Drive Belt replacement & repair made easy

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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