What is a serpentine belt?
The serpentine belt, also known as an auxiliary belt, powers all of the ancillary systems. Are serpentine belt and timing belt the same? No, the latter serves a completely different purpose.
The belt runs through a system of pulleys and typically turns the alternator, water pump, air conditioning compressor, and sometimes the power steering pump and the cooling fan, and is driven by the engine's crankshaft.
Older cars typically used two or three v-shaped belts to connect everything, but this takes up more room than a single belt system, and causes more parasitic loses from friction.
A single serpentine belt's wide, flat, multi-ribbed design can power several different components and takes up less space. With careful engineering, accessories can be turned with the back of the belt with less friction for better fuel economy.
How long does a serpentine belt last?
“Drive belts are designed to last for between 50,000 miles and 100,000 miles”
Haynes recommends that you look over the serpentine drive belt every time you change the oil. If this serpentine belt fails it typically isn't catastrophic, but your car will quickly overheat after a few miles without the water pump turning. You should plan on changing the belt every five years or 60,000 miles even if it looks okay. Replacements are inexpensive and typically require only a few minutes to change.
Find info on checking the belt here - Checking the Drive Belt
All cars are slightly different, so if it is time to change your drive belt, use our before you begin checklist, and find your car for specific instructions.
Look for signs of fluid contamination from oil or coolant leaks which will quickly ruin a newly installed belt.Every car is different, so find yours for make/model specific instructions...
Why replace a serpentine belt?
The serpentine belt is key to the operation of a car’s ancillary items, such as cooling and charging. If the belt fails, the engine will quickly overheat from the water pump not being turned.
Your first sign of a failed auxiliary drive belt will likely be the warning light for the charging system coming on to indicate the alternator is not turning. You should still be able to drive for a few minutes to safety.
When a drive belt fails it tends to do so in one go, snapping and getting thrown off. Sometimes the belt splits longitudinally and long strands will slap the hood. You may not realize the belt is failing, but as soon as you notice it is important to replace the belt before it can cause any damage.
Before you begin
Tools you will need
Only basic tools are required for this job, although you may need to raise the car to remove the splash shield or the wheel and inner fender.
- Floor jack and jack stands
- Ratchet and socket set
- Torque wrench
- Breaker bar
- Ruler
Parts you may need
- Replacement belt
- Tensioner (if needed)
