Choosing the Right Accessory Drive Belts for Your 1992-2001 Acura Integra
Your Integra has multiple drive belts, not a single serpentine belt—here's how to choose the right ones.
- Your 1992-2001 Integra uses a multi-belt system with 2 or 3 separate belts, not a single serpentine belt.
- Verify which accessories your car has (A/C, Power Steering) to ensure you order the correct set of belts for your specific model.
- OEM-supplier brands like Bando and Mitsuboshi offer the best combination of quality and value, with many owners considering them identical to genuine Acura parts.
- Regularly inspect belts for cracks and listen for squealing; plan to replace them every 5 years or 60,000 miles to prevent being stranded.
The Most Common Mistake: It's Not a Serpentine Belt
Before buying any parts, it's critical to know that the 1992-2001 Acura Integra does not use a single serpentine belt. It has a system of two or three separate V-belts. You will need to buy an individual belt for each accessory your car has: alternator, power steering (P/S), and air conditioning (A/C). Ordering parts for the wrong accessory or assuming it's a single belt will lead to getting the wrong parts.
Symptoms of a Failing Accessory Drive Belt
Your Integra will usually give you clear warning signs that a belt is wearing out. Ignoring these can leave you stranded.
- Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is the most common symptom, often heard when starting the engine, accelerating, or turning on the A/C. The noise comes from the belt slipping on the pulleys. 🎬 Watch: How to diagnose and fix belt squealing noises
- Visible Damage: Inspect the belts for cracks, fraying, glazing (a shiny surface), or missing chunks of the ribbed section. Any visible damage means it's time for a replacement.
- Accessory Failure: A battery warning light indicates the alternator belt has likely failed. Suddenly heavy steering means the power steering belt is gone. If the A/C starts blowing warm air, the A/C belt may have snapped.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Belt
For the Acura Integra, you don't need to buy expensive OEM belts from a dealership. High-quality aftermarket belts from reputable brands often meet or exceed original quality and offer great value. Forum discussions among Integra owners show a strong preference for OEM suppliers or well-known aftermarket brands. Here’s how the available brands stack up:
Brand Tiers
| Tier | Brands | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| OEM Supplier | Bando, Mitsuboshi | These brands are original equipment manufacturers for Honda/Acura. Choosing Bando or Mitsuboshi is like getting the genuine OEM belt without the dealership markup. They are highly recommended by Integra owners for fit and durability. |
| Premium Aftermarket | Gates, Continental, Dayco | These are top-tier aftermarket brands with a strong reputation for quality and reliability. Gates is a very popular and trusted choice in many forums. Continental and Dayco are also considered excellent, reliable options. You can't go wrong with any of these for a daily driven Integra. |
| Standard Aftermarket | ACDelco | ACDelco is a well-known general parts supplier. While a perfectly functional option, it's less commonly discussed for Japanese imports compared to brands like Bando or Gates. |
| Specialty / Performance | Kraftwerks Performance Group | This brand is typically associated with performance applications, such as supercharger kits. It is not a standard replacement part and is unnecessary for a stock or lightly modified engine. |
Pro Tip: When replacing belts, it's a good time to inspect the idler pulley for the A/C system. Spin it by hand. If you feel any roughness or hear noise, the bearing is failing and the pulley should be replaced to protect your new belt.
Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
Searches for recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from the NHTSA did not find any specific issues related to the accessory drive belts for the 1992-2001 Acura Integra. Problems reported by owners are related to normal wear-and-tear, such as squealing from improper tension or belt age, and eventual snapping if not replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many accessory belts does my 1992-2001 Integra have?
Most Integras of this generation have three separate belts: one for the alternator, one for power steering, and one for the A/C. However, the exact number and size depend on your car's specific engine (e.g., B18B1, B18C1) and options. Always verify the parts needed for your specific trim level (LS, GS, GS-R, Type R).
🎬 Watch: A step-by-step guide to Integra accessory belt replacementHow often should I replace the accessory belts?
It is recommended to inspect the belts at every oil change. As a general rule for preventative maintenance, plan to replace them every 60,000 to 90,000 miles, or about every 5 years, whichever comes first.
Can I replace just one worn belt?
Yes, but it's often best practice to replace all accessory belts at the same time. They are all exposed to the same conditions and are likely of a similar age. Since replacing one often requires loosening or removing another, doing them all at once saves on future labor.
Is replacing the accessory belts a DIY job?
Yes, for those with some mechanical experience, this is a very feasible DIY job. Access can be tight, and it involves loosening the accessories to release tension. You will need basic hand tools like wrenches and sockets.
🎬 See this walkthrough for replacing all three Integra beltsHelpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 31110-P72-505 (Alternator, GS-R) 56992-P72-004 (Power Steering) 56992-P72-505 (Power Steering) 31110-P73-508 (Alternator, Type R) 31110-P72-004 (Alternator) 38920-P72-505 (A/C Compressor)
System Type: Multi-belt V-ribbed system. The number of belts (2 or 3) and their lengths vary depending on engine model (B18A1, B18B1, B18C1, B18C5) and installed accessories (A/C, Power Steering).
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Acura Integra: