Can I replace serpentine belt myself?

Automatic belt tensioners, standard in most cars now, make changing a serpentine belt a simple DIY repair. Follow the clear photos and step-by-step instructions and you'll be done in 15 minutes.

How much does it cost to replace a serpentine belt?

A typical serpentine belt start at around $25 and goes up to $75 at most. If you know some car repair basics, you could change the belt yourself, and it may save you paying labor charges somewhere between $75 and $120. All together, you're looking at around $100 to $195 to replace your serpentine belt.

How long does it take to put a serpentine belt on?

It usually takes approximately thirty minutes for a mechanic to replace a serpentine belt. With the right tools and equipment, an auto mechanic can complete the process within thirty minutes to an hour.

How much does it cost to replace a serpentine?

But what does a serpentine belt replacement cost? Of course, it depends on your make and model as well as labor costs, but in general a replacement serpentine belt costs around $70-$200 (plus taxes and fees), including around $50 for the belt and around $150 for the labor.

How long can a car run without serpentine belt?

There are a couple of factors influencing the answer to this question, but on average, your car should be able to run between 20-90 minutes with a broken serpentine belt. The engine will overheat faster without a functioning cooling system on a hot day, so your driving window is less.

How to Replace a Serpentine Belt

What happens if a serpentine belt breaks while driving?

If a serpentine belt breaks, a car won't be drivable and will have to be towed. If the engine runs without a serpentine belt, it might overheat as the water pump will no longer work. A broken belt can also damage other parts.

Is a car drivable without a serpentine belt?

Most vehicles do not use a serpentine belt to drive the engine's coolant pump, driving such a vehicle without the serpentine belt is possible, but not advised. If however, your vehicle's coolant pump is driven by the serpentine belt, driving without the belt will overheat and damage the engine.

What are the signs of a bad serpentine 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.

Is a serpentine belt the same as a timing belt?

A timing belt has horizontal “teeth” designed to fit the cogwheels of the crankshaft and camshaft. A serpentine belt has multiple V-shaped grooves that run vertically along the belt.

How do you install a serpentine belt?

Using the serp belt placement tool, route the new belt around the belt path. Rotate the tensioner again while you load the belt around it. Wrap the new belt around the crankshaft pulley, then around the grooved pulleys. Finish the job by sliding the belt onto a rounded, non-grooved roller.

What tools do you need to put on a serpentine belt?

What causes a serpentine belt to break?

Serpentine belt problems usually result from one of three causes: a defective belt tensioner; misalignment of a pulley; or, defective bearings in the tensioner, idler, or one of accessories driven by the belt (including the water pump).

How many Serpentine belts are in a car?

There are two belts you need to be familiar with when talking about car maintenance — the serpentine belt and the timing belt. The serpentine belt winds through your engine and carries power to several key components, including the alternator, air conditioning, and power steering pump.

What are the 3 belts in a car?

Will serpentine belt make noise?

Common Serpentine Belt Problems

Worn/Cracked Serpentine Belt – Serpentine belts have grooves which fit into grooves in the pulleys. Over time, the friction wears down these grooves, resulting in a loose fit. A worn belt can, therefore, begin to slip, which is one of the causes the squeal.

Can a bad serpentine belt affect the alternator?

Your air conditioning or power steering may fail to work or not work properly. You may notice your vehicle battery failing to recharge if the alternator is affected by a bad serpentine belt.

Does serpentine belt affect transmission?

A Broken Serpentine Belt Could Ruin the Transmission

If your car's serpentine belt breaks, the transmission could be damaged. Almost as soon as your car's serpentine belt breaks, the engine will begin to overheat. Without the belt running, the water pump won't be able to adequately cool your engine.

What does it sound like when a serpentine belt goes bad?

The serpentine belt (also known as a fan belt, alternator belt, or drive belt) is a critical car component. Hearing a sharp squeaking noise or a loud grinding noise are tell-tale signs of wear. It's your car telling you something's not right, and it may be your car's broken or old belt.

Can you start engine without serpentine belt?

It is true that even if the serpentine belt is broken or missing, your car will start. Your starter motor is powered by the battery to start the car. The serpentine belt, however, is necessary if you want the car to run for longer than a few minutes at a time.

How long should a serpentine belt last?

How often does a serpentine belt need to be replaced? Serpentine belts are built to last—much longer than before because of advancements in rubber technology. Under ideal conditions, a belt should stick with you for an average of 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Pretty impressive.

Can a broken serpentine belt cause engine damage?

Since the serpentine belt helps provide power to cool the engine, a faulty belt can cause the car engine to overheat as the water pump will not turn. As soon as the engine begins to overheat, have it inspected by a mechanic as it can cause a breakdown and cause engine damage if left overheated.

What problems can a loose serpentine belt cause?

How do I know if my drive belt needs to be replaced?