Is it hard to change a drive belt?
Serpentine belt replacement is easy because today’s automatic drive belt tensioners eliminate the need to loosen bolts or pry components into position for retensioning. Just rotate the tensioner, remove the old belt and install a new one.
How much does it cost to change car drive belts?
It provides the power necessary for the air conditioning, alternator, power steering, and the cooling system water pump. The average driving belt replacement cost is generally between $120 and $160 for the placement job, with the parts costing about $60 and the labor costing around $80.
What happens when you change your drive belt?
Also, if your car has hydraulic power steering, you will lose the steering assist, as the power steering pump will be disabled. In addition, the alternator will stop supplying electric power that is needed to recharge the car battery and run the vehicle electric systems. Old vs new drive belt. See larger photo.
How much does it cost to replace a drive belt?
One of the symptoms of a loose drive belt is a loud squealing or screeching noise that lasts for a few seconds after the engine is started. Often, drive belts are replaced as a kit with the new tensioner and other hardware. Replacing the serpentine belt may cost from $75 to $250, depending on the car.
Where is the accessory drive belt on a car?
Most vehicles have a rubber belt on the front of the engine that drives accessories such as the air-conditioning compressor, power steering pump and alternator. If this accessory drive belt (also called a V-belts or serpentine belts) breaks, the battery won’t get charged,…
Why does a loose drive belt make a screeching noise?
To work properly, a drive belt must be under proper tension. In older cars, the belt tension had to be adjusted manually in regular intervals. One of the symptoms of a loose drive belt is a loud screeching noise that lasts for a few seconds after the engine was started.