When should an engine drive belt be replaced?
Under ideal conditions, a belt should stick with you for an average of 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Pretty impressive. However, some belts are manually tensioned and may need to be adjusted. Others have a self-tensioning mechanism that can experience wear over time and may need to be serviced.
How much should a drive belt tension be?
The average cost for drive belt tensioner replacement is between $236 and $264. Labor costs are estimated between $80 and $100 while parts are priced between $156 and $164. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
What does a serpentine belt going bad sound like?
Symptoms of a broken serpentine belt include loud slapping, squealing or knocking noises coming from under the hood. The battery-shaped charging system warning light might also come on because the alternator will stop charging the battery. If a car has a hydraulic power steering pump, the steering will become stiff.
When is a drive belt should be replaced in your car?
Most cars have one or two drive belts. When a car has only one drive belt, it might be called a serpentine belt. For example, this Ford engine in the first photo has only one drive or ‘serpentine’ belt. The car in the next photo has two drive belts.
How do you remove a serpentine belt from a Mercedes?
Using your 17mm socket, turn the tensioner counterclockwise to remove tension from the belt. Insert your punch or rivet into the tensioner. This will lock the tensioner in place, and keep tension off of the belt. Un-route the belt from the engine pulleys, and out of the engine. Figure 12.
How much does it cost to replace a drive belt tensioner?
It might be a good idea to replace a drive belt tensioner as a preventative maintenance if it shows some wear. Replacing the serpentine belt may cost from $75 to $250, depending on the car. Replacing a belt tensioner together with a belt will add $45-$155 to the total repair bill.
What do you call the belt that drives the engine?
A drive belt is the part that drives all these accessories. The belt itself is driven by a pulley attached to the engine crankshaft. Most cars have one or two drive belts. When a car has only one drive belt, it might be called a serpentine belt.