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":2026905,"name":"Justin","login":"justin805","mech_location":"Mesa, AZ","experience":5,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/5198339433138767864","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/5198339433138767864","profile_url":"/pro/justin805","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":51,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"Friendly, professional and honest. Answers all questions in terms that are understandable. Would definitely recommend his services.","author":"Samantha","review_date":"2021-04-14T03:26:51-07:00","service_location":"El Mirage, Arizona","year":"2012","make":"Ford","model":"Escape","engine":"L4-2.5L","car":"2012 Ford Escape L4-2.5L","job":"Serpentine/Drive Belt","job_id":202}]},{"id":677111,"name":"Jesus","login":"jesuscamacho","mech_location":"Phoenix, AZ","experience":11,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/17346475507083170291","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/17346475507083170291","profile_url":"/pro/jesuscamacho","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":1,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"Jesus was professional and quick. He arrived before our scheduled appointment and did a wonderful job. Would recommend him to anyone.","author":"Amy","review_date":"2016-07-12T01:21:18-07:00","service_location":"El Mirage, Arizona","year":"2004","make":"Hyundai","model":"Elantra","engine":"L4-2.0L","car":"2004 Hyundai Elantra L4-2.0L","job":"Serpentine/Drive Belt","job_id":202}]},{"id":211740,"name":"Jordan","login":"jordanvazquez","mech_location":"Philadelphia, PA","experience":2021,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/15045806211340058962","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/15045806211340058962","profile_url":"/pro/jordanvazquez","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":23,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"Jordan showed up at exactly the time of our appt...he did call and say he was available to come early but I was at work. It was extremely cold out but he did not complain was pleasant friendly and a great conversationalist. He took the time to explain everything he was doing and over all was fantastic!!","author":"Susan","review_date":"2018-11-29T05:49:27-08:00","service_location":"Philadelphia, Pennsylvania","year":"1996","make":"Cadillac","model":"Eldorado","engine":"V8-4.6L","car":"1996 Cadillac Eldorado V8-4.6L","job":"Serpentine/Drive Belt","job_id":202}]},{"id":75145,"name":"Michael","login":"mlittle","mech_location":"Houston, TX","experience":27,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/4315823380393163820","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/4315823380393163820","profile_url":"/pro/mlittle","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":95,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"I was skeptical at first about the whole mechanic coming to your house service but I have to admit that was very impressed by YourMechanic's way of doing business. Michael ,The mechanic, did a great job and at a price that was much less than I had expected to pay. You have a guaranteed return customer here. I am sold on this service.","author":"Clayton","review_date":"2015-08-05T18:07:34-07:00","service_location":"Houston, Texas","year":"1997","make":"Jeep","model":"Grand Cherokee","engine":"L6-4.0L","car":"1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee L6-4.0L","job":"Serpentine/Drive Belt","job_id":202}]},{"id":1,"name":"Whitney","login":"whitney","mech_location":"San Jose, CA","experience":39,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/13237225503670494420","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/13237225503670494420","profile_url":"/pro/whitney","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":783,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"Very good and professional","author":"Wendy","review_date":"2016-02-11T03:39:49-08:00","service_location":"San Jose, California","year":"1993","make":"BMW","model":"325i","engine":"L6-2.5L","car":"1993 BMW 325i L6-2.5L","job":"Serpentine/Drive Belt","job_id":202}]},{"id":26831,"name":"Fred","login":"fhill","mech_location":"Conroe, TX","experience":17,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/488058022681331111","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/488058022681331111","profile_url":"/pro/fhill","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":389,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"Didn't need supervision while working and didn't try to sell new services.","author":"Mickey","review_date":"2018-06-11T20:38:23-07:00","service_location":"Conroe, Texas","year":"2005","make":"Toyota","model":"Sienna","engine":"V6-3.3L","car":"2005 Toyota Sienna V6-3.3L","job":"Serpentine/Drive Belt","job_id":202}]},{"id":954196,"name":"Courtney","login":"courtneywatson","mech_location":"Orlando, FL","experience":9,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/5100355885102164214","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/5100355885102164214","profile_url":"/pro/courtneywatson","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":27,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"Very outgoing and helpful","author":"Tristen","review_date":"2017-08-09T00:20:25-07:00","service_location":"Winter Park, Florida","year":"2002","make":"Nissan","model":"Altima","engine":"V6-3.5L","car":"2002 Nissan Altima V6-3.5L","job":"Serpentine/Drive Belt","job_id":202}]},{"id":800953,"name":"Mahdi","login":"mjoumazadeh","mech_location":"roswell, GA","experience":10,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/14719311451173700308","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/14719311451173700308","profile_url":"/pro/mjoumazadeh","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":94,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"Great Job! he was able replace the part in less time and recommended to replace another part which was failing. Thank you!","author":"Addis","review_date":"2017-09-02T20:44:22-07:00","service_location":"Alpharetta, Georgia","year":"2008","make":"Mercedes-Benz","model":"ML350","engine":"V6-3.5L","car":"2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350 V6-3.5L","job":"Serpentine/Drive Belt","job_id":202}]},{"id":1586265,"name":"Alex","login":"alex55","mech_location":"Bristol, IL","experience":20,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/12856388576339358315","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/12856388576339358315","profile_url":"/pro/alex55","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":137,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"Was a little late but kept me informed, hey it happens. Work was done quickly and professionally and showed me the part that was causing the problem. Thanks much.","author":"Michael","review_date":"2019-12-19T22:53:24-08:00","service_location":"Villa Park, Illinois","year":"2008","make":"Honda","model":"Fit","engine":"L4-1.5L","car":"2008 Honda Fit L4-1.5L","job":"Serpentine/Drive Belt","job_id":202}]},{"id":1630900,"name":"William","login":"williamscott","mech_location":"Rapid City, SD","experience":19,"avatar_url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/yourmechanic/image/upload/dpr_auto,f_auto,g_face,q_auto/v1/mechanic/avatar_images/3108701692071683406","avatar_path":"mechanic/avatar_images/3108701692071683406","profile_url":"/pro/williamscott","average_rating":5,"ratings_count":53,"reviews":[{"rating":5,"content":"What a great service.....\nWilliam explained my options did the work , very courteous and polite..\nDefinitely William will be working on our cars in the future..","author":"Lisa","review_date":"2020-04-25T18:12:27-07:00","service_location":"Mesa, Arizona","year":"2004","make":"Lexus","model":"SC430","engine":"V8-4.3L","car":"2004 Lexus SC430 V8-4.3L","job":"Serpentine/Drive Belt","job_id":202}]}],"hide_description":true},"aggregateRating":{"jid":202,"extrapolated_service_count":58267,"rating_count":5297,"rating":"4.9","count_1_star":55,"count_2_star":19,"count_3_star":27,"count_4_star":126,"count_5_star":5070},"linkToReviewsPage":"/reviews/?mktg_jid=202&city=27218","cityLinks":[{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Marana, AZ","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=marana-az"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Glendora, CA","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=glendora-ca"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Redwood City, CA","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=redwood-city-ca"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Immokalee, FL","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=immokalee-fl"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Union City, GA","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=union-city-ga"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Monroe, GA","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=monroe-ga"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Bolingbrook, IL","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=bolingbrook-il"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Batavia, IL","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=batavia-il"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Crown Point, IN","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=crown-point-in"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Clayton, NC","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=clayton-nc"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Pickerington, OH","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=pickerington-oh"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Abington, PA","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=abington-pa"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Charleston AFB, SC","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=charleston-afb-sc"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Kingston Springs, TN","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=kingston-springs-tn"},{"title":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement In Manassas, VA","url":"/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement/?city=manassas-va"}]},"repairPricingTableData":{"pricingData":[{"car":"2016|Kia|Rio|L4-1.6L","labor":3600,"parts":1916,"url":"/cars/0/1","estimate":"$114","partsCost":"$19.16","laborCost":"$94.99","savings":"9%","averageDealerPrice":"$126.66"},{"car":"2016|Toyota|Tundra|V8-5.7L","labor":5040,"parts":4950,"url":"/cars/0/1","estimate":"$182","partsCost":"$49.50","laborCost":"$132.98","savings":"8%","averageDealerPrice":"$200.00"},{"car":"2008|Jeep|Commander|V6-3.7L","labor":3600,"parts":4171,"url":"/cars/0/0","estimate":"$137","partsCost":"$41.71","laborCost":"$94.99","savings":"8%","averageDealerPrice":"$149.21"},{"car":"2011|Acura|CSX|L4-2.0L","labor":3600,"parts":5144,"url":"/cars/0/1","estimate":"$146","partsCost":"$51.44","laborCost":"$94.99","savings":"7%","averageDealerPrice":"$158.94"},{"car":"2009|Lexus|IS250|V6-2.5L","labor":3600,"parts":6639,"url":"/cars/0/0","estimate":"$161","partsCost":"$66.39","laborCost":"$94.99","savings":"7%","averageDealerPrice":"$173.89"},{"car":"2010|Mercedes-Benz|C63 AMG|V8-6.3L","labor":3600,"parts":7915,"url":"/cars/0/1","estimate":"$174","partsCost":"$79.15","laborCost":"$94.99","savings":"6%","averageDealerPrice":"$186.65"}],"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=el-mirage-az"},{"itemProp":"areaServed","content":"El Mirage, AZ"},{"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":"El Mirage, AZ"},{"itemProp":"address","content":"El Mirage, AZ"}]}}},"bookEngineState":{"quote":{"jobs":[{"id":202,"description":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement"}]}},"serviceMerchandiserUI":{"heading":"Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement at your home or office in El Mirage.","isDiagnosticJob":false,"costRangeMin":11160,"costRangeMax":34996,"serviceRating":4.9,"totalRatings":5297,"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":"El Mirage","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">
