Can I Change My Serpentine Belt Myself?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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You can replace a serpentine belt with ordinary hand tools

. But we don’t recommend it. The spaces are often tight and the belt-driven devices difficult to reach. … The belt placement tool allowed us to remove and properly place the new belt without reaching down into the pulley area.

Should I change my own serpentine belt?

The serpentine belt “snakes” around several components of the engine, transferring mechanical power to nearly every critical part. Under normal conditions, the belt

needs to be replaced every 4 to 6 years

. … When these cracks become bad enough the belt will chunk pieces off and eventually break.

How much does it cost to replace a serpentine belt?

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 do you change a serpentine belt?

You can replace a

serpentine belt with ordinary hand tools

. But we don’t recommend it. The spaces are often tight and the belt-driven devices difficult to reach. … The belt placement tool allowed us to remove and properly place the new belt without reaching down into the pulley area.

What tools do you need to replace serpentine belt?

  1. ratchet and socket set.
  2. torque wrench.
  3. new replacement belt.
  4. new tensioner.
  5. new pulley.
  6. wrench set.
  7. jack and axle stands or ramps.

How long does a serpentine belt take to replace?

Using a serpentine belt tool to loosen the tensioner and a belt placement tool to position the belt, we completed the entire job in

less than 15 minutes

, without breaking a sweat (or a knuckle). The serpentine belt tool comes with an assortment of sockets, making it the perfect choice for all the cars in your family.

How long does a serpentine belt usually 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

. Pretty impressive. However, some belts are manually tensioned and may need to be adjusted.

Will a new serpentine belt improve performance?


Not really

. All of your accessories(power steering, air-conditioning, etc.) put drag on the engine; which is why reducing the load from accessories (via under-drive pulleys or simply disabling the accessories) can help with performance.

Does Walmart replace serpentine belts?


Walmart does replace serpentine belts at some Auto Care Centers

as of 2021. The price can range from $150 – $200 for replacing the serpentine belt, which includes the belt and labor. It is recommended to call your local Walmart Auto Care Center beforehand to see if the store offers this service.

How far can you drive without a serpentine belt?

Grand Poobah. depending on your vehicle a serpentine belt runs your A/C, alternator, and power steering usually. You can go

1/2 a mile without

that. But, in some cars it also runs your water pump.

Can I drive without a serpentine belt?


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.

What causes a serpentine belt to break?

Serpentine belts can fail in a few different ways. … This is usually the result of a belt in poor condition, or a problem with one of the accessory components being driven by the belt.

A failed bearing in a pulley being driven by the serpentine belt

will also cause the belt to break.

What does a worn serpentine belt sound like?

Symptoms of a broken serpentine belt include

loud slapping, squealing or knocking noises coming

from under the hood. The battery-shaped charging system warning light might also come on because the alternator will stop charging the battery. If a car has a hydraulic power steering pump, the steering will become stiff.

How do I know if my serpentine belt is bad?

  1. Squealing noise from the front of the vehicle. If you notice a squealing noise coming from the front of your vehicle, it could be from the serpentine belt. …
  2. Power steering and AC not working. …
  3. Engine overheating. …
  4. Cracks and wear on the belt.

How much does it cost to replace a pulley and serpentine belt?

It is very inexpensive to replace a serpentine belt whether it’s broken or loose. The replacement cost is only going to be

between $100 and $200

in most cases. The belt itself will cost between $25 and $80 while the labor costs will probably be between $75 and $120.

What happens to a car when the serpentine belt breaks?

The serpentine belt is also known as an alternator belt, fan belt, or accessory drive belt. … If your serpentine belt wears out, becomes damaged or contaminated, or

breaks, engine accessories will not be able to spin at the proper speed, leading to decreased power to the electrical system.

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.