What does a squeaky serpentine belt mean?

The serpentine belt in your car drives several accessories such as the power steering pump, alternator, air conditioning compressor, and the water pump. When you start to hear that squealing sound, that could mean that your pulley is misaligned, belt is cracked or your belt is slipping due to the loss of tension.

Is it safe to drive with a squeaking belt?

That's why it's recommended that the serpentine belt is replaced early when the squealing symptoms are first noticed. Although it may be safe to drive with the squealing for a few days or weeks, the belt will eventually need to be replaced, and for safety, the earlier it's repaired, the better.

Why is my serpentine belt making a squeaking noise?

The squeak you hear is generally a result of the belt losing its grip on one or more of the pulleys it is designed to spin. It could be a symptom of a worn belt. The contact surface can become worn and smooth, which lowers the friction point and causes the belt to slip.

How much does it cost to replace 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 do I know if I need to replace my serpentine belt?

The easiest way to know that a new serpentine belt is needed is if you hear it squealing while the engine is running. A heavy rainstorm might cause a bit of squealing, but if there are any fluid leaks, it's time to replace it right away.

How to Fix a Squeaky Belt (figure out where the squeak is coming from)

How long can you drive with a bad 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.

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 often do you change a serpentine belt?

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.

Can you spray wd40 on a squeaky belt?

The WD-40® Belt Dressing Spray delivers better grip and traction for all types of old and used belts, including ribbed belts, V-belts and cogged belts. When used regularly and correctly, the drive belt conditioner will eliminate any squeaking and slipping.

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.

Can I change my 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.

Does the serpentine belt affect the 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.

Should you lubricate serpentine belt?

Should I use belt dressing on my serpentine belt? Yes. You should apply it to the grooved side of the belt every 3,000 miles or with every oil change. Doing this will help prolong the life of your belt and prevent any belt slip problems.

How many years does a serpentine belt last?

Under ideal circumstances, you'll get anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles of reliable service from a typical serpentine belt. In terms of years, it may be anywhere from 4 years to an entire decade before you'll need to replace your serpentine belt.

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.

How long can I drive with a squeaky idler pulley?

So, how long can you drive with a bad idler pulley? The safety recommendation is not to drive the car at all and take it to a mechanic immediately. You should be concerned if the vehicle makes squeaking or rattling noises. The car can still run for months or break after a few days.

Will soap stop a squeaky belt?

That's right, ordinary bar soap can usually stop the squealing when rubbed on a fan belt. Just a few rubs on the belt with bar soap can solve the bar squealing problem for quite some time and save money in the process.

Can I use silicone spray on my serpentine belt?

Trusted mechanic suggested spray silicone to quiet squealing belt. Tried it and it worked. Did it several times over a period of about 6 months or so. Serpentine belt broke most of the way across and beat the underhood mat up.

Does serpentine belt make noise?

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.