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Adventry Presents Goodyear Belts At HDAW
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By Counterman
As luck would have it, I have the perfect serpentine-belt story to demonstrate: 1) the strange side of automotive repair; 2) the crazy things you have to deal with as a counter professional; and 3) that professional technicians can make mistakes, even when we don’t realize it.
A few years back, a friend of mine had driven to Georgia for a month-long visit with family. While they were down there, one of the front brakes locked up. They took the car to a local shop, which quoted them a lot more money than they could afford to fix the car. Since they were a close friend, and since I always looked for an excuse for a road trip, I agreed to help.
I was confident in their description of the problem, and even though I had never worked on the vehicle – a 1991 Lincoln Town Car – I was sure the problem was either a caliper or a hose. I bought all the brake parts I could possibly need, rented the cheapest econo-box car I could find for one way, filled the trunk with parts and tools and set the cruise control for Georgia.
As soon as I arrived, I transferred my cargo to the Town Car, turned in the rental and went to work. All I needed to do was fix it just enough so the car would make it back to Ohio and the comfort of my shop. I slapped on the caliper, bled it out and it was ready to go. However, before hitting the road, I did a quick check-over of the rest of the car.
My only serious concern was the serpentine belt. It was severely cracked and worn – probably one of the worst I had seen. I envisioned it falling apart somewhere in the mountains, so I thought it was best to replace it. On the way to the freeway, I stopped at one of the large auto parts stores and bought a belt. Since I hadn’t planned on this, I also had to buy a serpentine-belt tool.
The belt took me longer than normal to replace because the accessories on the bottom of the engine were difficult to get to, but I could see them well enough to know the belt was on correctly, and all the pulleys and tensioners seemed OK. I started it up, the belt ran true, so I was good to go. The freeway was still a couple miles and a half-dozen traffic lights away. Sitting at the very last light before 600-plus miles of open road, the car suddenly started making a terrible noise under the hood.
The rhythmic nature of the noise told me something was wrong with what I had just done. I dodged the entrance ramp for the side of the road. The new serpentine belt had completely shredded and fallen apart. I removed the remains of it, and luckily still had the old one in the trunk. I double-checked all the pulleys and tensioners and could see no problem, so I reinstalled the old belt.
Clearly, it couldn’t have been my mistake, so I blamed the belt for being defective. But, I still wanted a new one for the trip, so I returned to the auto parts store. I explained the problem, but they didn’t have another one. They refunded my money with no questions asked – which was, from a standpoint of customer service, the correct thing to do, and from my standpoint, also correct since a defective part wasn’t my problem.
With no option for a new belt, I had no choice but to cross my fingers and make the trip. I made it back without a single problem. The next week I took the car into the shop to properly finish up the brake work and install another new belt. This time the car was on the lift, so I draped the belt in place from the top, and as I always do, raised the car up so I could loop the belt around the accessories on the bottom.
Then I saw the problem. It turned out the correct belt for the car was a seven-rib belt. Someone in the past had installed an earlier-model A/C compressor that had a six-rib pulley, and they had installed a six-rib belt so it would work. Oops. In my apparent haste, I didn’t notice that when changing the belt. Of course, a six-rib belt works fine on seven-rib pulleys. But when the seven-rib belt was forced to work on the six-rib pulley, it shredded like cheese going on a pizza.
The counter professional where I bought the belt didn’t question whether or not it was defective. He just refunded my money. But he could have questioned it and maybe he should have, and not necessarily with the intent to say I had made a mistake, but in the interest of figuring out what had happened. Admittedly, I was surprised by the “defective” belt, but my confidence got in the way of common sense. Had I been questioned, I may have thought a little harder and began to wonder if indeed I had missed something. Well, we all make mistakes.
Selling Serpentine Belts
So, what goes into selling serpentine belts? The application is normally the easy part unless you have a crazy story like mine, but you may often be asked how to tell if the belt is worn out. Small cracks in the top surface of the teeth are normal and common, even with low miles on a belt. When the cracks extend all the way down to base of the teeth, that’s a belt that should be replaced.
The more prevalent indicator, however, is the cross-section of the teeth. When they’re new, the belt teeth aren’t pointy. They are squared-off at the top, and the cross-section of the belt will mate perfectly in the pulley grooves, providing maximum contact area. When the belt wears, the teeth become pointy and the cross-section of the belt changes drastically, reducing the contact area.
These visual inspections almost always allow you to make an easy decision about the belt. However, if condition ever is in question, and the vehicle owner isn’t sure of age or mileage, then it’s time to replace it. But the belt isn’t the only factor. Idler pulleys and tensioner pulleys are ideal upsell recommendations. Any loss of proper tension and any misalignment – both of which can be caused by worn idler or tensioner pulleys – will cause premature belt wear and/or noise.
Noise is the big one, and usually the first thing that makes people think about replacing the belt. Serpentine belts normally run very quiet, which is one of the reasons we like them so much. Any squeaking or chirping usually gets blamed on the belt, and usually it’s the reason they’re replaced. Make no mistake: A worn belt certainly can make noise, but usually it’s in combination with other factors.
It’s not uncommon to install a new serpentine belt to remedy a squeaking noise, only to find the noise is still there. In most of these cases, the belt truly needed replaced, but think of the perception by the customer. If they’re not aware of the other factors involved, they’re going to blame it on the quality of the belt. It happens often. Go figure! Who would ever claim a new serpentine belt was defective?
As I previously mentioned, incorrect alignment or incorrect tension can and will cause noise. In addition to pulley and tensioner condition, when the belt is installed, it makes a great straight edge. If it’s not perfect, then something is misaligned.
The most common culprit for noise, however, is dirt, debris and particles lodged in the accessory pulleys. If you don’t see it at first, look closer. It often collects in the base of the pulley grooves. As innocent as it may look, it will cause you to pull your hair out chasing a noise.
There are plenty of ideas floating around about how to clean them, but the bottom line is that it simply doesn’t matter. Clean is clean. Here’s the catch. Often, the debris is embedded in the grooves to the point where you have to dig or scrape it out with a pick, then follow it up with a wire brush. It’s not always fun, but it’s the only way to ensure no noise from the belt. You can use any solvent or degreaser you want, but that’s just the finishing touch. The physical debris must be removed, all the way around each and every pulley.
When it comes to upsells, belt tools are nice to have in stock. These are generally just for releasing the tension on the belt, but there’s another tool that’s a long metal rod with two metal “fingers” on the end. They are designed to grab and maneuver the belt, so you can install it in cars with very limited space to work. These can be a real lifesaver.
If the car has more than one belt, it’s a good idea to recommend all of them at the same time. If one is worn out, the other most likely will be too. It’s almost always a dirty job too, and one that causes a lot of skinned knuckles because you’re working in such a tight space. Shop towels and mechanics gloves are a great recommendation. If they don’t want gloves, point them to the nearest drug store to pick up Band-Aids on the way home. They’ll probably need them!
Last but not least are stretch belts. All the same rules for wear and inspection still apply, but there’s no tensioner. They have an elastic core that allows them to keep tension on the pulleys. They work great. Period. But installation is different. You absolutely must use the correct tool. It’s not that the tools are earth-shattering wonders; they simply provide a smooth ramp to guide the belts in place. If you do it any other way, you risk damaging, and most likely will damage, the belt.
Oh yeah, and for the record, I didn’t put another six-rib belt on the Town Car. I installed the correct A/C compressor pulley and put a seven-rib belt on the car. The way it should have been.
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By Counterman
Photo caption, left to right: Bill Long, CEO, Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association; Charley Johnson, CEO, OptiCat LLC.; and Marc Blackman, CEO, Gold Eagle, Co., and chairman, MEMA board of directors.
The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) presented the Triangle Award to OptiCat CEO Charley Johnson on Sept. 6 at his office in Maryland.
“For more than 45 years, the Triangle Award has been given periodically to that person or persons, or organization, whom MEMA and our divisions choose to honor for selfless contribution to the vehicle supplier industry,” MEMA President and CEO Bill Long said. “Charley’s decades of exceptional leadership and dedication to the supplier industry embody the spirit of the Triangle Award.
“[Charley] has never missed an opportunity to promote, protect and advance the automotive industry, the automotive aftermarket and pushback against government overreach. Perhaps his most lasting contribution is the work he has done working quietly behind the scenes, to find paths of collaboration and common ground, leading to a win-win for industry stakeholders and businesses.”
The prestige of the Triangle Award arises from its selective process. From its inception, the Triangle Award was not intended as an annual award. The award is only presented when truly deserving candidates are found – those who have worked tirelessly, behind the scenes, out of the spotlight and whose contributions have advanced the supplier industry.
Past recipients of the MEMA Triangle Award include the late Joseph M. Magliochetti of Dana Corp.; Tom Gallagher of Genuine Parts Co.; Mort Schwartz of Masco Tech Inc.; John M. Riess (then of The Gates Rubber Co.); the late Larry McCurdy (then of Moog Automotive); and Jack Reilly (then of Tenneco Automotive).
Most recently, MEMA presented the Triangle Award to Mike Mansuetti of Bosch; Jim Kamsickas of DANA; and Don Walker of Magna.
A complete list of past recipients can be found
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By Counterman
PRT Heavy Duty will be presenting a complete line of shock absorbers for heavy-duty applications in Booth 1641 at Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) ‘22.
HDAW ’22 takes place Jan. 24-27 in Grapevine, Texas.
The PRT brand will be presenting leading coverage of 100% gas-charged shocks that cover more than 4,600 OE references for trucks, trailers, buses, commercial vehicles, motorhomes, pickups and cargo vans. One of the highlights is a dampening solution that fits a wide range of cement mixers.
“We are more than happy to present this huge portfolio of HD applications at HDAW 2022,” said Bruno Bello, director of global category and marketing at PRT. “PRT Heavy Duty is synonymous with performance, technology and leading coverage.”
link hidden, please login to view is a brand of ADD USA group, one of the largest manufacturers of shock absorbers in the world. For more information, call 770-238-1611 or visit
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By Counterman
Steve Bernasek, diesel technologies instructor and team lead for automotive programs at the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) in Mesa, Arizona, has been named the 2021 Byrl Shoemaker Instructor of the Year by the ASE Education Foundation.
Bernasek received his award during the recent ASE Board of Governors meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona.
An ASE-certified technician for the past 22 years, Bernasek has taught at EVIT since 2016. He serves as the team lead of the diesel, automotive technologies and collision repair programs. EVIT offers over 40 career training programs for high school students and adults, and EVIT’s automotive programs have had a history of success as retired EVIT teacher Randy Baker also was named the Byrl Shoemaker award winner in 2015.
This prestigious award is named after Byrl Shoemaker, the past executive director of vocational education in Ohio. Shoemaker is considered the father of the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and the national ASE accreditation system that automotive education programs use today.
“Everyone at ASE would like to congratulate Steve Bernasek for earning one of the industry’s most esteemed honors,” said Mike Coley, ASE Education Foundation president. “Great instructors are the axle upon which all automotive education turns, and therefore, we are very pleased to recognize Steve as an outstanding example of excellence in automotive instruction.”
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By Counterman
Delphi Technologies, a brand of BorgWarner Inc., received the 2021 AASA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Award on Nov. 3 at AAPEX in Las Vegas.
“Delphi Technologies has a long history of walking the walk,” said Megan Gardner, director of membership and engagement with AASA. “They continuously set the bar high for their organization and in doing so, challenge others to follow suit in the honorable fight for DEI and a healthy company culture.”
link hidden, please login to viewAnita Barlow of Delphi Technologies (left) and Megan Gardner of AASA BorgWarner provides its employees with extensive programs and leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion and cultivates a workplace where diversity is welcomed, and employees are given opportunities to discuss inclusion openly. The company created regional DEI councils that review policies and procedures to ensure they are serving the needs of the employee base and implemented a global company ratio compensation analysis to take a stand against unconscious bias.
To take it a step further, BorgWarner also has specific trainings to help its workforce understand unconscious bias and how to overcome it. It’s clear that DEI is core to the company’s success, employee retention and culture.
“When we’re in an environment where everyone can be true to themselves, happiness and productivity come naturally,” said Anita Barlow, managing director, Remanufacturing, North America with Delphi Technologies. “This is critical in building high-performing teams, not just from a business perspective, but also a human one. When we feel like we can be ourselves, we feel a sense of inclusion and belongingness. This helps us from a company point of view to improve retention, productivity, and bottom-line profitability.”
Barlow was invited by Gardner on stage to receive the award on behalf of Delphi Technologies Aftermarket, and then participated in a quick Q&A on the company’s councils, implementation of DEI, and the strong reputation Delphi Technologies has earned by simply doing the right thing.
Daniel Tristan Receives DEI Individual Award
Daniel Tristan, director of International for Spectronics, received the 2021 AASA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Individual Award.
“AASA is proud to announce a new annual award, with the purpose of recognizing an influential leader in the automotive aftermarket that supports and represents the core values of diversity, equity & inclusion,” said Ben Brucato, senior director for AASA. “AASA is dedicated to challenging our industry to be forward thinking and retaining and attracting talent from all backgrounds and walks of life. We know it will make our industry stronger and more resilient.”
link hidden, please login to viewDaniel Tristan of Spectronics (left) and Ben Brucato of AASA Tristan’s parents immigrated from Mexico in the 1960s, where his father started a service station in Texas and where Daniel started his automotive career as a small child. It was then that Tristan’s passion for hard work, leadership and DEI began to blossom.
Tristan is one of the youngest members of AASA’s board of governors and also is the incoming chairman of the Overseas Automotive Council (OAC). His roles in leadership allow him to be a huge advocate for minorities in the automotive aftermarket, where he helps recruit and retain talent from all backgrounds.
“As a Mexican American who started my career patching tires and doing oil changes, it is a privilege to be part of an industry that has given so much to me and my family,” said Tristan.
Ben Brucato took the stage following the announcement of the AASA Advocacy Champion, to officially name Tristan as the first ever AASA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Champion.
Bruce Ronning Receives Member Advocacy Award
Bruce Ronning, senior vice president, Global Sales and Commercial Operations at DRiV, received the 2021 AASA Member Advocacy Award.
“This award is to recognize one of our members who has gone above and beyond and who has been a proud representative of our industry,” said Paul McCarthy, president and CEO of AASA. “Bruce has made the needs and values of the aftermarket heard and understood by key external audiences and has stood up for the future of the aftermarket.”
Ronning has contributed in several important ways over the past 20 months to justify this honor. He has acted as a vocal representative for aftermarket manufacturers in discussions with the U.S. Secretary of Commerce about supply chain and workforce challenges. He has provided valuable feedback on trade issues, dating back to the USMCA agreement and its favorable terms for the aftermarket, and then used his platform on the AASA board to encourage the concept of ports open 24/7.
link hidden, please login to viewBruce Ronning of DriV (second from left) received the 2021 AASA Member Advocacy Award. Most importantly, he and his company were not afraid to speak up on the importance of Right to Repair and maintaining a competitive market for consumer choice on where, and with what parts, vehicles are serviced.
“I am humbled and grateful to be recognized by AASA with this award, as we at DRiV are always glad to work with Paul and the AASA/MEMA teams to do what we can to promote and ensure the future of our industry,” said Ronning. “I look forward to continuing our relationship and plan to do my part to ensure that the needs and issues affecting the aftermarket are taken seriously.”
Catherine Boland, MEMA’s vice president of government affairs, Leigh Merino, MEMA’s vice president of legislative affairs, and McCarthytook the stage to officially name Ronning as the first-ever AASA Advocacy Champion.
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