What terms describe a serpentine belt?
Whether it is sometimes referred to as a fan belt, alternator belt, or water pump belt, it is most properly called an accessory drive belt, V belt, or serpentine belt. Each vehicle has its own belt configuration, depending on its engine and optional accessories.
How is a serpentine belt used in an engine?
Belt tensioner providing pressure against the back of a serpentine belt in an automobile engine. A serpentine belt is a single, continuous belt used to drive multiple peripheral devices in an automotive engine, such as an alternator, power steering pump, water pump, air conditioning compressor, air pump, etc.
How can I tell if my serpentine belt is bad?
So, if it’s worn out, it will start slipping over the alternator pulley and the alternator won’t be able to produce enough electric power. This symptom of a serpentine belt problem is notorious for being hard to recognize. In most cases, there will be no sounds or visible symptoms. To make things even harder, even the battery light doesn’t come up.
What kind of pulley is used on a belt?
The belt may also be guided by an idler pulley and/or a belt tensioner (which may be spring-loaded, hydraulic, or manual). To allow the belt to pass over more than three pulleys with a large enough wrap angle to avoid slipping, idler pulleys which press against the back of the belt are included, forcing the belt into a serpentine shape.
Why does my serpentine belt slip in the morning?
Very small amounts of water appear on the serpentine belt in the morning acting as sort of lubricant, causing the belt to slip. This, combined with the beginning of belt material fatigue will cause this sound. It usually disappears once the belt warms up a bit (like 10 to 20 seconds after the engine is started).
What is the best quality serpentine belt?
Short Reviews of 5 Best Serpentine Belts 1. Gates K060841 Serpentine Belt/Fan Belt 2. ACDelco 6K930 Professional V-Ribbed Serpentine Belt 3. Bando 6PK2135 OEM Quality Serpentine Belt 4. Continental Elite 4061025 Poly-V / Serpentine Belt 5. Motorcraft JK6982D Serpentine Belt
How much should it cost to replace a serpentine belt?
RepairPal.com notes the average cost of a serpentine belt replacement can cost anywhere from $76 to $164, with labor estimates in the $35 and $100 range, whereas parts could cost $41 to $64. A few members on Slickdeals.net talked about the costs they had paid for their serpentine belt,…
What is the function of a serpentine belt?
What Is the Purpose of a Serpentine Belt? Electrical. The serpentine belt plays a major role in a car’s electrical charging system. Mechanical. The serpentine belt powers several mechanical components on a car, according to Auto Upkeep. Requirements. The serpentine belt can only fulfill its purpose if held under the correct tension. Significance. Considerations.
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.