A serpentine belt is a vital part of your car’s engine. It is responsible for transferring power from the crankshaft to various parts of your car such as the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and water pump.
Without a properly functioning serpentine belt, your car will not run smoothly and may even break down. In this article, we will discuss what a serpentine belt really is. And what does a serpentine belt do? Where is the serpentine belt, and how long does your serpentine belt last?
What Does A Serpentine Belt Do?
A serpentine belt delivers power to your alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. In some cases, it also supplies power to your water pump. In most cases, it features a serpentine belt tensioner that ensures your serpentine belt is at the optimum tension to move power around your engine blow efficiently.
What Is a Serpentine Belt? A serpentine belt is a long, winding rubber single belt that runs around several pulleys, as opposed to multiple belts that are used to drive each accessory individually.
The serpentine belt is connected to the crankshaft pulley, which is driven by the engine. From there, the belt runs around other pulleys that are connected to various accessories, such as the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor.
This allows the engine to power all of these accessories at the same time, rather than having multiple belts that need to be installed and maintained.
The serpentine belt is designed to be efficient and durable, and it typically lasts for several years. However, over time, the belt can wear out, become loose, or even break. A worn or damaged serpentine belt can cause the engine to lose power, or cause the accessories to fail.
To ensure that the serpentine belt is running at the correct tension, most vehicles have a serpentine belt tensioner. This is a spring-loaded arm that applies pressure to the belt, keeping it tight as it runs around the pulleys.
The tensioner also helps to keep the belt in proper alignment, which can help to prolong its life of the belt.
It’s worth mentioning that in some cases, the serpentine belt also supplies power to the water pump which is responsible for circulating the coolant through the engine and the radiator. This is why a serpentine belt failure is a problem for the accessories and the engine’s cooling system.
Serpentine Belt Diagram
The purpose of a serpentine belt diagram is to provide a visual representation of the belt’s routing for reference during installation, maintenance, or replacement of the belt.
It can also be useful for identifying which pulley or component a squealing or slipping belt may be associated with.
It’s important to consult the owner’s manual or a repair manual for your specific make and model for the correct serpentine belt routing diagram, as routing can vary between different vehicles.
How long does a serpentine belt last?
On average, a serpentine belt can last between 60,000 to 100,000 miles or 5 to 7 years, according to West Brook Toyota. However, if the belt is exposed to extreme heat, cold, or chemicals, it may need to be replaced sooner.
The lifespan of a serpentine belt can vary depending on several factors such as the make and model of the vehicle, the quality of the belt, and the driving conditions.
It is recommended to check the condition of the serpentine belt at regular intervals, such as during routine vehicle maintenance, and to replace it if it appears to be worn or damaged.
However, some belts are manually tensioned and may need to be adjusted. Others have a self-tensioning mechanism that can experience wear over time and may need to be serviced. One thing to remember: in most cases, if the belt breaks, the vehicle will stop running.
Common Signs of a Failing Serpentine Belt
A failing serpentine belt is pretty serious. If the belt snaps, you’ll find that the car becomes more challenging to drive, and if it snaps under high tension, it can damage other critical systems, too.
Here are five ways you’ll know it’s time to replace your serpentine belt:
#1. Your Air Conditioning is Not Working.
If your air conditioner suddenly stops working, this could be the issue. You should notice that the aircon is not functioning and there will be no noise coming from it. There will also not be any cold air escaping from the vents.
Several things could prevent the AC from working but check the accessory drive belt just in case.
#2. Squealing Sounds.
If it sounds as though your car’s practicing for a hog-calling contest, check the serpentine belt immediately. It usually occurs when the belt is slipping or hasn’t been aligned properly and is often most noticeable on a cold morning before the engine warms up.
Both situations are simple fixes—tighten the belt and make sure that it lines up perfectly. Other situations would mean buying a new belt instead.
#3. No Power Steering.
A loss of power in the steering mechanism can be a little scary. It’s as though your car becomes impossible to steer overnight. Power steering is great when it’s working, but when something goes wrong, you feel as though you’re driving an unwieldy tank.
While it’s possible to drive without power steering (most older cars didn’t have it), it takes a lot of effort, especially at low speeds. A faulty power steering pump or lack of fluid may be the culprits, but it’s worth checking your serpentine belt.
#4. Overheated Engine.
In cars where the belt drives the water pump, this issue is common. If the belt breaks, then the water pump won’t work, and the engine will overheat. If you carry on driving with this problem, you’re looking for trouble.
If you must drive to the mechanic, keep a close eye on the temperature. Drive slowly and carefully to prevent the engine from overheating and seizing. The safest bet is to have the car towed—it costs a bit more, but not as much as a new engine.
#5. Belt is Cracked.
A quick maintenance inspection every few weeks or when you get your oil changed is wise. Check the belts and other components in the car. Do some need to be tightened? Or replaced?
If you see that the serpentine belt is cracked or damaged, it’s time to get a new one. You could wait until the belt snaps, but that’s risking even more damage to your car.
The belt is fairly easy to change in most cases and not that expensive. No excuse warrants putting off this repair.
What Happens to A Car When the Serpentine Belt Breaks?
If your serpentine belt wears out, is damaged, dirty, or breaks, engine accessories will not be able to rotate at the correct speed, resulting in reduced electrical system performance.
This can result in a sudden loss of power assistance to the steering system, causing the steering wheel to suddenly become very difficult to turn. A broken serpentine belt can prevent the water pump from circulating coolant through the cooling system, causing the engine to overheat.
And it can cause the alternator to stop producing power to run the vehicle’s electrical/electronic systems and recharge the battery – the headlights dim, the radio doesn’t work and the battery dies.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Serpentine Belt?
The cost of the serpentine belt itself could be around $50 and the cost of labor could be around $150. As a result, a serpentine belt cost for replacement could range from $70 to $200 depending on your exact model and where you get it replaced.
However, for luxury or high-end vehicles, the cost can be significantly higher. For example, the cost for a serpentine belt replacement on a luxury vehicle can range from $200 to $600.
It’s also important to note that the serpentine belt is not a standalone part and it may require other components to be replaced as well, such as the idler pulley or the tensioner, which can add to the overall cost.
It’s always recommended to check with a certified mechanic or dealership for a specific quote, as prices can vary depending on location, vehicle make and model, the year of the car, and the labor rate of the mechanic.
Should I Replace the Belt Myself?
Whether or not to replace a serpentine belt yourself depends on your level of mechanical experience and the tools you have available.
If you are comfortable working on vehicles and have access to the necessary tools, replacing a serpentine belt can be a relatively simple task. However, it’s important to have a good understanding of the process and the proper tools, such as a serpentine belt tool, to ensure that the job is done correctly.
If you are not comfortable working on vehicles, it’s best to have a professional mechanic replace the belt for you. This will ensure that the job is done correctly and will also prevent any potential damage to other components of your vehicle.
It’s also important to note that in some vehicles, the serpentine belt is difficult to access and requires special tools or knowledge to be replaced. It’s always best to check the vehicle’s repair manual or consult a professional mechanic before attempting to replace the serpentine belt on your own.