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.
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.
Can you replace a serpentine belt yourself?
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 a serpentine belt?
- ratchet and socket set.
- torque wrench.
- new replacement belt.
- new tensioner.
- new pulley.
- wrench set.
- jack and axle stands or ramps.
How do you install a serpentine belt?
- Fan belt replacement: Check the tensioner first. Check for excessive movement. ...
- Check the pulley/roller. Rotate the tensioner and slide the drive belt off the pulley/roller. ...
- Measure wear with an app. ...
- The right tools make it a do-it-yourself project. ...
- Remove the belt with a serpentine belt tool. ...
- Place the new belt.
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 .
What does it sound like when a serpentine belt goes bad?
Although there are a few causes of a squealing engine, one of the most common is a bad or failing serpentine belt. ... Belt squeaking is also especially pronounced when accelerating, on startup, and when making a U-turn. The noise is loud and sounds like a squeal, loud chirp, or squeak .
Can you drive a car 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.
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.
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.
What happens if the serpentine belt breaks while driving?
A broken serpentine belt can lead to a sudden loss of power steering in your car, making your steering very difficult to turn. ... A broken serpentine belt causes the water pump to stop circulating coolant through the engine’s cooling system, causing it to overheat.
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.
How long can you drive with a bad 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.
Can antifreeze damage a serpentine belt?
Yes . Antifreeze will cause damage the rubber compound in the belts. If you do not replace it now then it will slip and may cause the water pump installer to not warranty the work.
Can a serpentine belt cause transmission problems?
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 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.
