What do you need to know about the serpentine belt?
However, we’ll break it down for you in this article. The serpentine belt assists to keep the essential parts of the vehicle operator and some of these parts include the air conditioning, water pump, alternator, and many others. It is a long rubber belt that moves power to the different accessories of the engine.
How do you remove a serpentine belt from a battery?
Use the appropriate sized wrench or socket to loosen the nut holding the black ground cable on the negative terminal of the battery. Slide the cable off of the terminal and tuck it to the side of the battery. You will not need to disconnect the positive terminal. Locate the serpentine belt.
Why are my serpentine belts squealing after replacing?
Just replaced both serpentine belts in my car, was not running into any kind of squealing before, but had not replaced the belts yet and the car was up to 90k miles. After replacing the belts, they started squealing.
Can a belt be removed from a car alternator?
The alternator actually pivots around the lower bolt, so you can remove the belt. The other bolt will be in a slot not a round hole, and the position of the bolt in the slot adjusts the belt tension. You didn’t tension the belt enough when you refitted the alternator.
When should you replace the serpentine belt?
Most serpentine belts need to be replaced every 40,000 to 70,000 miles. If there are signs of the belt rubbing on something, make sure to identify and repair whatever it was rubbing on to avoid damaging the new belt.
What are the symptoms of a bad serpentine belt?
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Serpentine/ Drive Belt . Common signs include a squealing noise from the front of the vehicle, power steering and AC not working, engine overheating, and cracks on the belt.
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.
Why is my alternator squealing?
Alternators don’t squeal. They can hum, but a squeal is caused by a slipping belt. A “hum” can be caused by a bad alternator bearing or burnt diodes.
By inspecting your serpentine belt regularly, you can prevent breakdowns or driving mishaps. The serpentine belt controls the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, crankshaft, and with equipped models, the air conditioner compressor.
Can a serpentine belt be replaced on a Pontiac Sunfire?
Although it may look like a complex component in the engine, the serpentine belt in a Pontiac Sunfire is not all that difficult to replace provided you have a couple of proper tools. By inspecting your serpentine belt regularly, you can prevent breakdowns or driving mishaps.
What kind of pulley system does a Pontiac use?
Butler Performance Inc. – Pulleys & Serpentine Belt Systems Pulley systems and serpentine belt systems are not only functional but can really add a finished high end look to your engine. We carry brands such as March that offer a variety of billet, chrome, and painted systems for your Pontiac. Select a Sub-Category View
How do you remove a belt from an alternator?
Remove the belt from the alternator pulley. With the belt off the alternator, work it off the other pulleys and extract it from the engine. You may need to remove the tool to get the belt off. Compare the size of your old belt to the new one in order to ensure you purchased the correct belt.
How do you remove a serpentine belt from a car?
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. If the belt is severely damaged, be sure to remove any parts that may have come off of it as well.
Can a power steering pump work without a serpentine belt?
Some of the main accessories include a power steering pump, alternator, air conditioning compressor, and water pump. However, these devices cannot function properly without the help of a serpentine belt. This one long continuous belt is the force that drives many of the engine’s peripheral devices.
Are there serpentine belts at Sun Auto Service?
Yes, Sun Auto Service has a team of ASE-certified technicians who install quality and durable serpentine belts to keep your vehicle running at its best. Our serpentine belts are constructed of the best rubber compounds for heavy-duty protection.
How much does it cost to replace a serpentine belt?
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 to anywhere from the shop minimum, often around $75 to as much as $200 if the part is difficult to access and/or install for both the parts and the professional install.
Importance of Serpentine Belt Maintenance. The serpentine belt, also known as the drive belt, is made of rubber. It connects the AC, power steering, and alternator to the engine’s crankshaft. The crankshaft sends power to each of these systems as well as the vehicle’s air injection pump.
This includes the air-conditioner compressor, water pump and alternator. Not only that, but all the parts it controls can become severely damaged. The belt replacement cost is quite minimal compared to the damage that could occur if you leave a malfunctioning belt in your vehicle.
What causes a crankshaft pulley to shred a belt?
If a bearing goes bad on one of those pulleys, it tends to tilt, and that could cause the belt to shred. RAY The worst possibility (for you — if your mechanic has kids with tuition payments due, this will be good news for him) is the crankshaft pulley itself.
Why is my belt shredding on my car?
It was fine, but then the serpentine belt began to shred. I replaced it, and the new one began to shred, too. I noticed that the belt was shifting off of the pulley that is located on the crankshaft. It wasn’t moving much, but it had moved exactly one groove closer to the engine. I tried another new belt and tightened it more.