The engine in your car has many roles to fill. … The serpentine belt – sometimes referred to as the fan belt, alternator belt, or accessory drive belt – is
used to spin, or “drive,” several components attached to the engine
. It drives the alternator that powers the electrical system and recharges the battery.
What happens when a drive belt goes bad?
That means when your belt breaks, slips and, ultimately, wears out, everything—from the power steering pump to the alternator and air conditioner—stops working. What's more, the parts it controls can become severely damaged.
Broken hoses and belts
are bad; a damaged engine is even worse.
What is a drive belt Nissan Altima?
The engine in your car has many roles to fill. … The serpentine belt – sometimes referred to as the fan belt, alternator belt, or accessory drive belt – is
used to spin, or “drive,” several components attached to the engine
. It drives the alternator that powers the electrical system and recharges the battery.
How do I know if my drive belt is 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.
How much does it cost to replace a drive belt?
The driving belt replacement cost is usually just
between $100 and $200
in most cases, with the belt and part itself costing between $28 and $80, while the labor costs will be between $75 and $120 total.
How much does it cost to replace serpentine belt Nissan Altima?
The average cost for a Nissan Altima serpentine belt replacement is
between $94 and $115
. Labor costs are estimated between $50 and $65 while parts are priced between $44 and $50.
How much is a serpentine belt for a 2009 Nissan Altima?
2009 Nissan/Datsun Altima Belt – from
$13.99+
| AutoZone.com.
Can I drive my car if the serpentine belt is broken?
Basically, you
should be able to drive it to a safe space where it can be towed or repaired
. If the belt is snapped and dangling in the engine compartment, remove it before moving the vehicle to prevent further damage.
How often should you change your drive belt?
A good rule of thumb is to replace your V-Belt every 30,000 miles, while your serpentine belt and timing belt should be replaced
every 50,000
, although these numbers vary depending on the make and model of your car. Hoses should typically be replaced every four years.
When should I replace my drive belt?
It is often beneficial to change the drive belts in your car
approximately every 60,000 to 100,000 miles
. By undergoing annual car inspections, you can have your drive belts evaluated. If any signs of damage or severe wear and tear are identified, the belts can be replaced.
Is drive belt same as timing belt?
The timing belt is responsible for making sure the engine's crankshaft, pistons, and valves operating insync or in time. … The drive belt is responsible for using the engine's revolutions to drive the power steering pump, a/c compressor, alternator, water pump, and other belt driven accessories.
Is a serpentine belt the same as a timing belt?
Timing Belt. Don't get confused—
a serpentine belt is not the same thing as a timing belt
. … The timing belt is located inside the engine and keeps the crankshaft and camshaft in sync. This ensures that the engine intake and exhaust valves open and close in time with the pistons so the engine runs smoothly.
Is it easy to replace drive belt?
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.
Do Nissan Altimas have bad transmissions?
The worst problems with the Altima have to do with
its continuously variable transmission (CVT)
. Owners complain about delayed throttle response and feeling a shudder or jerking sensation when accelerating. … The previous Nissan Altima generation (2007 to 2012) is also prone to poor CVT operation and failure.
What does it sound like when a serpentine belt goes bad?
Think you might have a bad serpentine belt? A telltale sign is that the engine squealing comes from the front of the vehicle and that it persists. 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
.
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.
