If the belts are too tight, they can put a strain on the shaft (and its bearing) of the alternator, power-steering pump and even the water pump.
What happens if the serpentine belt is to tight?
If the belt is too tight, it will cause excessive side loads and overheat the bearings . This in turn causes noise, decreased output and even the seizing of the alternator. If the belt is too loose, it will cause the alternator to slip.
Can a bad serpentine belt cause loss of power?
If the serpentine belt completely fails and breaks, then your car will break down . In addition, you will notice a loss of power steering, the air conditioning will not work, and the engine will no longer be able to be cooled like it should be.
How do I know if my serpentine belt is tight enough?
The required measure of tension in the serpentine belt is that it should not deflect more than 1⁄2 inch when twisted either way from the middle. If twisted more, the belt is loose, and if twisted less, the belt is too tight. Either of the positions does not work for the vehicle.
Can a belt tensioner be to tight?
There are two scenarios for improper belt tensioning: too tight and too loose . When a v-belt is too tight: If a belt is too tight in a system, it can add stress to your bearings. The added stress to bearings can result into over amperage of your motor and potential motor failure.
How long can a car run without serpentine belt?
How long will my car run with a broken serpentine belt? There are a few variables involved in the answer, but it should be able to run between 20 to 90 minutes . If it is a hot summer day, your engine can overheat very quickly without the coolant being pumped through the radiator.
Does serpentine belt affect timing?
A serpentine belt may power the air conditioning, alternator and power steering pump on your car. ... A slipping timing belt will affect the engine timing , resulting in the valves opening at the wrong time. This can result in decreased performance and even engine damage if left untreated.
Can a serpentine belt stretch?
Serpentine belts stretch with age and use ; as time goes on, the rubber becomes dryer and less pliable making cracking more prevalent. However, cracking can also be caused by a defective tensioner. ... If a belt starts slipping, the tensioner should always be checked to see if it is functioning properly.
How tight should car belts be?
For most vehicles, the belt should not be able to be pressed down more than 1⁄2 inch . If it can be pressed lower, then the belt is too loose. Note: Manufacturers have their own specifications for how much deflection can be found in the belt.
What are the symptoms of a bad belt tensioner?
- Rust bleed and cracks. Appearance: Rust is bleeding between arm and base or dripping from the tensioner. ...
- Pulley bearing wear. ...
- Pulley wear. ...
- Tensioner assembly misalignment. ...
- Tensioner noise. ...
- Tensioner arm misalignment. ...
- Excessive tensioner arm oscillation. ...
- Binding or grinding tensioner arm movement.
How do you test a belt tensioner?
Listen for squealing noises within the engine when it is running . While there are many causes for squealing sounds within an engine, a bad belt tensioner is a likely culprit. Usually you will hear the squealing when the engine is idling at a low speed, and it will fade away as the engine revs up.
How much does it cost to tighten serpentine belt?
More good news: serpentine belts are inexpensive compared to other car parts and components. A professional mechanic will normally charge between $75 and $120 in labor to remove the old belt and replace it with a new one.
How do you tighten a timing belt tensioner pulley?
To even out the tension in the belt, use a spanner or socket wrench on the crankshaft-pulley bolt and turn the crankshaft two full turns clockwise . Tighten the locking bolt first to hold the tensioner in its new position. Tighten the pivot-spring bolt , which has a precise torque setting.
What damage can a broken serpentine belt cause?
A broken serpentine belt stops the water pump from circulating coolant (antifreeze) through the cooling system , and the engine can overheat – anywhere! A broken serpentine belt stops the alternator from generating power to operate the vehicle’s electric (and electronic) systems and recharge the battery.
Can I drive with serpentine belt off?
Under no circumstances can you drive a vehicle without a serpentine belt because the serpentine belt serves the important function of delivering antifreeze to important parts of the engine. The serpentine belt drives the water pump, and without it, there is insufficient coolant flow to maintain the engine temperature.
How many years will a serpentine belt last?
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 .
