Serpentine belt replacement is easy
because today’s automatic drive belt tensioners eliminate the need to loosen bolts or pry components into position for retensioning. Just rotate the tensioner, remove the old belt and install a new one.
How much does it cost to replace a fan 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 long does it take to replace a belt?
(Remember, every car is different, and changing the belt on certain cars may require special tools.) Changing the belt should only take
about 15 minutes
. Make sure the car is switched off and cooled down before touching any part of the engine. Read your belt routing diagram.
What happens if your fan belt breaks while driving?
Serpentine belt failure can cause your car’s power steering system to fail. It can also cause your alternator or water pump to cease to work. … When the serpentine belt completely breaks,
your engine will stall which is not only dangerous
, it is also inconvenient.
Can you drive with a bad fan belt?
The short answer is
yes
, your car will start even if the serpentine belt is broken or missing. To get the car going, the battery sends power to your starter motor. The starter motor provides enough power to get your engine moving and the combustion process started.
How do you know when a serpentine belt is going bad?
- 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. …
- Power steering and AC not working. …
- Engine overheating. …
- Cracks and wear on the belt.
When should a fan belt be replaced?
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
.
What causes a fan 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.
Can a car run without 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. … Without the serpentine belt, the power steering pump, which provides hydraulic pressure, no longer functions.
Will a broken timing belt destroy my engine?
If a timing belt breaks,
the engine will no longer work
. … This may result in a heavy damage to the engine with broken or bent valves, damaged pistons and, possibly, destroyed cylinder head and block.
What does a broken fan 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. … This causes the belt to start slipping from time to time.
How long do fan belts last?
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
.
How long will a squealing belt last?
Thanks to improvements in rubber technology, serpentine belts last much longer than they did back in the day. Most serpentine belts generally last
between 50,000 and 100,000 miles
. Eventually, your car’s serpentine belt will wear down from continuous exposure to heat and friction and will need to be replaced.
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.
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.
Can I replace serpentine belt myself?
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.
