How long do serpentine belts last ?

2007 Base w/2.7

In a flurry of recent 'doing things to the truck' I thought about the serpentine belt. Do they tend to fail suddenly? Or do they tend to fray and make noise and give you time to get home before changing it?

And how long do they tend to last? 50K? 100K? 250K?

Every belt I have ever seen has a name and number on it. But the one on my truck now is smooth all the way around. Are the OEM belts marked or plain?

Anybody know?

 

I visually inspect mine for signs of wear...mainly cracks in the belt. Once those start showing up I change it out. I'd say the average serpentine belt should be good for at least 50-60k.

 

I have seen belts last only 30k, and others that lasted over 60k. A lot depends on climate and driving conditions. Dryer climates do tend to dry out a belt's ribs and cause premature cracking. I have always said that if you see more than 2 cracks in any 1 inch long section (on the ribbed side) then it is in need of replacement.