Gates 7304 Accessory Drive Belt

Gates 7304 High Capacity V-Belt Overview

The Gates 7304 is a High Capacity V-Belt (Standard) built for accessory drive service where consistent grip and quiet operation matter. It uses EPDM belt material with polyester cord reinforcement to handle demanding engine drives in applications such as Ford Tempo, Mercury Topaz, and several GM vacuum pump and power steering drive setups.

Gates XL V-Belt construction is designed to tighten as engine heat builds, helping reduce slippage and belt noise while maintaining stable drive performance. This makes the Gates 7304 a practical replacement choice for older accessory drive systems that rely on a standard V-belt profile.

Key Features

• Part number: 7304
• High Capacity V-Belt (Standard) construction
• EPDM belt material for durable everyday service
• Polyester cord material for reinforced strength
• Single-strand, standard construction
• HC31 section with 36-degree angle
• Top width: 0.325 in. / 8 mm
• Effective length: 30.48 in. / 774 mm
• Outside circumference: 30.71 in. / 780 mm

Detailed Description

The Gates 7304 accessory drive belt is engineered for vehicles that use a standard high-capacity V-belt profile. Its EPDM construction and polyester cord support stable tensioning under heat, which helps the belt maintain contact on the drive and reduce squeal during operation. This part number 7304 is listed across multiple interchange references and is used in applications including 1984-1991 Ford Tempo water pump drives and 1984-1991 Mercury Topaz water pump drives, along with select Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac vacuum pump and steering-related configurations.

Compatible With: 1984-1991 Ford Tempo, water pump; 1984-1991 Mercury Topaz, water pump; 1983-1985 Buick Century, vacuum pump; 1985 Cadillac Commercial Chassis, vacuum pump; 1983-1985 Chevrolet Celebrity, vacuum pump. This part cross-references AP Exhaust 7304 and Carlson 15304 for the same application.

What It Helps Address

• Belt slippage on heat-loaded accessory drives
• Squealing or chirping from worn V-belt service
• Loss of drive consistency at the water pump
• Vacuum pump drive noise in older engine accessory systems
• Reduced belt stability from age-related cracking or glazing

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify belt length, section, and pulley alignment before installation. The Gates 7304 is a standard high-capacity V-belt, so correct routing and proper tension are important for reliable operation. Inspect pulleys for wear, contamination, or misalignment before installing the new belt, and confirm the application against the vehicle’s accessory drive layout.

Quality Assurance

Gates is a recognized name in accessory drive components, and this belt uses EPDM construction with polyester reinforcement for durable service in demanding engine environments. The Gates 7304 is built to meet the requirements of listed fitments across Ford Tempo, Mercury Topaz, and select GM applications.