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Drive belts are also called auxiliary belts or serpentine belts.

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200+

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Top Mechanics For Drive Belt Replacement & Repairs

27 Reviews

Garage in Ulcombe, 25 years of experience

We fit tyres at our work place or we can offer a mobile call out service. Also we offer a mobile mechanic service, This may be a simple diagnostic or mechanic work carried out at the road side, we can pic...

80 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in Bristol , 5 years of experience

Why visit a garage? when you can opt for the convenience of a mechanic that comes to you, whether at home or at work. The range of work carried out includes (but is not limited to) servicing, brakes, batteri...

5 Reviews

Garage in Southampton, 12 years of experience

MGA Garage Services providing MOT Tests, Car Repairs and Car Service on all makes and models of vehicles. Our services include the latest Computerised Diagnostic Equipment that, combined with our experie...

147 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in Ossett, 14 years of experience

I am a dealership trained technician with over 14 years experience, so it's like brining the dealership quality to your door step. I have knowledge of many different makes and models of vehicles through my d...

544 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in London, 9 years of experience

3 years at AVS where I started my mechanics as an apprentice, mastering general repairs and servicing on a wide range of vehicles , 2 years as a fast fitter in car giant. Perfecting replacing brakes, tyres ...

423 Reviews

Garage in Nottingham, 24 years of experience

I have 24 years of experience in the mechanics industry. After leaving the Royal Engineers I started my mobile mechanic business, originally in Derby. After 7 years, I decided to move to Australia. While t...

10 Reviews

Garage in Woking, 8 years of experience

Mobile mechanic service with 8 years workshop experience. Friendly, polite and knowledgeable in all work carried out. All aspects of work carried out from pre-MOT to clutch and cambelt replacement.

8 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in Manchester , 12 years of experience

We operate a fast reliable experienced mobile mechanic service - we come to you - most jobs can be done on your driveway or a local car park if you have not the space at the front of your home and also at yo...

122 Reviews

Garage in Leeds, 30 years of experience

32 years in the trade. Worked for many main dealer brands inc BMW, Toyota, Range Rover, Fiat and Alpha Romeo carrying out all service and repair items.

67 Reviews

Garage in England , 18 years of experience

I started my journey into the motor trade 18years ago as a IMI apprentice and working my way up to gain level 3 in BTech then going off to university to study Motor sport engineering. I worked in Main dealer...

13 Reviews

Garage in Gloucester, 5 years of experience

S&s car service - 5 years Car service, mechanical repairs Borgwarner- craft engineer - 6 months Diesel pumps, injectors manyfacturing, fault finding

6 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in London , 18 years of experience

I’ve worked in the motor industry for over 18 years now my main experience is with all makes and models but my specialty is in jaguar and German makes of car as I spent most of my career in jaguar, BMW and M...

91 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in Isleworth, 20 years of experience

I have been in the industry for 20 years. Some of the services I offer include MOT failures, brakes, suspension, clutches, cambelt replacement, diagnostics, ABS, airbags. I take pride in my work and customer...

117 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in Kingsheath , 22 years of experience

Welcome to FCG MOTORS, your local, friendly and independent mobile mechanic. We are based in Birmingham. We cover the Birmingham area and surrounding areas on a mobile basis, so we come to you at your ho...

48 Reviews

Mobile mechanic in London , 18 years of experience

I have 18 years of experience working with all type of motor vehicle as qualified mechanic. WEBSITE ADRESS <a href='https://www.clickmechanic.com/' title='ClickMechanic'><img width='250' src='https://bad...

Frequently asked questions about drive belt replacement & repairs

Read our answers to questions about drive belt replacement costs, symptoms and more.

What is an auxiliary drive belt?

The auxiliary drive belt or serpentine belt drives the range of ancillary components used by the vehicle, which can include the alternator, power steering, air conditioning compressor, water pump and still in some rare cases, the cooling fan.

This belt is often mistaken for the timing belt. The essential thing is, if you can see the belt, it's not the timing belt, it's the auxiliary drive belt.

What does a drive belt replacement involve?

As there are a number of different processes that are required for different engines, some or all of the following procedures will apply;

  • Mechanic will check for an unusual noise coming from the engine.
  • Mechanic will inspect the auxiliary drive tensioner and other belt pulleys.
  • If necessary, the mechanic will then replace the serpentine belt tensioner.
  • Mechanic will advise if any other parts need to be replaced, like the auxiliary belt itself.
  • Mechanic will test the auxiliary drive belt system.
  • Mechanic will make any adjustments if necessary.

Can I replace a serpentine belt myself?

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend an auxiliary drive belt or serpentine belt replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

What are the signs of a bad serpentine belt?

Typical symptoms of a problematic drive belt include;

  • When there is a squeaking noise coming from the engine bay.
  • When the steering becomes heavy (PAS pump is not being turned).
  • When the battery warning light is on (alternator is not being turned).
  • When the engine temperature light is on (water pump is not being turned).
  • Any combination of the above!

How long will an auxiliary drive belt or serpentine belt replacement take?

An auxiliary drive belt or serpentine belt replacement usually takes under 1 hour, but can take more time. Ultimately, the time that the job will take will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

How often should engine auxiliary belts be replaced?

Auxiliary belts or serpentine belts will need replacing as per the manufacturer's guidelines. Unfortunately it is one of the most common causes of roadside breakdowns and mechanics are constantly being called out to replace them.

Can I drive with a bad serpentine belt?

If you suspect there is any issue with your serpentine or there are concerns about its age or condition, book an inspection with a professional mechanic immediate effect and do not drive the vehicle. There is a risk that a bad serpentine belt will snap, ultimately leaving you stranded and potentially causing harm to the engine.

When should drive belt be replaced?

Auxiliary drive belts or serpentine belts should be replaced as per the manufacturer's guidelines, this can vary depending on your vehicle's make and model. Auxiliary drive belts are expected to last several years, and can last as long as 100,000 miles.

If you experience an issue with the auxiliary drive belt and are not sure whether it needs replacing then it is advisable to get help from a professional mechanic. They can identify exactly which part is at fault and advise on next steps.

Can you drive with a broken alternator belt?

If your alternator belt is broken, then do not drive the vehicle as it lead to further engine damage and will leave you stranded. Book with a professional mechanic immediate effect to check the issue and get advise on next steps.

What happens when the auxiliary belt breaks?

If the auxiliary belt breaks the components that are run off the belt will not be able to turn. Depending on your vehicle make and model it can be that alternator is no longer turned, the PAS pump will not be turned, the water pump and air con compressor will not be turned.

How do you know if a pulley is misaligned?

Often a chirping noise can point to a misaligned pulley, however can be tricky to distinguish a misaligned pulley from other related problems like a misaligned belt as the symptoms and accompanying sounds are very similar. If you suspect there is any issue with a pulley or there are concerns about its age or condition, book an inspection with a professional mechanic as soon as possible, driving the vehicle may lead to further complications or damage.

When should a power steering belt be replaced?

Power steering belts (or serpentine belts) are expected to last several years, and as can last as long as 100,000 miles. Power steering belts are nowadays in most cases not a separate belt, but are known as a serpentine belt which also drives various other ancillary components used by the vehicle. The belt should be replaced as per the manufacturer's guidelines, this can vary depending on your vehicle's make and model.

How do I know if my alternator belt is bad?

Alternator belts (or serpentine belts) are expected to last several years, and as can last as long as 100,000 miles. Alternator belts are nowadays known as a serpentine belt which also drives various other ancillary components used by the vehicle and is not a separate belt. The belt should be replaced as per the manufacturer's guidelines, this can vary depending on your vehicle's make and model.

How do I know if my fan belt is bad?

Fan belts (nowadays alternator are driven by a serpentine belt) are expected to last several years, and as can last as long as 100,000 miles. The belt that drives the alternator nowadays also drives various other ancillary components used by the vehicle and is not a separate belt and is known as a serpentine belt. The belt should be replaced as per the manufacturer's guidelines, this can vary depending on your vehicle's make and model.

How long can you drive with a bad idler pulley?

If you suspect there is any issue with your idley pulley or there are concerns about its age or condition, book an inspection with a professional mechanic immediate effect and do not drive the vehicle. Driving with a faulty idler pulley is not advisable as it can lead to lead further complications on your vehicle and potentially further damage.

Is a worn auxiliary drive belt or serpentine belt an MOT failure?

No, a worn auxiliary drive belt or serpentine belt is not an MOT failure. It is not checked during an MOT as it is not a safety-critical item.

Is the drive belt checked during an MOT test?

No, the drive belt or the serpentine belt is not checked during an MOT test. However, as it is a critical part of keeping the car runnning, it's a good idea to inspect it for signs of wear and tear, especially if the car is older than 5 years.

Can a drive belt or serpentine belt deteriorate with age?

Yes, a serpentine belt can deteriorate with age. The belt can crack and fray, and the pulleys can wear down.

What is the average life of a drive belt?

The average lifespan of a drive belt is expected to be between 50,000 - 100,000 miles. Modern cars have drive belts that are made from more durable material that can last longer than the ones on the older cars. Ultimately, how long the drive belt will last depends on a number of factors such as the car and driving habits.

What causes a drive belt to break?

The most common reason for a drive belt to break is simply age and wear. As the belt gets older, it can become brittle and cracked, which can cause it to snap. Other reasons why a drive belt can break include:
* Defective belt tensioner
* Pulley misalignment
* Defective bearings in the tensioner
* Other defective accessories driven by the drive belt

How much does it cost to replace a drive belt?

Cost for an auxiliary drive belt or serpentine belt replacement is on average £80, with prices ranging from £70 to £110. Ultimately, the cost of an auxiliary drive belt replacement depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having your tensioner replaced by ClickMechanic by selecting your car at the top of this page!

Check out the ClickMechanic price for a drive belt replacement. See the averages for different makes below. We consolidate industry standard data with millions of data points to give you the most accurate price. These estimates may include Auxiliary drive belt/s, Auxiliary drive belt tensioner, Alternator drive/serpentine belt, Alternator drive/serpentine belt tensioner, Fan drive/serpentine belt, Power steering drive belt/s and/or Power steering drive/serpentine belt idler/guide pulley.

Estimates on average repair costs, such as the above results for a drive belt replacement, are based on ClickMechanic's quote data which combines multiple third-party sources. Actual costs may vary. We provide estimates on average repair costs for information only and accept no liability for any inaccuracies or errors. If you think an estimate is incorrect, please contact us to let us know.

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