Drive Belt replacement & repair made easy

What does a drive belt (or serpentine, fan or alternator belt) do?

The serpentine belt (otherwise known as drive belt, fan belt, alternator belt or v-belt and made from rubber) drives a range of ancillary components off the crankshaft of the engine. It transfer power to components like the alternator, the air conditioning system and the power steering unit. Importantly, without the serpentine belt the engine cannot function properly. Modern cars will usually have a single belt to drive its ancillaries, older cars usually have a number of belts to achieve the same thing.

How do you know there is something wrong with the drive / serpentine belt?

• When there is a squeaking noise coming from the engine bay.
• When the steering is heavy (due to a non-functioning power steering system).
• When the battery warning light is on.
• When the engine temperature light is on.

When should you consider having your drive / serpentine belt replaced?

It is crucial that the belt is in tip-top condition, if the belt is neglected there is always a risk it might snap at some point. Over time, the belt can become brittle due to heat from the engine and general wear. It might be that cracks start to appear in the belt. It is at this point that there might be a risk that the belt will snap. If not addressed this can ultimately lead to internal engine damage as, in some cars, the belt also drives the water and oil pumps.

The serpentine belt normally needs to be replaced as and when stipulated in the service schedule of your car (as supplied by the manufacturer). If you find that cracks have started to appear in the belt before the next replacement is due, it is, desirable to get in touch with a mechanic and have the belt replaced to be on the safe side. It will avoid further, more expensive, repairs to your car.

What happens during a drive / serpentine belt replacement?

• Mechanic will inspect the serpentine belt for wear and cracks.
• Mechanic will also check the belt's pulleys and tensioner.
• If necessary, the mechanic will replace the belt (in some cases more than one belt.
• If necessary, the mechanic will advise if other repairs are necessary.

How much does a drive / serpentine belt replacement cost?

The cost of a serpentine 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 serpentine belt replaced by Clickmechanic, by selecting your car at the top of this page!

What is a Serpentine Belt Tensioner for?

The serpentine belt tensioner is a vital part of the serpentine belt system that runs your alternator, air conditioning, power steering and other systems.

As the name suggests the belt tensioner tensions the belt, it is essentially a small pulley that presses continuously on the outer surface of the belt. It serves to make sure that the belt runs smoothly and reliably.

How do you know there is something wrong with the Serpentine Belt Tensioner?

• When squeaking noise occurs under the bonnet when starting the car.
• When the belt slips when the engine runs (high-pitched squeaks).

When should you consider replacing your Serpentine Belt Tensioner?

Over time a serpentine belt tensioner can, of course, wear out and become ineffective. In some cases it can be that the tensioner seizes due to dirt, usually from an old and brittle serpentine belt. In other cases it can be that the tensioner was damaged, usually the belt will then be frayed or display other signs of excessive wear.

Another sign is that the belt wobbles as it rotates when the engine runs. When a belt moves excessively it is usually the tensioner spring that is weak or faulty. Eventually a faulty belt tensioner can lead to further, more expensive damage, on all the components that are driven off the serpentine belt.

It is therefore recommendable that the serpentine belt tensioner is inspected as soon as possible should you experience any issues with the component. A mechanic can establish the fault and advise on any repairs. Always remember to service the serpentine belt tensioner (and, importantly, the serpentine belt) as and when stipulated in the manufacturer's guidelines.

What happens during a Serpentine Belt Tensioner replacement?

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

How much does a Serpentine Belt Tensioner Replacement cost?

The cost of a serpentine belt tensioner 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 serpentine belt tensioner replaced by Clickmechanic, by selecting your car at the top of this page!