Parts for your 1998 Daihatsu Gran move-Drive belt

1998 Daihatsu Gran Move Drive Belt: What It Does and How to Look After It

Yes, a drive belt is absolutely relevant on a 1998 Daihatsu Gran Move. Technical references including the Daihatsu G300-series Workshop Manual (1997–1999) and the Gran Move Owner’s Handbook specify multiple accessory drive belts on this model—typically separate belts for the alternator, power steering pump, and air-conditioning compressor, depending on trim. These sources also note routine inspection and tension checks as part of scheduled servicing. Don’t confuse the accessory drive belts with the timing belt, they’re different parts with different jobs.

On the Gran Move, the drive belt’s purpose is to keep the essentials spinning whenever the engine’s running. The alternator belt keeps the battery charged and the electrics happy, a separate belt may run the power steering pump for light, predictable steering, and another drives the A/C compressor so you’ve got cool air on hot arvos. If one of these belts slips or fails, you’ll quickly notice warning lights, heavy steering, or weak air-con.

For day-to-day ownership in Australia or New Zealand, it’s smart to have the belts checked at every service (around 10,000–15,000 km or 6–12 months, depending on your schedule) and replaced when there’s visible wear. Typical replacement timing is about 60,000–100,000 km, but condition and climate matter—heat, dust, and stop–start driving can age belts faster. If yours squeals on cold starts, shows cracking, glazing, fraying, or has black dust around the pulleys, it’s time to sort it.

• Common symptoms of a tired belt: chirping or squealing, dim battery light, heavy steering, or weak/erratic A/C performance.
• Best practice at replacement: fit quality belts, check pulley alignment, set correct tension, and recheck after a short run-in. If your Gran Move uses multiple belts, replace them as a set for even wear.

Because variants differ (A/C and power steering fitment vary by market), belt sizes and routing can change. The workshop manual for the G300 series calls out specific tension settings and inspection points, so following those specs is the go. While you’re under the bonnet, spin the idlers and listen for roughness, and check the alternator and power steering pulleys—worn bearings will chew through even the best new belt.

FAQs

Does the 1998 Gran Move use one serpentine belt or several belts?
Most 1998 Gran Moves use separate belts: one for the alternator, one for the power steering pump, and another for the A/C compressor. Exact setup depends on whether the car has A/C or power steering fitted from factory.

How often should the drive belt be replaced?
Have the belts inspected at each service and replace based on condition. As a guide, many owners change them between 60,000 and 100,000 km, sooner if there’s squealing, cracks, or glazing, or if you’re heading off on a long trip.

Is the drive belt the same as the timing belt?
No. The accessory drive belts power items like the alternator and A/C, while the timing belt handles valve timing inside the engine. They’re separate parts with different service intervals and procedures.