Pull the alternator up until the belt is tight or, if there is an adjustment bolt, crank down until tight (shouldn’t bow more than 1″), and tighten other hardware. Loosen the mounting nuts on the alternator. Remove the old belt. Replace with the new belt.
In This Article...
What is the price of replacing an alternator belt?
An alternator belt normally costs between $100 and $200 to repair. While labor costs range from $75 to $120, part costs are between $25 and $80. Depending on how long it takes the mechanic to access your alternator belt, the actual cost of repair will vary.
How difficult is it to replace the alternator belt?
Since automatic belt tensioners are now common in most cars, changing a serpentine belt is a straightforward do-it-yourself fix. You may complete the project in 15 minutes if you follow the step-by-step directions and detailed pictures.
Can I Replace The Serpentine Belt On My Own?
Certain repairs should always be carried out by experts, especially if you are unfamiliar with automobiles.
And it’s even more crucial when they’re crucial engine parts, like a serpentine belt, which keeps several significant car engine components functioning properly.
The alternator, power steering pump, air conditioner, and water pump are among the engine’s components.
Therefore, whenever you want a serpentine belt replacement, it is always preferable to seek the assistance of a qualified mechanic.
The drive belt, also known as an alternator belt, fan belt, or power steering belt, is in charge of powering the crucial automotive engine parts we stated previously.
Can I Continue To Drive My Car With A Bad Serpentine Belt?
You might be able to operate your vehicle with a damaged accessory drive belt in some circumstances, but we don’t advise it.
As a bad serpentine belt can create a variety of problems, it is better to have it serviced before you start driving again.
It is advisable to repair the belt before it totally breaks since if it begins to tear, it won’t be long until it snaps.
The steering wheel will feel heavy and be difficult to turn if the seat belt snaps. Furthermore, any loss of power in the steering system can be perilous and frightening.
As soon as possible, get in touch with a mechanic to avoid more engine damage and a hefty repair fee.
For instance, your car’s engine would overheat quickly and may even self-destruct if the accessory drive belt or serpentine belt can’t provide the power needed by the water pump.
What happens if your belt breaks while you’re driving down the freeway? It’s better to stop in a safe location if your belt breaks, then you can call a towing company or mobile technician to come to your aid.
How Can You Tell If You Have Serpentine Belt Issues?
Here are some signs of a faulty drive belt or serpentine belt to watch out for:
- If your air conditioner is making a screaming noise, it may not be working properly.
- Under the hood, you might hear squealing or screeching sounds.
- It’s challenging to turn the steering wheel because there isn’t enough power steering.
- Your engine could continue to overheat.
- The belt has cracks that are visible.
Fortunately, most serpentine belt problems can be fixed by changing the belt with the assistance of a qualified mechanic.
What Is The Serpentine Belt Repair Process Like?
The old belt (current belt) will first be visually inspected by a mechanic for any signs of wear, tear, or cracks. These defects are frequently discovered inside the belt’s grooves.
A gauge that indicates your mechanic how much of the belt has been stretched as a result of belt tension should be present if your vehicle is a recent model and has an automatic belt tensioner.
Your mechanic will use a serpentine belt tool kit to loosen the belt tensioner after they are certain that the car’s serpentine belt is the issue.
A vehicle component that keeps the proper belt tension is known as a tensioner. This tensioner may be loosened so that the belt can move freely and the mechanic can remove the old belt without difficulty.
Following the old belt’s removal, the tensioner pulley and engine accessories are covered by the new belt, and the tensioner is then reset to its initial position. By doing this, it may maintain the proper belt tension while holding the replacement belt in place.
After making the necessary modifications, your mechanic will restart the vehicle to check that the belt is functioning as it should.
Your mechanic will run the engine to check the idler pulley and the belt tensioner for noise before removing the drive belt. These rotating parts might wear out and have grease-filled bearings.
Additionally, your mechanic will make sure that all of the engine accessories and each pulley are rotating in the same direction. This will ensure that your new belt runs smoothly for a very long period.
How Long Does It Take For A Serpentine Belt Replacement?
The length of time it takes to replace a belt depends on your car’s model and how easily it is reached.
A damaged serpentine belt can be fixed or replaced with a new belt in as little as 15 minutes and as much as an hour.
What’s The Easiest Way To Replace a Serpentine Belt?
It is recommended to contact a professional over if you experience any of the poor serpentine belt symptoms, including screaming or squealing noises, engine overheating, a lack of power steering, or a malfunctioning air conditioner.
You’ll save the hassle of having to tow your car to a mechanic by doing it this way!
Wherever you are, they’ll send their most skilled ASE-certified specialists to swiftly swap out the serpentine belt on your car for a new one.
What occurs if an alternator belt snaps while you’re driving?
Serpentine belt and belt tensioner problems on Fredericksburg automobiles will readily display wear indicators and indicate when to be replaced. A modern car with a gasoline or diesel engine will have at least one serpentine belt visible when the hood is opened. Some vehicles have two or three belts. A serpentine belt’s function is to power engine-mounted accessories including the alternator, water pump, and air conditioner compressor.
A timing belt is distinct from a serpentine belt. The engine’s camshaft(s) are driven by a timing belt that is covered by protective coverings. On the side of the engine, a serpentine belt can be seen and examined from below the hood. What occurs when a serpentine belt ruptures? A belt may screech for various reasons. When should a serpentine belt be changed?
A automobile must be towed if its serpentine belt breaks, rendering it undriveable. Without a serpentine belt, the engine may overheat because the water pump won’t function. Other components can be harmed by a damaged belt. We have observed ripped coolant hoses and broken radiator shrouds that were a result of ripped belts.
Loud slapping, screaming, or knocking noises emanating from beneath the hood are signs of a broken serpentine belt. The alternator will stop charging the battery, which may also cause the warning light for the battery-shaped charging system to illuminate. A car’s steering will become stiff if the power steering pump is hydraulic.
regular deterioration The ribbed side of a modern serpentine belt has a smooth, felt-like surface. The rubber of the belt hardens and splits as it ages. An old belt loses tension and stretches. As a result, the belt occasionally starts to slip. When the engine is starting in the morning or under rainy conditions, you could hear it as screaming or chirping sounds coming from beneath the hood.
In an engine that leaks oil around the belt area, Lee Hill Auto Service saw a new serpentine belt that lasted less than a week. Installing a new belt in this situation is pointless. Oil leaks must first be addressed.
bad automated belt tensioner with springs. For any belt, the proper tension is essential. An outdated spring-loaded automated belt tensioner frequently weakens, wears out, or seizes up. An improperly tensioned serpentine belt will begin to slip. The belt will wear out more quickly as a result.
A loose serpentine belt has been observed rolling off seized belt tensioners, according to Lee Hill Auto Service. When the engine is started or when the steering wheel is fully rotated to one side, there may be a loud screaming sound indicative of a loose serpentine belt. Another sign of a faulty tensioner is a serpentine belt that is prone to slipping off the pulley.
hydraulic belt tensioner issues. Many automobiles made in Fredericksburg have hydraulic serpentine belt tensioners, which use a small absorber mount to maintain tension rather than a spring. A leak from the tensioner or a rattling sound coming from the belt area while the engine is running are symptoms. The belt tension can be manually altered in some autos. The belt expands over time, and if the tension is not changed in a timely manner, the belt will begin to slip.
Uneven belt pulley. On numerous pulleys, a serpentine belt rotates. The belt will squeal if any of the belt-driven machinery or a tensioner pulley is not perfectly aligned with it. This issue is frequently identified after a newly replaced belt continues to scream or wears out quickly. Increased belt wear on one side is one of the signs of this issue.
There is a range of 30,000 to over 100,000 miles for a serpentine belt. The majority of automakers advise examining the belt during routine maintenance rather than establishing serpentine belt replacement intervals.
Our specialists will inspect your vehicle for cracks, splits, damaged edges, missing pieces, glazing, and other wear indicators as part of our complimentary digital courtesy at your routine oil change. Most of the time, it’s simple to tell when the belt needs replacing. A damaged belt has to be replaced. If a serpentine belt is discovered to be strained or covered with oil, it must also be replaced.
Without an alternator belt, is driving possible?
The short answer is no, you cannot operate your vehicle without a serpentine belt. Driving without a serpentine belt is quite dangerous. A automobile can only absorb so much wear and tear from other parts before they stop functioning entirely. Your car’s serpentine belt is an essential part, and if it breaks, you’re in serious trouble. Without this component, there won’t be enough coolant flow to keep the engine temperature stable, which is bad because the motor could overheat if there’s no fluid flowing through it. An overheating car may develop more significant issues, such as broken blocks or twisted pistons, if it is not attended to right away.
How Does The Serpentine Belt Work?
All of the engine systems receive rotational energy from the crankshaft through the serpentine belt.
Because it powers the alternator, power steering, air conditioning compressor, and (sometimes) the water pump, it is often referred to as the accessory drive belt, fan belt, or alternator belt.
The car’s serpentine belt is driven by a group of pulleys, including an idler pulley or two, a belt tensioner pulley, and pulleys on the engine accessories.
These additional pulleys are also rotated by the serpentine belt in conjunction with the crankshaft to drive the accessory.
What about the belt tensioner and idler pulley? A sufficient wrap angle is created by the idler pulley to avoid belt slippage caused by the other pulleys. And in order for the serpentine belt to function at its best, the belt tensioner (or automatic tensioner) supplies the required belt tension.
Another thing is this
Timing belts and serpentine belts are not the same. The drive belt known as the serpentine is found outside the engine. The timing belt, which is located inside the engine, maintains alignment between the crankshaft and camshaft.
How Long Can A Car Engine Run With A Broken Serpentine Belt?
The answer to this issue depends on a few different variables, but generally speaking, your automobile should be able to run for 20 to 90 minutes even with a broken serpentine belt.
On a hot day, the engine will overheat more quickly without a working cooling system, reducing your window for driving.
However, if the temperature is cold and your battery is completely charged, you might be able to operate the engine of your car for a little bit longer than 90 minutes before the battery runs out. That may be sufficient time to reach a close-by mechanic.
To prevent battery drain, all electrical and electronic equipment should be turned off. Also, keep in mind that your steering wheel will feel somewhat heavier.
Can A Car Start With A Broken Serpentine Belt?
If the battery is in good condition, a car with a broken serpentine belt will start. To initiate the combustion process, the starter motor and ignition system will crank the car’s engine.
However, if you want your automobile to run for an extended amount of time, you’ll need a serpentine belt.
Can I Drive With A Worn Serpentine Belt?
You can, indeed. However, it is preferable to obtain a serpentine belt replacement if you are aware that your belt is worn.
There is no need to purposefully endanger the safety of your car and yourself by using it with a damaged serpentine belt. Anytime a belt can fail, severe outcomes could result.
Around 60k to 90k miles of use, the serpentine belt normally requires inspection and replacement. The inconvenience and potential danger of having a damaged belt can be avoided by being proactive about getting an old belt checked.
What Can Cause Serpentine Belt Failure?
Serpentine belt issues are often brought on by one or more of the following:
- heat and friction exposure over time
- an unreliable belt tensioner
- an incorrectly aligned pulley
- defective bearings in the tensioner, the idler pulley, or even a serpentine belt attachment
If the serpentine belt is out of alignment, premature failure due to unequal drive belt wear may happen.
If the tensioner or pulleys are worn out or damaged, the serpentine belt may become loose and slip off rather than break. Serpentine belt attachments such as the power steering pump or alternator may malfunction due to improper serpentine belt tension.
If the tensioner and pulley system are not serviced, a belt replacement may not be sufficient to resolve a slipping belt issue. Select a trustworthy mechanic who will replace your old belt thoroughly.
What Are The Signs Of A Bad Serpentine Belt?
The serpentine belt shows obvious symptoms of wear well before it breaks, which is good news. Here are a few signs you should watch out for:
- engine noise coming from the car’s engine compartment, maybe caused by a slipping belt
- an unreliable air conditioner or power steering
- an overheated engine in a car
- Belt has chips, cracks, and other damage.
- Lackluster hydraulic belt tensioner, leaking hoses, or other fluid leak
It may be time to have a serpentine belt replacement if you experience any of these symptoms.