Why is my new serpentine belt loose?
Often an old spring-loaded automatic belt tensioner seizes up or wears out and becomes weak. Without proper tension a serpentine belt will start slipping. This will cause the belt to wear faster. We have seen seized belt tensioners causing a loose serpentine belt to roll off the tensioner.
What happens if your serpentine belt is loose?
If there is not enough tension, a belt can slip, squeal or run hot. Quick fact: If your serpentine belt is loose, you may have other mechanical problems like under-performing water pump, which can cause the engine to overheat. Avoid performance loss. Bring your ride in as soon as possible.
Why is my belt loose?
Loosen the alternator bolts or the tensioner pulley. A loose drive belt may be the result of stretching over time. If your drive belt has stretched, it should be replaced. Depending on the vehicle, there are a number of ways you may be able to loosen the tension on the drive belt.
How do I know if my serpentine belt is too loose?
The required measure of tension in the serpentine belt is that it should not deflect more than ½ inch when twisted either way from the middle. If twisted more, the belt is loose, and if twisted less, the belt is too tight. Either of the positions does not work for the vehicle.
Why do serpentine belts have to be replaced?
Thanks to improvements in rubber technology, serpentine belts last much longer than they did back in the day. Most serpentine belts generally last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. Eventually, your car’s serpentine belt will wear down from continuous exposure to heat and friction and will need to be replaced.
What is the cost of a serpentine belt replacement?
The costs of replacing a serpentine belt greatly depends on the make/model of the car you drive, the mechanic you hire and where you live. For just the parts, most serpentine belts retail for $15 to $45, but if you needed to hire a mechanic to replace it, then the costs could increase…
What is the average life span of a serpentine belt?
The lifespan of the serpentine belt will depend mostly on the type of material it’s made of. Older style belts generally last about 50,000 miles, while those made from EPDM can last up to 100,000 miles.
How do I put on serpentine belt?
Snap a long-handled ratchet or a serpentine belt tool into the square 1/2-in.-drive or 3/8-in.-drive opening. Or use a socket on the hex-shaped protruding nut. Slowly rotate the tensioner arm as far as it will turn. Then release the tension.