Was it the serpentine belt? (2023)

Asked By: Mr. Dr. Percival Lockman

Rating: 4.4/5(59 votes)

The serpentine belt plays a roleessential role in the functioning of your car's systemsexplains TheDrive.com. It runs the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and on some vehicles, the water pump. The serpentine belt is constantly rotating as the car moves.

How can I tell if my serpentine belt is bad?

If you suspect your V-belt is failing, watch out for the following symptoms:

Squeaks in the front of the vehicle. If you notice a squealing noise at the front of the vehicle, it could be coming from the V-belt. ...
The power steering and air conditioning do not work. ...
Engine overheating. ...
Cracks and wear on the belt.

How often should a V-belt be changed?

How often should a V-belt be replaced? Serpentine belts are built to last, longer than ever due to advances in rubber technology. Ideally, a medium belt should stay with you.60,000 or 100,000 km.

What happens when the serpentine belt breaks?

V-belt failureMake Your Car's Power Steering Fail. It can also cause the alternator or water pump to stop working. When these vital systems stop, your engine will no longer perform at an adequate level.

How much does it cost to replace the serpentine belt?

A typical serpentine belt starts around $25 and goes up to $75 tops. If you know a few auto repair basics, you can change the belt yourself, and it can save you from paying about $75-$120 in labor costs. all together lookabout $100 to $195to replace your V-belt.

21 related questions found

How long is a serpentine belt?

Under ideal circumstances, a typical serpentine belt will provide between 50,000 and 100,000 miles of reliable service. In terms of years, it could be anywhere.4 years to a full decadebefore having to replace the V-belt.

Is Walmart changing the meandering belts?

Walmart is replacing serpentine belts at some auto service centersstarting in 2021. The price of a serpentine belt replacement, including belt and labor, can range from $150 to $200. It is recommended that you call your local Walmart Auto Care Center ahead of time to verify that the store offer this service.

Will a new serpentine belt improve performance?

If your old belt has glazed over and slipped off, yes. Therefore, the new strap will not slip.everything spins and generates at full speedhence the visible improvement.

Why do V-belts break?

Serpentine belts can fail in a number of ways. ...This is usually the result of a faulty belt or a problem with one of the accessory components that drives the belt.A faulty bearing in a serpentine belt driven pulleyit will also cause the belt to break.

Can a car run without a fan belt?

Sobno problemYou can drive a vehicle without a V-belt, as the V-belt has the important function of providing antifreeze to vital engine parts. ... Without the V-belt, the power steering pump that supplies the hydraulic pressure no longer works.

Can antifreeze damage a V-belt?

mi. Antifreeze damages the rubber compound of the belts. If you don't replace it now, it will slip and could cause the water pump installer to not guarantee the job.

Can you replace a ribbed V-belt yourself?

Ofyou can replace a serpentine belt with common hand tools. But we do not recommend it. Space is often tight and belt driven devices are hard to reach. ...The belt placement tool allowed us to remove the new belt and position it correctly without touching the pulley area.

Can a V-belt cause transmission problems?

A broken serpentine belt can ruin the drive.

Without the belt running, the water pump cannot properly cool the engine. If thatthe engine overheats, your transmission may be damaged. All engine components, including gearboxes, are designed to perform well within a specific temperature range.

Can you drive with a broken belt?

The short answer ismi, your car will start even if the V-belt is broken or missing. To make the car run, the battery sends power to the starter motor. However, you will need the V-belt if you want the car to run for more than a few minutes. ...

Can a bad V-belt cause the check engine light to come on?

AA loose or worn belt will cause ticking or rattling noises, poor engine performance and overheating., which usually activates the check engine light.

Can a V-belt cause a rough idle?

Vehicle performance problems can also indicate a problem with your vehicle's serpentine belt, as a bad serpentine belt will result in a loss of performance. ... So if you were looking for answers to the question, can a bad V-belt cause a rough idle? The answer ismi.

How far can you drive without a V-belt?

Depending on your vehicle, a serpentine belt typically operates your air conditioning, alternator, and power steering. you can go out1/2 mile withoutO. But in some cars it also activates the water pump.

Can a bad V-belt cause my air conditioner to not work?

Key accessories include a power steering pump, alternator, air conditioning compressor, and water pump. However, thisDevices cannot function properly without helpa serpentine band

Do serpentine belts have a direction?

Although most of the zigzagsSeat belts are not directional, it is possible to install some V-belts backwards. The grooved areas of the belt should touch the grooved pulleys and the smooth areas of the belt should touch the smooth pulleys.

Is a timing belt the same as a poly V belt?

Toothed belt. Do not get confused-V-belts are not the same as timing belts.. The timing belt sits inside the engine and keeps the crankshaft and camshaft in sync. This ensures that the engine's intake and exhaust valves open and close at the same rate as the pistons, allowing the engine to run smoothly.

Does a serpentine belt stretch?

Serpentinenriemenstretch with age and use; Over time, rubber becomes drier and less flexible, making it more likely to crack. However, cracks can also be caused by a faulty tensioner. ... If a belt starts to slip, you should always check that the tensioner is working properly.

How important is a serpentine belt?

Will AAA replace a serpentine belt?

At AAA Owned and Operated Auto Repair, we perform the following belt services: Serpentine Belt Service Serpentine belts transmit power from the crankshaft to engine accessories such as air conditioning, power steering, alternators, fans, and various other pumps and accessories. ...Remove and replace old or worn multi-ribbed belt.

Who wears serpentine belts?

What connects your vehicle's power steering, electricity, engine cooling, and even air conditioning? The snake belt! For this key component, count on theJiffy Lube® Replacement V-belts to keep your vehicle on the road.

How much does it cost to replace a serpentine belt and tensioner?

To replace your belt tensioner pay anywhere$140 to $400 cases. Parts and labor prices vary from car to car, with most labor costs around $70 or $80.