Parts for your 2008 Holden Commodore-Drive belt

2008 Holden Commodore Drive-Belt — What It Does and When to Replace It

Yes, a drive-belt is absolutely used on the 2008 Holden Commodore. Holden/GM VE Series service literature (2006–2013) and major belt catalogues from Dayco and Gates list auxiliary/serpentine belts for both the 3.6L Alloytec V6 and the 6.0L V8, confirming a belt-driven accessory system on this model year. Depending on engine and trim, there’s a main serpentine belt and, on some variants, a separate stretch-fit air-con belt.

On a 2008 Commodore, the drive-belt spins the alternator to keep the battery charged and electrics happy, turns the power-steering pump for light steering feel, and runs the air-con compressor for cool cabin air. On V8s, it also drives the water pump, the V6 water pump is internal and chain-driven, but the belt still carries the heavy lifting for the rest of the accessories. If the belt fails, you’ll quickly notice battery lights, heavy steering and, on V8s, a rising temp gauge.

For everyday servicing, it pays to keep an eye on belt condition and tensioner health. Belts commonly last 90,000–120,000 kilometres, but Holden’s service guidance and aftermarket technical notes recommend inspecting at least every service (about 12 months or 15,000 km). Replace sooner if there’s noise, damage or contamination.

• Look for cracks between ribs, frayed edges, glazing/shiny patches, missing chunks, or rubber dust around the pulleys.
• Listen for chirps or squeals on cold start or with the air-con on—often a sign of wear, misalignment or a lazy tensioner.
• Check the automatic tensioner and idler pulleys, rough bearings or weak spring tension will chew through a new belt.
• Clean any oil or coolant leaks first—fluids shorten belt life dramatically.

Replacement is straightforward on the serpentine setup: note the routing decal under the bonnet (or sketch it), unload the tensioner with a long spanner or belt tool, slip off the old belt, and fit the new one, ensuring all ribs sit true in the pulley grooves. Some Commodore variants use a separate stretch-fit air-con belt with no tensioner—these require the correct installer tool and the old belt is typically cut off, as outlined in Dayco/Gates fitment guides and GM service procedures.

For best results and quiet running, replace the belt, tensioner and idlers as a set. After fitting, start the engine, let it idle with electrical loads on, and recheck alignment and noise. Easy win for reliability on Aussie and Kiwi roads.

Popular questions about 2008 Holden Commodore drive-belts

How often should the drive-belt be replaced?
Most last 90,000–120,000 km, but it depends on heat, driving style and fluid leaks. Inspect every service. If there’s cracking, glazing, noise or wobbling pulleys, replace it sooner rather than later. Stretch-fit air-con belts are replaced on condition.

What are the warning signs my belt or tensioner is due?
Squeals or chirps at start-up, a flickering battery light, heavy steering at low speed, or visible rib cracks are common cues. If the tensioner arm jitters or the idlers feel rough, plan a belt kit, not just the belt.

Does the V6 and V8 use the same setup?
Both use an auxiliary belt, some variants also run a separate stretch-fit air-con belt. The V8’s belt drives the water pump, so a failed belt can cause overheating. The V6’s water pump is chain-driven, but the belt still runs the alternator, power steering and air-con.