How often should you replace the serpentine belt?
On average, serpentine belts should last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. However, if you’re only putting a few thousand miles annually on your vehicle, don’t use that mileage interval as the sole guide for when to replace the serpentine belt.
How can you tell if your serpentine belt is bad?
5) Visible Cracks on Belt. The serpentine belt is easy to access in most cars. If you want to know if your belt is bad, simply open the hood and look at the belt for yourself. If you notice visible cracks or damage to anywhere on the belt, this means the belt is bad and needs to be replaced right away.
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.
Can a car run without a serpentine belt?
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. There is usually a belt tensioner or idler pulley to guide the belt as it moves. What is a Serpentine Belt? What is a Serpentine Belt?
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.
Why is a serpentine belt problem so important?
So, this is why noticing and solving a serpentine belt problem on time is so important. Neglecting it may cause major failure and damage to your car (loss of electric power, loss of power steering, overheating or else). If you want a more thorough definition about the serpentine belt, click here for a great one on Wikipedia.
Where do you find the serpentine belt on a car?
A serpentine belt, also called an accessory belt, is the main engine belt that you see when you open up the hood of your car. These belts are easily identifiable by their distinct ridges that run the length of the belt on one side.
Is the water pump driven by the serpentine belt?
Another important device driven by the serpentine belt is the water pump. This is not always the case as on a lot of cars the water pump is driven by the timing belt. You should have this in mind so you don’t falsely “accuse” the serpentine belt for overheating.
On average, serpentine belts should last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. However, if you’re only putting a few thousand miles annually on your vehicle, don’t use that mileage interval as the sole guide for when to replace the serpentine belt.
So, this is why noticing and solving a serpentine belt problem on time is so important. Neglecting it may cause major failure and damage to your car (loss of electric power, loss of power steering, overheating or else). If you want a more thorough definition about the serpentine belt, click here for a great one on Wikipedia.
Another important device driven by the serpentine belt is the water pump. This is not always the case as on a lot of cars the water pump is driven by the timing belt. You should have this in mind so you don’t falsely “accuse” the serpentine belt for overheating.
Why does my serpentine belt make a screeching sound?
The belt slides over a motionless pulley causing extensive friction, heat and the recognizable sound. The screeching sound may also be caused by a severely worn out serpentine belt (in this case, it must be nearly pulverized).
What are serpentine belts on a 1998 Oldsmobile?
Most four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines used in the 1998 Oldsmobile lineup feature serpentine belts. These are one-piece belts that run the alternator, A/C compressor, power steering and water pump. These belts are easier to remove and last longer than ordinary V-belts.
How do you tighten a serpentine belt on a car?
If your vehicle does not have an auto tensioner, insert a pry bar or piece of wood between the alternator and the engine. Run the belt over the alternator pulley, then use the bar to pry the alternator away from the engine and increase the tension on the belt. Tighten the bolts again as you apply tension.
Is there a enhancement kit for the serpentine belt?
Included is the belt diagram and details about the enhancement kit now available. I’m also including information from a technical bulletin showing how the dealers were fixing this issue.
How long does it take to replace a serpentine belt?
For professional automotive technicians with the right tools and training the replacement of a serpentine belt usually takes about 30 min to an hour. This time varies by the make, model, and year of vehicle that you’re driving as some take longer than others.
How do I know if my serpentine belt needs replaced?
Look for signs of damage or wear on the belt. Once you have located the serpentine belt, inspect it visually for signs of damage. If the belt is frayed, coming apart, or has marks that indicate that it has been rubbing on something, it will need to be replaced.
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.
How do you loosen a serpentine belt?
Less than half a turn is too much tension, and more than half a turn is not enough. If you wish to remove the serpentine belt, simply loosen one of the pulleys with a ratchet and socket, and slip the belt off with your hands.
Serpentine belts can last for years and might only need to be changed once or twice over the life of the vehicle. The recommended industry standard is to inspect your belt at 60,000 miles for wear & tear and replace if necessary, and replace every 90,000 miles regardless of the appearance in order to reduce the chances of a breakdown.
How easy is it to change the serpentine belt?
How to Replace Your Serpentine Belt Note the placement of belt. Serpentine belts have that name for a reason. Loosen and unthread the belt. Before removing the belt, you’ll need to release the tensioner, which automatically keeps the belt taut while you’re driving. Check for damage. After removing the belt, inspect it for signs of damage. Install the new belt. …
Look for signs of damage or wear on the belt. Once you have located the serpentine belt, inspect it visually for signs of damage. If the belt is frayed, coming apart, or has marks that indicate that it has been rubbing on something, it will need to be replaced.
How do you remove a serpentine belt?
To remove the serpentine belt, release tension off of the tensioner. Then grab the serpentine belt between the a/c compressor and alternator just pull it off. You do not need to take it far off.
Serpentine belts can last for years and might only need to be changed once or twice over the life of the vehicle. The recommended industry standard is to inspect your belt at 60,000 miles for wear & tear and replace if necessary, and replace every 90,000 miles regardless of the appearance in order to reduce the chances of a breakdown.
How to Replace Your Serpentine Belt Note the placement of belt. Serpentine belts have that name for a reason. Loosen and unthread the belt. Before removing the belt, you’ll need to release the tensioner, which automatically keeps the belt taut while you’re driving. Check for damage. After removing the belt, inspect it for signs of damage. Install the new belt.
To remove the serpentine belt, release tension off of the tensioner. Then grab the serpentine belt between the a/c compressor and alternator just pull it off. You do not need to take it far off.