A loose or worn belt will cause ticking or rattling noises, poor engine performance and overheating,
usually triggering the check engine light
.
What are the signs of a failing drive belt?
- Flickering lights on start up.
- Failure to start.
- Dimmed headlights.
- Continuously illuminated amperage light.
What happens when a drive belt is worn?
If a drive belt breaks,
you won’t be able to drive your car
. This is because the engine will overheat if the water pump is not running. If your car has a hydraulic power steering, you will also lose the steering assist, as the power steering pump will be disabled.
When should I replace my drive belt?
Under ideal circumstances, your car’s serpentine belt should last
60,000–100,000 miles
. It’s important to replace this belt as part of your vehicle’s scheduled maintenance (even if it looks okay) to avoid it breaking while you’re on the road.
Can a bad serpentine belt cause battery light to come on?
A failing alternator belt can cause the Battery Light to turn on
, dimming or flickering lights in the car, and engine stalls.
How much is a serpentine belt replacement?
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 does a drive belt last?
Diligent Minneapolis drivers are smart to ask themselves, “How long does a serpentine belt last?” Serpentine belts, also called drive belts or accessory drive belts, are constructed of tough rubber, but that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. Typically, serpentine belts last anywhere from
50,000 to 100,000 miles
.
What does it sound like when your serpentine belt is going out?
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 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 serious is a cracked drive belt?
Cracks and rot are, of course, indications that you should replace the drive belt.
Any crack that’s more than halfway through the belt has to be replaced immediately
. If your drive belt is damaged, don’t take chances. You could drive for miles without a problem, or you could end up stranded by the side of the road.
Can you drive with a broken 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 do you test a drive belt on a car?
- Look for cracks, fraying, or splits on the top cover.
- Look for signs of glazing on the belt’s sides. Glazed or slick belts can slip, overheat or crack.
- Twist a serpentine belt to look for separating layers, cracks, or missing chunks of the grooves on the underside.
How much does an engine belt cost?
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.
Is drive belt same as timing belt?
A timing belt makes sure that the engine’s pistons, valves, and crankshaft, and camshaft are in time or operating in sync. On the other hand, the drive belt is responsible for using the engine’s revolutions to drive the belt-driven accessories like the alternator, water pump, AC compressor, and power steering pump.
What is the belt that charges car battery?
What does an
alternator belt
do? The alternator belt’s job, or drive belt, is to transfer power from the engine crankshaft to various other components; these include the alternator (of course), the air conditioning and the power steering.
How long does it take to replace a serpentine belt?
It can take anything from
15 minutes to an hour
(two at the most) to repair or replace a bad serpentine belt with a new belt.
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.
What happens when a serpentine belt fails?
Some vehicles’ water pumps, radiator fans, and power brakes are also dependent on the serpentine 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
.
How much play should a drive belt have?
While pushing down, measure how far down the belt goes. 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.
What causes a drive belt to crack?
Excessive cracking is usually caused by
old age
. 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. The tensioner is spring-loaded to keep the belt tight on the pulleys.
