The cost for replacing the serpentine belt varies on the vehicle but is usually between $100 to $350.
The serpentine belt, also called the alternator belt, accessory belt or drive belt, is what connects the engine’s output shaft to the alternator. You’ll notice cracking and fraying if your belt is wearing out, which is a sign that it should be changed.
Before removing the belt, the mechanic must run the engine to regulate if the idler pulley and the belt tensioner are noise-free. Those rotating components have grease filled bearings and are subject to breakage. Moreover, the mechanic will guarantee that all pulleys and accessories are turning in the same plane. These steps help assure your new belt will operate trouble-free for its full-service life.
The belt’s routing path through the various components is noted. The belt tensioner is released, usually with a lever or wrench, to relieve the tension from the belt. With the tension gone, the belt slides off the pulleys.
All rotating components — that is the air conditioner compressor, alternator, etc. — are inspected for smooth operation and no noise.
If everything checks out, the new belt is installed all of the pulleys while holding the tensioner away from the belt. The tensioner is released and the installation is complete once the belt is centered on all pulleys. The engine is run to ensure normal operation.
No. If the belt has visible damage, you risk sudden and unexpected breakage that could possibly leave you stranded. Serpentine belt problems that result in the alternator not charging may cause the battery to discharge, resulting in loss of electrical power to the vehicle. Furthermore, if a worn out belt breaks and that belt drives the water pump, the engine will overheat in a matter of seconds.
An engine timing belt is a fiber reinforced; toothed drive belt manufactured using heavy-duty compounds such as highly saturated nitrile. The timing belt lets the crankshaft to drive the camshafts in the cylinder head at half the RPMs of the crankshaft. The camshafts then open and close the engine’s intake and exhaust valves in time with the movement and position of the pistons in the engine.
Engine designs vary so the replacement procedure will also vary, but broadly, the procedure is as follows:
No, if a worn out timing belt to snap while underway, maybe on a highway, it poses risk of complete loss of engine power while surrounded by fast moving vehicles. You can remove the risk of unexpected and sudden timing belt breakage by having it replaced once your vehicle has reached the suggested replacement mileage for the belt. If your engine is of the interference type, it is particularly important to change the belt according to the maintenance schedule since sudden breakage of the timing belt, while the engine is running, will likely cause substantial damage to internal engine components such as the valves and pistons.