How to replace the serpentine belt on a water pump?
Examine the idler pulleys and the pulleys for the water pump, alternator, smog pump, air conditioner compressor and any other accessories for wobble or deflection. After which, you can now install the new belt. Make sure you line up all belt ribs in the pulley grooves, and do not allow the belt to be twisted.
How often should you replace the serpentine belt?
It is important to know how often replace serpentine belt, because driving on an old belt is a disaster waiting to happen as it powers all of an engine’s accessories. This simply means that whenever your belt breaks, slips and, ultimately wears out, everything from the power steering pump to the alternator and air conditioner will stop working.
How can I increase the tension on my serpentine belt?
Increase the tension on the belt. 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.
What does the serpentine belt do on a car?
In most modern vehicles, it drives the air conditioning, power steering, water pump, and alternator – charging the battery and providing additional electrical power. On older vehicles, these various components are often powered by multiple belts.
Examine the idler pulleys and the pulleys for the water pump, alternator, smog pump, air conditioner compressor and any other accessories for wobble or deflection. After which, you can now install the new belt. Make sure you line up all belt ribs in the pulley grooves, and do not allow the belt to be twisted.
When is the best time to replace a serpentine belt?
This is a good time to look for oil leaks, too. Oil can increase wear on serpentine belts. Most importantly, take the tensioner pulley and any idler pulleys (these are pulleys that do not drive anything, like Power Steering) and give them a spin.
How is the tension set on a serpentine belt?
Depending on the application, your serpentine belt will either have tension placed on it using a movable bracket or an auto tensioner pulley. This pulley uses an internal spring to apply consistent pressure to the belt at all times. If your vehicle does not have a tensioner pulley, the alternator bracket is likely how tension is set on the belt.
How did the serpentine belt get its name?
The serpentine belt is aptly named for the way it snakes around the pulleys inside the engine bay. This long, winding rubber belt powers many of the important systems of your vehicle by transferring power from the engine’s crankshaft to the accessory pulleys.