ABOUT USED SERPENTINE BELTS

WHAT IS THE SERPENTINE BELT?

A serpentine belt is a large belt that transports to a number of parts to your vehicle:

• Power steering pump
• Alternator
• Air conditioning system
• Water pump

WHAT DOES THE PART DO?

The serpentine belt uses rotational power to drive various parts of the vehicle. The power comes from the engine and is distributed to other parts of the vehicle.

WHAT DOES THE PART LOOK LIKE?

A serpentine belt will have a soft, felt like surface on one side and a ribbed surface on the other side. A typical serpentine belt will measure about several feet long and about a couple inches wide.

WHERE IS THERE PART TYPICALLY LOCATED ON THE VEHICLE?

The serpentine belt is located under the hood of the vehicle. It is attached to the pulley on the engine, power steering pump, alternator, air conditioning system, and water pump.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A USED SERPENTINE BELT?

When looking at a used serpentine belt, be sure to check the condition of both sides of the belt. You will want to make sure that there are no cracks or breaks on the belt. Also, check to see if the belt have any missing chunks on it. Older serpentine belts will have more wear on them versus newer models.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT A SERPENTINE BELT BEFORE I PURCHASE ONE?

Serpentine belts can come in a variety of sizes. Therefore, you will want to refer to your automotive owners manual to know what size serpentine belt you need. Also, a serpentine belt is not the same as a timing belt. The two can be confused easily. The timing belt is located inside your engine while the serpentine belt is located outside the engine.

WHAT OTHER PARTS ARE CONNECTED OR THAT I MAY NEED FOR THIS PART?

The serpentine belt is collected to the pulley on your engine, water pump, air conditioner, and power steering pump. In order to replace a serpentine belt, you will need the following tools:

• Ratchet and wench set
• Torque wrench
• New tensioner
• New pulley
• Jack and axle stand or ramp

WHAT SIGNS OF WEAR SHOULD I LOOK AT WHEN BUYING A USED SERPENTINE BELT?

Be sure to look for any chewing or wear on the belt itself. Also check for any missing chunks on the belt.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE LIFESPAN OF A SERPENTINE BELT?

The average lifespan of a serpentine belt is about 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

WHEN SHOULD THE PART BE REPLACED?

The serpentine belt should be replaced if you notice any of the following signs on your vehicle:

• Squealing noise coming from the front of the vehicle.
• Engine overheating.
• Cracks or wear on the belt.
• Power steering not working.
• Air conditioner not working.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DISTRIBUTORS

WHAT HAPPENS TO A CAR WHEN THE SERPENTINE BELT BREAKS?

If a serpentine belt brakes, you will lose the power steering in the vehicle. Also, the air conditioning will stop working. Finally, the water pump will stop working which can lead to overheating of the vehicle.

HOW EXPENSIVE IS IT TO REPLACE A SERPENTINE BELT?

A new serpentine belt will cost about $50 with another $150 needed for the labor. That brings the estimated total replacement cost of about $200.

ARE YOU ABLE TO DRIVE WITH A BROKEN SERPENTINE BELT?

You can drive a couple of miles on the serpentine belt. However, the vehicle will eventually overheat and cause the vehicle to stop operating. Therefore, it is not recommended that you drive with a broken serpentine belt.

WHAT SOUNDS COME FROM A BAD SERPENTINE BELT?

A bad serpentine belt will make a slapping, knocking or squealing sound from under the hood of the vehicle.