How to replace a serpentine belt tensioner in under 20 minutes?
Begin with the vehicle on level ground, engine cold (off) in park with the emergency brake set. Step 1 – To begin, some front wheel drive vehicles need to have the engine supported before tensioner removal. Rear wheel drive vehicles can omit step 1 through 4.
How often should I replace my V-belt?
Serpentine belts last a lot longer than older V-belts ever did, but they still wear out over time. The typical replacement interval for serpentine belts and flat belts today is around 90,000 miles – which for many vehicles means only once every seven to nine years!
How to know if your belt tensioner is bad?
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Belt Tensioner 1 Squeaking or Grinding Noise. 2 Unusual Belt Wear. 3 Failure of the Belt-driven Accessories to Operate. 4 Bleeding Rust and Presence of Cracks. 5 Excessive Wear of Pulley Bearing. 6 Visible Signs of Pulley Wear. 7 Excessive Sideward Movement of the Tensioner Arm. 8 Loss of Tensioner Spring Force.
When to replace serpentine belts on a radiator?
Recommend new hoses (and clamps) if a customer is changing a water pump, radiator or heater core. Serpentine belts can be tricky to replace because of the way in which they are routed and because of limited access in a tight engine compartment.
How expensive is it to replace a serpentine belt?
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 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.
How often should you replace the serpentine belt?
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.