Build the identity in six layers
Start with the belt family
Record whether the belt came from an accessory drive, a synchronous timing drive or another known application. If the role is uncertain, keep it open.
Preserve vehicle and engine context
Add make, model, model year, engine code or displacement, destination market and the belt location or service job.
Copy markings and package data
Keep the complete visible marking, source brand, package label, invoice reference and the evidence filename tied to the same request line.
Count ribs or teeth
Describe the cross-section or tooth form, count every rib or tooth and photograph the profile. Do not infer a code when the geometry is unclear.
Name the value and its basis
Record width and any printed length designation. For a measured length, add the unit, method and whether the outside, effective, datum or pitch basis is actually known.
Keep unresolved facts visible
Separate observed, supplied, measured, catalog-supported and still-unknown fields so a candidate result cannot be mistaken for approval.
Know what each input can establish
Narrowing the expected drive system, product family and catalog context.
That the removed belt or current package is the correct part for the vehicle.
Finding a source record, preserving a suffix or distinguishing similar references.
A current cross-reference, supersession or destination-market fitment.
Separating broad V-belt, V-ribbed and synchronous-belt candidates and checking geometry.
Length, construction, pulley compatibility or vehicle application.
Checking a candidate against a stated method, unit and family-specific basis.
Interchangeability when the length basis, profile or application evidence differs.
Retaining markings, profile, condition, count, measurement setup and package identity.
Material, performance, manufacturing source or unseen dimensions.
One raw length is not a universal belt identity
Official standards describe different automotive belt families with different dimensional contexts. ISO 2790 covers automotive V-belts and corresponding pulleys, ISO 9981 covers automotive PK V-ribbed belts and pulleys, and ISO 21342 includes synchronous-belt pitch spacing, tooth dimensions, width and pitch length. Use those distinctions to preserve the measurement basis, not to claim that an unverified belt complies with a named standard.
ISO 2790:2020
Automotive V-belts and corresponding pulleys for auxiliary drives have a family-specific dimensional scope.
Review official abstractISO 9981:2020
Automotive PK V-ribbed belts and pulley grooves have a defined profile and dimensional context.
Review official abstractISO 21342:2019
Automotive synchronous belts use pitch, tooth, width and pitch-length characteristics together.
Review official abstractRecord before converting
Keep the printed designation and measurement method intact. Ask the reviewing catalog or supplier to explain any conversion or candidate match.
Prepare an evidence set another reviewer can audit
- One full-belt photo showing overall form and condition.
- Close photos of every readable marking, not only the clearest fragment.
- Profile and cross-section views that make ribs, teeth or V geometry visible.
- Count evidence and width or length measurement setup with the unit visible.
- Package label, invoice or catalog reference linked to the same request line.
- Vehicle, engine, destination, quantity and unresolved questions in text, not only in image filenames.
Put every candidate on its own RFQ line
The existing blank RFQ CSV already separates source identity, application, profile, count, dimensions, commercial scope, evidence and open questions. Preserve unknown values instead of filling them with an assumed code.
Identification evidence supports candidate review. It is not a DNK fitment, interchange, standard-compliance or performance guarantee.