Artbuc

My niece's 2007 Acura TSX came with a Bando drive belt. Acura sells this belt for $45 whereas the Bando aftermarket belt is about $20. I asked Bando if there are any differences between the $45 Acura belt and the $20 aftermarket belt. Without hesitation, they adamantly said the two belts are identical. Is it possible that Acura maks up their drive belts over 100%? Thanks.

TexasHonda

Absolutely, there are many folks who are adamant users of OEM products. Those prices reflect the "cache" of buying OEM.

I'm not saying OEM products are not good, as they are generally excellent, and I use them in critical components or difficult to access components (don't want to do the job again!). However, I wouldn't even consider buying an OEM serpentine belt.

good luck

350

iTrader: (4)

Not sure who Honda sources them from, but very unlikely they make the belts themselves. Personally I always go with Goodyear Gatorbacks.

Artbuc

Thanks for respondng. I plan to go with the aftermarket Bando.

Purplepassiongsr

Yep just like CS told you they are the same belt. I worked at Bando for a couple years as an engineer. Bando supplies several OEM belts and aftermarket to most major Japanese automotive mfg. At least they used to only supply serp belts to honda. I have been using them exclusively for years and never had any problems. Themquality is on par, if not better with than any Gates, Mitsuboshi, Dayco, GY belt out there

Artbuc

Quick Update: just installed the new Bando last night. The fit was perfect with the tensioner pulley at dead center just as it was with the original factory belt.

kipsy

can you let me know the part number ? i bought thru amazon, but found out they listed the wrong item# for the 1006 tsx. i think mine ends in 51.

Artbuc

Automotive Aftermarket Catalog - MyCarParts

malnik

On Amazon it's 7PK1755. I fitted this in my 07 when it had 125k miles. The factory belt was still very good and had no cracks in it at all. I live in so cal so the weather could be a factor on the belt condition.

Artbuc

Yep, that is the one I installed. Just checked and apparently the link I posted no longer works.