Can I change my own serpentine belt? You can replace a serpentine belt with ordinary hand tools. But we don’t recommend it. The spaces are often tight and the belt-driven devices difficult to reach. The belt placement tool allowed us to remove and properly place the new belt without reaching down into the pulley area.

How much does it cost to change a serpentine belt? But what does a serpentine belt replacement cost? Of course, it depends on your make and model as well as labor costs, but in general a replacement serpentine belt costs around $70-$200 (plus taxes and fees), including around $50 for the belt and around $150 for the labor.

Should I change my own serpentine belt? The serpentine belt “snakes” around several components of the engine, transferring mechanical power to nearly every critical part. Under normal conditions, the belt needs to be replaced every 4 to 6 years. When these cracks become bad enough the belt will chunk pieces off and eventually break.

How do you know if serpentine belt needs to be changed? Cracks and wear on the belt

It is a good idea to physically inspect your serpentine belt from time to time. Check for cracks, chunks missing, abrasions, rib separation, uneven rib wear, and damaged ribs. If you notice any of these, it is time to replace your serpentine/drive belt.

Can I change my own serpentine belt? – Related Questions

Will AAA replace a serpentine belt?

At AAA Owned and Operated Auto Repair, we perform the following belt services: Serpentine Belt Service Serpentine belts transfer power from the crankshaft to engine accessories, such as A/C, power steering, alternator, fan, and various other pumps and accessories. Remove and replace old or worn serpentine belt.

Will a new serpentine belt improve performance?

If your old belt was glazed and slipping, then yes. The new belt does not slip therefore everything is turning and generating at full capacity, hence the improvement you see.

How many years will a serpentine belt last?

Serpentine belts are built to last—much longer than before because of advancements in rubber technology. Under ideal conditions, a belt should stick with you for an average of 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

Does Walmart change serpentine belts?

Walmart does replace serpentine belts at some Auto Care Centers as of 2021. The price can range from $150 – $200 for replacing the serpentine belt, which includes the belt and labor. It is recommended to call your local Walmart Auto Care Center beforehand to see if the store offers this service.

Is a serpentine belt hard to replace?

Serpentine belt replacement is easy because today’s automatic drive belt tensioners eliminate the need to loosen bolts or pry components into position for retensioning. Just rotate the tensioner, remove the old belt and install a new one.

How far can you drive without a serpentine belt?

How long will my car run with a broken serpentine belt? There are a few variables involved in the answer, but it should be able to run between 20 to 90 minutes. If it is a hot summer day, your engine can overheat very quickly without the coolant being pumped through the radiator.

Is a serpentine belt the same as a timing belt?

Timing Belt. Don’t get confused—a serpentine belt is not the same thing as a timing belt. The timing belt is located inside the engine and keeps the crankshaft and camshaft in sync. This ensures that the engine intake and exhaust valves open and close in time with the pistons so the engine runs smoothly.

Can you drive without a serpentine belt?

Under no circumstances can you drive a vehicle without a serpentine belt because the serpentine belt serves the important function of delivering antifreeze to important parts of the engine. The serpentine belt drives the water pump, and without it, there is insufficient coolant flow to maintain the engine temperature.

Can a serpentine belt cause transmission problems?

A Broken Serpentine Belt Could Ruin the Transmission

If your car’s serpentine belt breaks, the transmission could be damaged. Almost as soon as your car’s serpentine belt breaks, the engine will begin to overheat. Without the belt running, the water pump won’t be able to adequately cool your engine.

What happens when the serpentine belt breaks while driving?

The serpentine belt is also known as an alternator belt, fan belt, or accessory drive belt. If your serpentine belt wears out, becomes damaged or contaminated, or breaks, engine accessories will not be able to spin at the proper speed, leading to decreased power to the electrical system.

Can Triple A tell you whats wrong with your car?

As the nation’s largest motor club, AAA trains its roadside technicians to diagnose common vehicle problems onsite, as a result, they are able to get three out of five cars on the go, eliminating the need for a tow.

What happens when a pulley goes bad?

A broken or seized pulley can quickly lead to a torn belt, or in less serious cases, the belt falling off of the engine. An engine without a belt can quickly run into issues such as overheating and stalling, as it’s the drive belt that allows the engine accessories to function.

Does AAA do tune ups?

Since it isn’t always easy to tell if your air filter needs changing, bring your car to AAA Car Care Center for a tune-up once a year. Each of our stores has a master technician who supervises and assists with a full range of repairs so you can rest comfortably knowing you are in good hands.

Can a bad serpentine belt cause shaking?

If the belts are loose or worn out, they can cause other parts of the engine to not work properly, which can cause strange noises and shaking.

Can a bad serpentine belt cause check engine light?

Without this belt, the engine can’t run. How do I know it’s time to replace my timing belt? A loose or worn belt will cause ticking or rattling noises, poor engine performance and overheating, usually triggering the check engine light.

What causes a serpentine belt to break?

Serpentine belts can fail in a few different ways. This is usually the result of a belt in poor condition, or a problem with one of the accessory components being driven by the belt. A failed bearing in a pulley being driven by the serpentine belt will also cause the belt to break.

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

The average cost for a drive belt tensioner replacement is between $211 and $239. Labor costs are between $73 and $93, while parts are priced between $138 and $146.

Are serpentine belts covered under warranty?

Serpentine belts, V-belts and timing belts all have a limited service life. Most new car warranties will cover the timing belt for the specified period (if it breaks), but usually exclude any other drive belts because they are considered wear items.

Does Jiffy Lube check belts?

Jiffy Lube® visually inspects the serpentine belt for fraying, splitting, glazing (the working edge of the belt becomes shiny from age and wear) or any other damage. If necessary, your Jiffy Lube® technicians remove the current serpentine belt and install a new one.

What does a serpentine belt control?

The serpentine belt plays an essential role in running your car’s systems, explains TheDrive.com. It powers the alternator, the power steering pump, the air conditioning compressor and, in some vehicles, the water pump. The serpentine belt rotates constantly when the car is running.

Are gate serpentine belts good?

The Gates serpentine belt is a heavy-duty belt with praiseworthy quality and resistance. It’s resistant to heat and cracks, and it’s thicker than most OEM belts. The downside of this product is that the heavy-duty construction comes with a higher price tag than other standard belts.