What is a serpentine belt and how does it work?\r\n
\n\n
A serpentine belt is a relatively long, flat, multi-ribbed belt that is driven by the engine\u2019s crankshaft pulley. The belt drives many, and often all, of the engine accessories such as the alternator, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump, water pump, and air pump. The serpentine belt is tensioned by a hydraulic or spring-loaded automatic tensioner. Some older cars use a serpentine belt to drive most accessories but will also have a shorter v-style belt to drive, for example, the power steering pump.
\n
","articleDesc2":"
When to consider replacing the serpentine belt:\r\n
\n\n
\n- Regularly scheduled maintenance. Typically, belt manufacturers recommend belt replacement at 90,000 miles. However, the belt must be inspected for wear or damage at regular intervals prior to this high mileage.
\n- Squealing noise, belt slippage, visible belt damage. Should the belt fail or wear out prematurely, you may hear noise or you may see visible signs of deterioration such as missing chunks of rubber, excessive cracking, or a shredded appearance on the edge of the belt.
\n- Battery Light. A loose belt, perhaps caused by a defective tensioner, may not drive the alternator at adequate speed and thus the battery may discharge, causing the warning light to illuminate.
\n- Engine overheating. Often, the serpentine belt drives the water pump. In those applications, if the belt breaks the engine will overheat in seconds to minutes. If the belt is inadequately tensioned, you may notice higher-than-normal engine operating temperature.
\n
\n\n
How do mechanics replace the serpentine belt?\r\n
\n\n
\n- Prior to removing the belt, the mechanic must run the engine to determine if the idler pulley and the belt tensioner are noise-free. Those rotating components have grease filled bearings and are subject to wear. In addition, the mechanic will ensure that all pulleys and accessories are turning in the same plane. These steps help make sure your new belt will operate trouble-free for its full-service life.
\n- The belt\u2019s routing path through the various components is noted. The belt tensioner is released, usually with a wrench or lever, to release the tension from the belt. With the tension off, the belt slides off the pulleys.
\n- All rotating components \u2014 that is the alternator, air conditioner compressor, etc. \u2014 are checked for smooth operation and no noise.
\n- If everything checks out, the new belt is slipped over all of the pulleys while holding the tensioner away from the belt. Once the belt is centered on all pulleys, the tensioner is released and the installation is complete. The engine is run to ensure normal operation.
\n
\n\n
Is it safe to drive with a serpentine belt problem?
\n\n
No. Should the belt have visible damage, you risk unexpected and sudden breakage that could potentially leave you stranded. Serpentine belt problems that result in the alternator not charging may cause the battery to discharge, which will result in loss of electrical power to the vehicle. Additionally, if a deteriorated belt breaks and that belt drives the water pump, the engine will overheat in a matter of seconds.
\n\n
When replacing the serpentine belt keep in mind:\r\n
\n\n
\n- On many cars, the expected service life of a serpentine belt is around 90,000 miles. Should the belt fail well prior to that, a very careful inspection should be performed to check for out-of-alignment pulleys, a possibly out-of-position crankshaft harmonic balancer on which the drive pulley is mounted, binding pulleys, or a defective belt tensioner.
\n- Attention should always be given to serpentine belt routing, since proper routing is critical to proper belt tension, and function of the driven components.
\n- Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish serpentine belt related noise from other engine noises. In these cases, a mechanic will determine the origin of the noise by momentarily running the engine without the serpentine belt attached.
\n
\n
"},"reviewsAndRatings":{"reviewsData":{"make":null,"model":null,"jid":202,"city_id":null,"state_id":null,"review_count":10,"mechanics":[{"id":611332,"name":"Joe","login":"jkearns","mech_location":"Nashville, TN","experience":15,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/8680970348169909082","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/8680970348169909082","profile_url":"/pro/jkearns","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":453,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"Great guy, great mechanic","author":"Wes","review_date":"2020-07-11T06:26:57-07:00","service_location":"Nashville, Tennessee","year":"1995","make":"Jeep","model":"Cherokee","engine":"L6-4.0L","car":"1995 Jeep Cherokee L6-4.0L","job":"Serpentine/Drive Belt","job_id":202}]},{"id":1555743,"name":"Richard","login":"richardmccarthy","mech_location":"Sacramento, CA","experience":17,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/8039430161944687874","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/8039430161944687874","profile_url":"/pro/richardmccarthy","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":141,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"Great service","author":"Ric","review_date":"2020-01-10T13:16:09-08:00","service_location":"San Leandro, California","year":"2007","make":"Volvo","model":"XC90","engine":"L6-3.2L","car":"2007 Volvo XC90 L6-3.2L","job":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement","job_id":202}]},{"id":1009386,"name":"Zackery","login":"zcole","mech_location":"Everett, WA","experience":5,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/10364864255621148215","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/10364864255621148215","profile_url":"/pro/zcole","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":28,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"Knowledgeable ","author":"Gerome","review_date":"2021-01-28T00:05:37-08:00","service_location":"Lynnwood, Washington","year":"2016","make":"Scion","model":"iM","engine":"L4-1.8L","car":"2016 Scion iM L4-1.8L","job":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement","job_id":202}]},{"id":83534,"name":"H","login":"honorio","mech_location":"Sunnyvale, CA","experience":26,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/11410315341557803732","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/11410315341557803732","profile_url":"/pro/honorio","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":828,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"Repeat customer -- Honorio is knowledgeable and provides excellent service. I feel confident in his skills, and the quality of his work and repairs. Highly Recommended!","author":"John","review_date":"2016-10-26T01:42:57-07:00","service_location":"Palo Alto, California","year":"2008","make":"Ford","model":"Taurus","engine":"V6-3.5L","car":"2008 Ford Taurus V6-3.5L","job":"Serpentine/Drive Belt","job_id":202}]},{"id":398730,"name":"Enrique","login":"emoran","mech_location":"Kissimmee, FL","experience":21,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/1052068417000983837","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/1052068417000983837","profile_url":"/pro/emoran","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":244,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"Enrique was very courteous, professional and very knowledgeable. If any of my auto needs arise in the future I will surely ask for him. Sincerely J. Patterson","author":"Jerry","review_date":"2016-04-16T00:09:01-07:00","service_location":"Kissimmee, Florida","year":"2002","make":"Honda","model":"Accord","engine":"V6-3.0L","car":"2002 Honda Accord V6-3.0L","job":"Serpentine/Drive Belt","job_id":202}]},{"id":1368123,"name":"Nathaniel","login":"ncobb","mech_location":"Norfolk, VA","experience":10,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/9854386134415098951","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/9854386134415098951","profile_url":"/pro/ncobb","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":326,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"He came to sevice my car earlier then the scheduled appointment, helped me figure out and explained everything wrong overall amazing job and a great mechanic. I highly recommend him!","author":"Lynn","review_date":"2020-08-01T19:19:27-07:00","service_location":"Newport News, Virginia","year":"2005","make":"Mazda","model":"Tribute","engine":"L4-2.3L","car":"2005 Mazda Tribute L4-2.3L","job":"Serpentine/Drive Belt","job_id":202}]},{"id":284126,"name":"Chris","login":"cvesci","mech_location":"Hollywood, FL","experience":18,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/11547272260459951903","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/11547272260459951903","profile_url":"/pro/cvesci","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":142,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"Chris was courteous, friendly and worked quickly. He answered all my questions and made me feel very comfortable that he was working on my car. Would definitely get work done by him again!","author":"Lee","review_date":"2015-07-24T13:54:26-07:00","service_location":"Fort Lauderdale, Florida","year":"2010","make":"Nissan","model":"Altima","engine":"L4-2.5L","car":"2010 Nissan Altima L4-2.5L","job":"Serpentine/Drive Belt","job_id":202}]},{"id":1953672,"name":"Greg","login":"gfowler","mech_location":"Mesa, AZ","experience":22,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/16482818283201177488","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/16482818283201177488","profile_url":"/pro/gfowler","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":333,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"Greg is a great mechanic. ","author":"Ron","review_date":"2021-09-21T06:08:05-07:00","service_location":"Mesa, Arizona","year":"2002","make":"Ford","model":"F-150","engine":"V6-4.2L","car":"2002 Ford F-150 V6-4.2L","job":"Serpentine/Drive Belt","job_id":202}]},{"id":560691,"name":"Matthew","login":"mlerman","mech_location":"Williamsburg, VA","experience":33,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/9186620066350318590","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/9186620066350318590","profile_url":"/pro/mlerman","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":1210,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"Fast and friendly you can't beat the service of Matt. ","author":"Jeffrey","review_date":"2020-07-20T16:17:02-07:00","service_location":"Hampton, Virginia","year":"2009","make":"Honda","model":"Accord","engine":"L4-2.4L","car":"2009 Honda Accord L4-2.4L","job":"Serpentine/Drive Belt","job_id":202}]},{"id":1850312,"name":"Ramon","login":"raross","mech_location":"Tucson, AZ","experience":20,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/16231784612065360407","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/16231784612065360407","profile_url":"/pro/raross","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":166,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"Ramon showed up and immediately set off to work and ask questions and get information. He was very, very friendly and polite, and sets up conversation very well as he works! I spoke about issues and past fixes with the vehicle as we went, and he gave great advice.\n10/10 would ask for help from them again.","author":"James","review_date":"2020-06-22T23:31:16-07:00","service_location":"Tucson, Arizona","year":"2002","make":"Jeep","model":"Liberty","engine":"V6-3.7L","car":"2002 Jeep Liberty V6-3.7L","job":"Serpentine/Drive Belt","job_id":202}]}],"hide_description":true},"aggregateRating":{"jid":202,"extrapolated_service_count":57904,"rating_count":5264,"rating":"4.9","count_1_star":54,"count_2_star":19,"count_3_star":27,"count_4_star":126,"count_5_star":5038},"linkToReviewsPage":"/reviews/?mktg_jid=202&city=1990","cityLinks":[{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Gilbert, AZ","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=gilbert-az"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Peoria, AZ","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=peoria-az"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Trabuco Canyon, CA","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=trabuco-canyon-ca"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Bailey, CO","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=bailey-co"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Ball Ground, GA","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=ball-ground-ga"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Lake Villa, IL","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=lake-villa-il"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Bridgeview, IL","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=bridgeview-il"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Pendleton, IN","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=pendleton-in"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Westborough, MA","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=westborough-ma"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Ashton, MD","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=ashton-md"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Lakeville, MN","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=lakeville-mn"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Paulsboro, NJ","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=paulsboro-nj"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Galloway, OH","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=galloway-oh"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Swarthmore, PA","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=swarthmore-pa"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Porter, TX","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=porter-tx"}]},"repairPricingTableData":{"pricingData":[{"car":"2015|Chevrolet|Malibu|L4-2.5L","labor":3600,"parts":4184,"url":"/cars/0/1","estimate":"$137","partsCost":"$41.84","laborCost":"$94.99","savings":"8%","averageDealerPrice":"$149.34"},{"car":"2016|Chevrolet|Caprice|V6-3.6L","labor":3600,"parts":5133,"url":"/cars/0/1","estimate":"$146","partsCost":"$51.33","laborCost":"$94.99","savings":"7%","averageDealerPrice":"$158.83"},{"car":"2012|Nissan|Pathfinder|V8-5.6L","labor":3600,"parts":6425,"url":"/cars/0/1","estimate":"$159","partsCost":"$64.25","laborCost":"$94.99","savings":"7%","averageDealerPrice":"$171.75"},{"car":"2013|Lincoln|MKZ|L4-2.0L Turbo","labor":3600,"parts":1865,"url":"/cars/0/1","estimate":"$114","partsCost":"$18.65","laborCost":"$94.99","savings":"9%","averageDealerPrice":"$126.15"},{"car":"2011|Mercedes-Benz|SLK300|V6-3.0L","labor":3600,"parts":5869,"url":"/cars/0/1","estimate":"$154","partsCost":"$58.69","laborCost":"$94.99","savings":"7%","averageDealerPrice":"$166.19"}],"sidebarTitle":"Need a new Serpentine/Drive Belt?","sidebarBody":"Get your Serpentine/Drive Belt changed by a top-rated mechanic at the convenience of your home or office."},"seoData":{"metaData":{"service":{"itemType":"https://schema.org/Service","metaProps":[{"itemProp":"url","content":"//m.whoreclub.com/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=cliffside-park-nj"},{"itemProp":"areaServed","content":"Cliffside Park, NJ"},{"itemProp":"serviceType","content":"Mobile Car Repair"}]},"organization":{"itemType":"https://schema.org/Organization","metaProps":[{"itemProp":"name","content":"YourMechanic"},{"itemProp":"legalname","content":"YourMechanic"},{"itemProp":"logo","content":"//m.whoreclub.com/assets/ym-logo-straight.png"},{"itemProp":"telephone","content":"1 (855) 347-2779"},{"itemProp":"url","content":"//m.whoreclub.com"},{"itemProp":"areaServed","content":"Cliffside Park, NJ"},{"itemProp":"address","content":"Cliffside Park, NJ"}]}}},"bookEngineState":{"quote":{"jobs":[{"id":202,"description":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement"}]}},"serviceMerchandiserUI":{"heading":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement at your home or office in Cliffside Park.","isDiagnosticJob":false,"costRangeMin":11160,"costRangeMax":34996,"serviceRating":4.9,"totalRatings":5264,"benefits":[{"title":"Online Booking"},{"title":"Mechanic comes to you"},{"title":"12-month / 12k-mile warranty"},{"title":"Free 50 point safety inspection"}],"notFixedOnMobile":false,"jobTitle":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement","cityName":"Cliffside Park","seoFriendlyHeading":"","seoFriendlyTitle":"","ctaTextTitle":"","navBarCities":[{"id":9232,"name":"Greenville","featured_on_homepage":true,"featured_on_navbar":true,"url":"city/greenville-sc","city_state":"Greenville, SC"},{"id":25324,"name":"Pasadena","featured_on_homepage":true,"featured_on_navbar":true,"url":"city/pasadena-tx","city_state":"Pasadena, TX"},{"id":10263,"name":"Orlando","featured_on_homepage":true,"featured_on_navbar":true,"url":"city/orlando-fl","city_state":"Orlando, FL"},{"id":8635,"name":"Charlotte","featured_on_homepage":true,"featured_on_navbar":true,"url":"city/charlotte-nc","city_state":"Charlotte, NC"},{"id":19657,"name":"Chicago","featured_on_homepage":true,"featured_on_navbar":true,"url":"city/chicago-il","city_state":"Chicago, IL"},{"id":25545,"name":"San Antonio","featured_on_homepage":true,"featured_on_navbar":true,"url":"city/san-antonio-tx","city_state":"San Antonio, TX"},{"id":24056,"name":"Austin","featured_on_homepage":true,"featured_on_navbar":true,"url":"city/austin-tx","city_state":"Austin, TX"},{"id":9514,"name":"Atlanta","featured_on_homepage":true,"featured_on_navbar":true,"url":"city/atlanta-ga","city_state":"Atlanta, GA"},{"id":10370,"name":"Tampa","featured_on_homepage":true,"featured_on_navbar":true,"url":"city/tampa-fl","city_state":"Tampa, FL"},{"id":6106,"name":"Washington","featured_on_homepage":true,"featured_on_navbar":true,"url":"city/washington-dc","city_state":"Washington, DC"},{"id":27890,"name":"Los Angeles","featured_on_homepage":true,"featured_on_navbar":true,"url":"city/los-angeles-ca","city_state":"Los Angeles, CA"},{"id":27167,"name":"Phoenix","featured_on_homepage":true,"featured_on_navbar":true,"url":"city/phoenix-az","city_state":"Phoenix, AZ"}]}}" data-trace="true" style="display: none">
