the TSB for the change?  The Evora belts will be different due to the power steering, but it would certainly be interesting if they were changed on the Exige due to belt slip problems.

Yes it was due to belt slippage; confirmed to me by a Lotus Cup mechanic.

 

From the note: The serpentine belt originally fitted at start of production was upgraded as a running change to a modified belt incorporating grooves running at acute angles to its ribs providing greater grip between the internal and external surfaces of the pulleys. Also refer to Technical Service Bulletin TSB 2013/12 for additional information.

[Bruss]

Does anyone have the Gates part number or the Lotus part number for the gator belt?

[Cdm2018]

31 minutes ago, Kristof Thys said:

Yes it was due to belt slippage; confirmed to me by a Lotus Cup mechanic.

 

From the note: The serpentine belt originally fitted at start of production was upgraded as a running change to a modified belt incorporating grooves running at acute angles to its ribs providing greater grip between the internal and external surfaces of the pulleys. Also refer to Technical Service Bulletin TSB 2013/12 for additional information.

So this belt I got is it no good and waste of time fitting ? I would have thought it was the same one lotus dealer would fit I had asked them ????

[agentdr8]

3 hours ago, Bruss said:

Does anyone have the Gates part number or the Lotus part number for the gator belt?

Gatorback belts used to be Goodyear, but are now branded as Continental Elite. I used 4070825 for my most recent belt change. I have a spare Bando and a Dayco, but the Gatorback/Conti belt seems to be as good as they've been on other vehicles I've used them on in the past. If you really want to use a Gates, that part number for the NA is K070822 for their V-rib design. 

2 hours ago, Cdm2018 said:

So this belt I got is it no good and waste of time fitting ? I would have thought it was the same one lotus dealer would fit I had asked them ????

I don't know that it's a waste of time fitting a non-gatorback style belt, but you may eventually experience slippage with the standard ribbed designed belts. I'd say go with what you've got, and at the next belt change interval, switch to a gatorback style. They are a normal wear item, and aren't designed to last forever. 

[Cdm2018]

13 minutes ago, agentdr8 said:

Gatorback belts used to be Goodyear, but are now branded as Continental Elite. I used 4070825 for my most recent belt change. I have a spare Bando and a Dayco, but the Gatorback/Conti belt seems to be as good as they've been on other vehicles I've used them on in the past. If you really want to use a Gates, that part number for the NA is K070822 for their V-rib design. 

I don't know that it's a waste of time fitting a non-gatorback style belt, but you may eventually experience slippage with the standard ribbed designed belts. I'd say go with what you've got, and at the next belt change interval, switch to a gatorback style. They are a normal wear item, and aren't designed to last forever. 

Just looked up on eBay ( yes I am a eBay addict ) the gates ribbed K070822 is listed one Uk seller £49 free postage ! Dam and double dam ! 

I will have to use the one I already purchased and then in two years change up to the ribbed gatorback 

[Julian73]

A broken Accessory belt will put you on the side of the road at best,  new service interval probably comes from Super Charge adding additional wear vs. Toyota based intervals.  As to the new TPMS service interval, a failure of a sensor or system is not a driving show stopper so I would still fallow replace/service at fault point. I'm sure that the new service interval is purely regulatory driven, not safety driven.  TPMS systems became mandatory from an emissions/ mileage regulatory view to assure that tires were not underinflated. Under US regulations, at least, failure of the system must be minimized.

[au-yt]

Staying on track with the supercharger/aux belt, my 400 is now 4 years old so based on the above discussion does anyone know the part number of the Gates style Gator style belt please?

[Spanky3]

I've been trying to find the Gatorback belt for my  Evora S (Gates K071130). I gather that in US they are sold as Goodyear Gatorback and in Europe they are branded as Continental but I can't find a supplier.. please post if you do find anywhere.

[au-yt]

Need to keep this thread going so some one will spot it and Ill ask on the LT Forum. Not sure if the S and the 400 are the same length belt