Install serpentine belt

These are usually built to last. Due to great advancements in rubber technology, drive belts now last a lot longer than before, ideally anywhere between 60, and , miles. There are several warning signs of a broken or failing serpentine belt, from visible tears and cracks on the belt to squealing noises from under the hood, engine overheating and the AC or the power steering not working. The timing belt connects the crankshaft to the camshaft, making sure the valves open and close in sequence with the pistons.

The serpentine, also called drive belt, connects and operates a number of engine accessories, including the air-conditioner compressor, water pump and alternator. There is also a difference in the damage each of these can produce. If the belt completely fails and breaks, then your vehicle will break down as well. Even if only some parts stop working, if the power steering fails when the vehicle is moving, then it could lead to serious safety issues.

It is always recommended that you replace a broken belt, as this is fairly an easy and inexpensive process, which protects your vehicle from further damage and therefore saves you more on the long run.

Text communication is not required to purchase goods or services. Message and data rates may apply. We and our partners also use these technologies to personalize content and perform site analytics. For more information, see our terms and privacy policy. Meineke Auto Services Serpentine belt replacement. Serpentine Belt Replacement Your vehicle's belts are critical to its functionality. Serpentine Belt Inspections Belts suffer wear and tear just like any other vehicle part and will often crack due to the engine's heat.

Consequences of a Faulty Serpentine Belt If you hear slapping sounds from the engine, this is often an indication that the timing belt has slipped. Belt Replacement Cost The belt replacement cost is quite minimal compared to the damage that could occur if you leave a malfunctioning belt in your vehicle.

In order to remove the serpentine belt on your car, it may be helpful to first identify the pulley that is used to tighten the belt. Tension must be loosened before removing the serpentine belt. There are two ways that tensioner pulleys can be connected: either by bolting on the backside of the pulley or by bolting directly onto the engine block. To remove it, first, find a ratchet or wrench that fits into the bolt hole and then simply turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.

The serpentine belt takes a winding path of twists and turns throughout the engine. Before removing the old belt and prior to installing the new belt, make sure you know its path from beginning to end.

The instructions on how to use the belt must be consulted in order to be able to replace it correctly.

You could make your own instructions by making drawings or by taking photographs of how the serpentine belt is placed before even removing it. Place a new belt on each pulley apart from the alternator, making sure to put the right side of the belt against the right part of the pulley. You can consult the previously provided drawing or photo for any relevant details about how the belt connects in these places.

To avoid damaging your car, ensure that the serpentine belt is properly installed in your vehicle. Using your wrench, open the alternator tensioner by turning it in the direction that loosens it. Then, put the drive belt over the pulley and keep turning to loosen more. Do not allow either yourself or anyone else nearby to get hurt or injured while working on your vehicle. Examine the serpentine belt and ensure its tension is correct by pressing against it.

You are now ready to go. Be sure to take all instruments and rags out of the engine compartment. Now you can connect your negative cable to the battery to begin your vehicle. You did it! This includes powering accessories and components such as your alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and sometimes even your water pump.

If you notice any signs of a bad serpentine belt we have discussed, be sure to take your vehicle to get fully inspected by an auto technician and get it fixed immediately. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. What is a Serpentine Belt? Here are the five symptoms of a Bad Serpentine or alternator belt. Battery Warning Light Your battery warning light will also come on as a sign that you need to inspect your batter or serpentine belt and replace it if the need arises.

Vehicle Stalls Your engine can quit if the Serpentine belt becomes too loose while driving your vehicle, and this can force you to pull over by the roadside to properly access your car. Chirping or Squealing Noise An engine can make various noises if the Serpentine belt is worn out or loose. How Long Does a Serpentine belt Last Maintaining your Serpentine belt properly will ensure that it will last between 3 and 4 years. Release the Tension Releasing the tension on the Serpentine belt will enable you to pull it out.

Get familiar With the Serpentine Belt. Install the New Serpentine Belt Place a new belt on each pulley apart from the alternator, making sure to put the right side of the belt against the right part of the pulley.

Refer to your vehicle's service manual to confirm what type of tensioner your vehicle uses if you aren't sure. Use a wrench to relieve the auto tensioner. Auto tensioners have either a hole that will fit a half inch drive ratchet, or a bolt you can use a socket to apply pressure to.

Insert the wrench or place the socket over the bolt on the tensioner and twist it away from the belt to relieve the tension on it. Be sure to use the right size socket to avoid stripping the bolt head on the tensioner. Loosen the bolts in the alternator bracket. If your vehicle uses the alternator bracket to apply tension to the belt, loosen the two bolts that pass through the long eyelets on the bracket.

As you loosen the bolts, the tension on the belt will likely move the alternator toward the engine and relieve the pressure. Pull the belt off of the pulleys. With the tension relieved from the belt, pull it off of the pulley that has been placing tension on it, then remove it from the around the rest of the pulleys on the engine.

Part 3. Compare the new belt to the old one. Look at the new belt in comparison to the old one to be sure they are the same width and have the same number of ribs going across the belt horizontally. The old belt may be slightly longer than the new one due to stretching. Make sure the new belt doesn't show any signs of damage from the factory or it may tear after you install it. Route the belt through the pulleys. Run the new belt through the pulleys in exactly the same way the old one was.

Refer to the belt diagram in your vehicle's owner's manual or the picture you took of the belt before removing it to guide you.

If the belt is loose after routing it, it is either the wrong size belt or you've routed it incorrectly. Apply pressure on the auto tensioner and put the belt over it.

Use the same wrench to loosen the auto tensioner pulley, then pull the belt over it. Once the belt is in place, release the pressure on the tensioner so it holds the belt in place. Increase the tension on the belt. If your vehicle does not have an auto tensioner, insert a pry bar or piece of wood between the alternator and the engine. Run the belt over the alternator pulley, then use the bar to pry the alternator away from the engine and increase the tension on the belt.

Tighten the bolts again as you apply tension. Be careful not to pry against anything plastic in your engine bay to avoid breaking anything. Duston Maynes Automotive Repair Specialist. Duston Maynes. Although serpentine belts last quite a bit, it's important to check on them every once in a while. To see if there's any problem, check if the outer side of the belt is looking glassy and if the inside of the belt is cracking.

These are both good indicators that the serpentine belt needs to be replaced. Not Helpful 1 Helpful 4. The belt can get caught in the crank, obstructing the system and damaging the motor.

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3. It's impossible to say without knowing the year, make, or model of your vehicle. You should be able to do a search online to find some tips on replacing parts for your specific vehicle.

With the serpentine belt off, you need to grab each individual pulley and wiggle them and rotate them. If you hear one or two with excessive noise than you need to replace them. Another thing to check is the tensioner to see if its providing optimal tension.

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1.