🔧 Gates 91031 Micro-V Stretch Fit Tool in Black for Easy Installation Review

I watched the YouTube video several times and then also played it on my iPad whilst under the hood of my 2010 Forester 2.5 wearing a Gates K050344 stretch belt. The video taught me how to turn the crankshaft by hand, which also helped me install another non-stretch belt, which I replaced at the same time as the alternator.

The device is excellent in design. Unfortunately the plastic ramp I received could not handle the tension of the belt and broke during installation. Gates standard rubber band for which this tool is specially designed. Have a backup plan or the belt setup could turn into a real PITA. I used the C clip method to finish the job.

I used this to install a Gates K040317SF serpentine belt on my 2010 Subaru Forester, it was very easy to use. Using both hands, remove the crankshaft pulley U-lock and plastic piece. I didn't have a good grip on the piece of plastic when I pulled the padlock and it flew at me. It took me about 15 minutes to find it in the corner of one of the radiator fan shrouds, which roughly doubled the runtime.

Arrived on time and as described. Worked great although I needed a long wrench with a big head to finish the job. I recommend watching some YouTube videos of your car model to make sure you have what you need. However, this is the only working tool. Since you can only use it to attach the elastic straps to your Subaru. So if you don't have more than one Subaru, you can share this product with a friend or see if you can borrow one.

The dealer told me my belts need to be replaced because they have snapped. I gave them up and then searched online. I took both straps (gates) and this tool after watching some youtube tutorial videos. Worked beautifully on my 2009 Subaru Forester. The original belts didn't look as cracked as some I've seen on my other machines but it's about time I did as I've just clocked 100,000 miles! You will need a 22mm socket to turn the main pulley. I considered buying a jumper, but the pipe at the end…

I own a 2010 Subaru Forester and needed to replace the A/C, P/S, Alt belts, the first belt has an adjustment screw to loosen and replace the belt and the second belt is "stretched" " , meaning DO NOT REPLACE this belt without a special tool [I've tried] or being replaced by a mechanic of your choice LINE instructions included with the tool box, interesting. Just a couple of pics. I have installed the belt in minutes, it was a snap Would I buy this tool again? YES Would I recommend this tool to…

I was a little hesitant to pay the same amount for the installation tool as I did for the two belts I was replacing but it was worth it. This made changing the tensioning belt so easy that I actually missed the intended installation location by a groove. I just put the tool back in, spin the motor while gently tensioning the belt, and it slides easily from one groove to the next. I could have struggled with this for a good 45 minutes but with this tool it was done in about 5. As others have…

This tool is required to install elastic belts on Subaru engines. It works well and installs the strap without damaging it. You almost need a third hand to hold everything you need during the installation process, so working with just two hands is difficult. At least for me. There is a Gates video on YouTube showing how to use it, but there are a few things Gates didn't mention. Be sure to neutralize the vehicle and lock the wheels before starting the engine during installation. I also found it