Mazda 5 Belt Diagram? The 61 Top Answers

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On Fredericksburg cars, problems with serpentine belts and belt tensioners easily show signs of wear and when they need to be replaced. If you open the hood of a modern car with a petrol or diesel engine, you will see at least one V-belt. There are cars with two or three belts. The job of a multi-ribbed belt is to drive accessories installed on your engine, such as an alternator, water pump, and air conditioning compressor.

A V-belt differs from a toothed belt. A timing belt drives the engine camshaft(s) and is hidden under protective covers. A serpentine belt is located on the side of the engine and can be inspected under the hood. What happens if a V-belt breaks? What can cause a belt to squeak? When should you replace a multi-ribbed belt?

If a V-belt breaks, a car is no longer drivable and has to be towed. If the engine is running without a V-belt, it can overheat because the water pump is no longer working. A broken belt can also damage other parts. We’ve seen cracked radiator shrouds and snapped coolant hoses damaged by a snapped belt.

Symptoms of a broken V-belt include loud banging, squeaking, or knocking noises coming from under the hood. The battery charging system warning light may also illuminate as the alternator stops charging the battery. When a car has a hydraulic power steering pump, the steering becomes stiff.

Regular wear. A new serpentine belt has a soft, felt-like finish on the ribbed side. As the belt wears, the belt rubber hardens and cracks. A worn belt stretches and loses tension. This will cause the belt to slip from time to time. You can hear it as a squeaking or chirping noise under the hood in the morning when starting the engine or in wet weather.

Lee Hill Auto Service saw a new serpentine belt that lasted less than a week in an engine that was leaking oil in the belt area. In this case, there is no point in installing a new belt. Oil leaks must be fixed first.

Poor spring-loaded automatic belt tensioner. Proper tension is critical for any belt. Often an old spring loaded automatic belt tensioner will seize or wear out and weaken. Without proper tension, a serpentine belt will begin to slip. This causes the belt to wear out faster.

Lee Hill Auto Service has seen seized belt tensioners causing a loose serpentine belt to roll off the tensioner. Symptoms of a loose serpentine belt include a loud squeaking noise when the engine is started or when the steering is turned all the way to the side. A serpentine belt that keeps slipping off the pulley is another symptom of a bad tensioner.

Problems with hydraulic belt tensioner. Many Fredericksburg cars have a hydraulic serpentine belt tensioner, which uses a small damper mount to maintain tension instead of the spring. Symptoms include a tensioner leak or a rattling noise from the belt area when the engine is running. On some cars, the belt tension is adjusted manually. Over time, the belt will stretch and if the tension is not adjusted in time, the belt will begin to slip.

Misaligned pulley. A serpentine belt runs on multiple pulleys. If one of the belt-driven devices or an idler is not aligned with the belt for any reason, the belt will squeak. Often this problem is discovered after a newly replaced belt is still squeaking or wearing out quickly. One of the symptoms of this problem is increased wear on one side of the belt.

A serpentine belt can last anywhere from 30,000 to over 100,000 miles. Most car manufacturers do not specify change intervals for the V-belt, but recommend inspecting the V-belt as part of regular maintenance.

During our complimentary digital courtesy at your regular oil change service, our mechanics will look for cracks, splits, damaged edges, missing chunks, glazing and other signs of wear. In most cases it is easy to see when the belt is worn. A worn belt must be replaced. A multi-ribbed belt also needs to be replaced if it is soaked in oil or stretched.

related questions

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If you’ve ever owned a car past the 50,000 mile mark, you’ve heard a mechanic talk to you about the drive belts on your car. You may have nodded as they explained the condition of these belts and their recommendation that they be serviced. But you may also have been wondering: what exactly do these belts even do? Knowledge is power when it comes to maintaining your car and Christian Brothers Automotive Round Rock will help you understand why these belts are so important to your vehicle’s function.

timing belt

A timing belt is a notched rubber belt that opens and closes the engine valves at the correct timing with the pistons. It also allows the crankshaft to turn the camshaft. This rubber belt is a more modern replacement for an earlier timing chain. The upgrade from chain to rubber greatly reduces the risk of damage to the valves and pistons in the event of a belt malfunction.

The best indication that your timing belt is not working properly or is worn is when you hear a slapping noise under the hood. If you notice that your car is developing a rough idle, this can also be an indicator that you need to have your timing belt checked. When it comes to your timing belt, prevention is your friend. If your timing belt snaps, your car won’t run and it can cause costly damage to your valves and pistons.

serpentine belt

Your car’s serpentine belt is a long, endless belt that drives all of your engine components. Newer cars use serpentine belts because they are easy to replace. Most V-belts need to be changed at least every 50,000 miles.

When a multi-ribbed belt isn’t working, you can often hear a squeaking or chirping noise. This can happen because the belt has snapped, snapped, or lost its tension and is too loose to run properly. If your V-belt snaps your car won’t run, which is one of the reasons it’s so important to keep track of your car’s scheduled maintenance.

It’s always frustrating to spend time fixing something that could have been avoided in the first place. We know how important it is to you to keep your car running, so we’re doing our part by sending our customers reminders when their car is due for scheduled maintenance. If your car was serviced elsewhere and you can’t remember when your belt was last changed, bring your car to Christian Brothers Automotive Round Rock and let us take a look.

V-belt

Before serpentine belts became the new standard, most older model cars used V-belts. V-belts consist of multiple belts that run from the engine’s crankshaft to drive the air conditioning compressor, water pump, power steering pump, and alternator. The great thing about these straps was that they were short and didn’t slip like newer serpentine straps. Because different belts had different functions, a belt malfunction did not necessarily mean your car would not run.

When your V-belt fails, you may notice a squeak and some of the accessories on your car may stop working. Unfortunately, V-belts are not always readily available and sometimes have to be specially ordered for older model cars.

With temperatures rising here in central Texas, remember that heat, oil, water and dirt all wear down your drive belts. It is important to clean up oil leaks quickly to avoid causing further damage. Whenever your car is ready for service or you suspect something is wrong, we are here to give your car the care it needs.

“People here are very honest and direct with you, they make sure you know exactly what is going on and how serious (of) each thing is; So I know how urgently I need to do certain parts of the maintenance.” – YES

Did you know we offer a free courtesy inspection every time you bring your car to Christian Brothers Automotive Round Rock? This is how we make sure we have your car ready for whatever, wherever life takes you. We look at all the visible systems on your car, let you know what we find and explain your options so you can make the best decision for you and your car. Just click the button below to make an appointment. We look forward to seeing you.

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The Mazda5 is a small car that often goes unnoticed in the auto industry. With plenty of cargo space and comfortable seats for many passengers, it’s an excellent vehicle to travel with. The Mazda5 was first produced in 2006 and remained in service until 2015. With so many years on the market, there are some Mazda5 years to avoid.

If you are interested in that vehicle for your life, finding the best year is important. CoPilot is ready to help you figure out which Mazda5 years to avoid and which to spend money on for your future. Read on to make the most of your money.

Quick Answer – Avoid the Mazda5 year models 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012

The Mazda5 is an excellent car that was last produced in 2015. If you’re interested in supporting this vehicle in your busy life, it’s important to understand which models to avoid for the sake of your future as a car owner. We advise you to stay away from the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2012 models at all costs.

The biggest problems with these years come from burned out engines, slipping clutches and faulty gearboxes. The money you spend affects the value of the car. Make sure you keep those Mazda5 years in mind.

Which Mazda5 models are safe to buy used?

There are several Mazda5 years to avoid, but there are also plenty of quality options for those interested in the vehicle. Let’s discuss some of the ideal options so you can find the model that fits your life perfectly.

According to carcomplaints.com, here are some of the safest versions to invest in for your life:

2010 Mazda5

2011 Mazda5

2013 Mazda5

2014 Mazda5

2015 Mazda5

These are some of the best years for the Mazda5 vehicle.

As with any vehicle, you will not find a perfectly spotless year. There are still minor issues encountered with these such as: B. Paint problems and problems with the windshield. Still, that’s nothing compared to the Mazda5’s failures to avoid for years.

If you buy one of these years, you will certainly get a used model that you will enjoy. These are the best of the best.

BE SURE YOU GET THE BEST DEAL

CoPilot will search your area and let you know if there’s a better deal for a similar vehicle nearby, so you’re always confident you’ve got the best deal possible. The CoPilot app is the smartest way to buy a car.

Which Mazda5 models are not safe to buy used?

Anyone interested in a Mazda5 can feel safe investing in any of the options listed above. Now it’s time to talk about the worst years. We recommend avoiding these years if you want a Mazda5 for your next vehicle.

According to carcomplaints.com, worst years for the Mazda5 include:

2006 Mazda5

2007 Mazda5

2008 Mazda5

2009 Mazda5

2012 Mazda5

Stay away from these if you want to get the most bang for your buck.

Overall, 2006 is the worst year for the Mazda5. This year had the most suspension issues of any other year. A suspension repair is one of the more expensive repairs a car can require.

A few other flaws are things like a slipping clutch, burned out engine and interior problems. These can get expensive over time, especially on these models.

If you want to feel comfortable with your choice, you should keep your hands off these models. They don’t offer what you need along the way.

Common Mazda5 problems

We’ve talked a lot about the Mazda5’s biggest issues, but are there any others we should be aware of? Whether it’s a year to avoid or a quality year, what problems will you encounter with a Mazda5? There are issues every Mazda5 owner should be prepared for on the road.

Here are some common Mazda5 vehicle issues:

Problems with the air conditioning

Slipping clutches

transmission error

chassis noise

These can be painful.

Of course, in the Mazda5 years, these problems will be worse to avoid. Still, it’s important to be prepared for these issues if you own a Mazda5. You can also experience them in the recommended models.

THE BEST HIGH CLEARANCE SEDANS

There are many vehicles on the market that allow you to overcome obstacles without sacrificing the comfort of a small car. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our favorite new high clearance sedans.

Issue counts by year

Customer complaints are an excellent tool for assessing the quality of a vintage vehicle. As a customer, it is important to consider what other customers think of your vehicle before paying for it. This applies to the Mazda5.

Here are compiled customer complaints according to carcomplaints.com:

** **

It’s exciting to see what customers think of each model year presented in chart form.

If you’ve never dealt with customer complaints, it might be time to check out this useful piece of information. Customers are more than just critics – they are ordinary people who drive around in these vehicles. They can help you determine if you are making the best vehicle choice for your life.

WHAT TO DO IF A DEALER REFUSES TO CANCEL THE EXTENDED WARRANTY

Buying a car can be frustrating at times, especially if you buy your vehicle through a dealer. We’re here to tell you how to deal with a situation where a retailer refuses to cancel your extended warranty.

How to find a quality Mazda5 near you?

It can be intimidating to look for a Mazda5 yourself. We have the solution for you – the CoPilot Car Shopping App. The technology looks for dealers that operate in your area and finds one that suits your needs. You can search for the ideal vehicle right on the screen of your device.

Don’t miss a thing with this app – CoPilot uses the same technology as dealers. It makes the shopping process a lot easier for those who easily get overwhelmed.

Those interested in newer models can check out CoPilot Compare, the search engine for almost new cars. If you use this program, you will only see models that are five years old or younger. They also have low mileage, most with CPO availability. CoPilot Compare would break down the price comparison if you are buying a used car or investing in a new car.

You don’t have to worry about sponsored ads here – we don’t work with merchants to get our information. Learn more about how CoPilot works on our About Us page. We can’t wait to help you find the Mazda5 of your dreams.

Get a curated list of the best used cars in your area

The CoPilot Car Shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventory of all the car dealerships in your area to give you a personalized list of the best car deals in your area.

Are you only looking for newer models? CoPilot Compare is the search engine for almost new cars. Only see cars five years and older with low mileage – CoPilot Compare is the best way to find no lease, early trade-in and CPO cars.

The best part? CoPilot is based on the same technology dealers use to buy and sell their inventory, so we have more information on each vehicle than the competition. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealers, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices – just most of the best car info. Visit our About Us page to learn how CoPilot works.

Serpentine belts are belts that connect your engine’s pulleys together. These belts typically connect the crank pulley to the alternator, water pump, power steering pump, and A/C condenser. Some vehicles have more pulleys than others, depending on how your engine was made. By connecting all of these components to the crank pulley, these other vital parts can be driven by the rotation of your engine.

belt noise

As these belts wear out, they can start to squeak or squeak. They make noise because the belt isn’t tensioned enough, or because the pulleys are misaligned or weak. Changing the belt is often enough to stop the squeaking. The noise is not usually a hazard, although it sounds alarming. In some cases, this can be a warning sign that the belt is about to fail. It’s best to check your belt regularly, especially if it starts making noise.

How to check your serpentine belt

You shouldn’t wait until it starts making noise to inspect your V-belt. Every time you check your oil, also check your belt. Pay close attention to the edges and look for fraying. If you notice the belt beginning to fray, have it replaced immediately. Fraying is a sign of a very worn strap and it could break and leave you stranded. The same is true if you observe excessive cracking. Over time, heating and cooling will cause serpentine belts to crack. A snapped belt could fail and leave you waiting for a tow truck. Even if your strap is free of frays or tears, it will weaken over time. Make sure you follow the recommended maintenance interval for changing V-belts on your vehicle.

belt change

Belts need to be replaced, but not as often as other components like filters. Depending on your vehicle, it may need to be replaced every 5 years or every 50,000 miles. On many vehicles, the belt only needs to be replaced once every 10,000 miles. Older belts are usually weaker, so it’s important to keep an eye on your serpentine belt if you know it’s older.

Not sure if it’s time to replace your V-belt? Contact Audi Silver Spring today to set up an appointment. Our trained professionals can take a look for you and recommend the best action so you’re not stranded.

What happens to a car when the V-belt breaks?

Have you ever wondered what happens to a car when the V-belt breaks?

If you are thinking of an explosion, the answer is no – your engine will not explode.

While the serpentine belt is responsible for driving vital engine accessories (including the water pump), it takes a little more than a broken belt for your engine to rupture.

So what happens if the V-belt breaks?

Can the car even start with a broken V-belt?

We will try to answer these questions and also clarify some other frequently asked questions about serpentine belts.

This article contains:

Let’s crack!

What happens to a car when the V-belt breaks?

The serpentine belt is built to last and not prone to failure.

However, it wears out with time and use.

If your serpentine belt snaps while driving, you’ll likely hear a pop in the engine bay as it snaps and starts flapping around before it comes loose.

Because this drive belt powers a number of important engine systems, when it breaks, here’s what happens:

1. A sudden loss of power steering assistance

Your power steering assist results in easier steering, which is why you can maneuver a 4,000-pound car smoothly. But if your V-belt snaps, the power steering pump stops working and your steering wheel becomes heavier.

At high speeds it will hardly be noticeable.

However, the slower you go, the more the steering wheel reflects the vehicle’s weight.

No driver would like to lose the power steering, especially when maneuvering in heavy traffic.

2. The alternator no longer supplies the electrical system

The alternator supplies the entire vehicle electrics and charges the car battery.

If the V-belt breaks, the alternator will no longer produce electricity.

In this case your headlights will be dimmed, the radio will not work and your battery will be dead. The battery warning light also comes on because your battery is not charging.

3. The water pump stops the circulation of the engine coolant

The water pump circulates the engine coolant through the cooling system.

A snapped serpentine belt means your engine is losing that cooling factor when driving your water pump. As a result, your car’s engine will quickly begin to overheat.

The temperature gauge will rise into the red zone and the Check Engine light will illuminate once temperatures exceed safe levels.

Note: Sometimes the timing belt drives the water pump and this problem will not occur.

4. Your vehicle will go into limp home mode

Your engine computer can initiate limp home mode to protect your car from further engine damage.

When your car goes into limp mode, you will notice a significant drop in engine performance and your Check Engine light will illuminate.

5. The air conditioner stopped working

Your air conditioning compressor stops running.

This means that the air conditioning does not work and the cabin cooling fails.

Luckily, when the weather is nice and you can roll down the windows, the air conditioner failure isn’t a showstopper.

However, if you live in a hot climate and it rains heavily, your windshield and windows will fog up, reducing visibility and making driving extremely difficult.

A broken serpentine belt will clearly cause many essential components to fail.

So what to do if the V-belt breaks while driving?

What should I do if my V-ribbed belt snaps while driving?

Your engine will not stop immediately, but you should stop in a safe place as soon as possible. Possible steering difficulties and the risk of an overheated vehicle engine are more than enough reason to stop.

Reduced vehicle performance, a stiff steering wheel, or the Check Engine light flashing would be more than a fair warning that something is wrong. Not to mention the popping and popping noises coming from your engine compartment when the drive belt snaps.

Once you’ve stopped in a safe place, call a mechanic or roadside assistance. If the car’s serpentine belt is dangling in the engine compartment, remove it before moving the vehicle to another location to avoid further damage.

Now that you have a good idea of ​​what happens to a car when the V-belt breaks, let’s go through some frequently asked questions.

6 Frequently Asked Questions About Serpentine Belts

Here are a few answers to questions you may have about the serpentine belt:

1. How does the Serpentine Belt work?

The serpentine belt delivers rotational energy from the engine crankshaft to all engine systems.

It is also called the accessory drive belt, fan belt, or alternator belt because it drives the alternator, power steering, air conditioning compressor, and (sometimes) water pump.

In order for all of these engine systems to work, the car’s serpentine belt works with a set of pulleys. Engine accessory pulleys, an idler pulley and one or two idler pulleys.

As the crankshaft rotates, the serpentine belt also rotates these other pulleys and drives the accessories.

What about the idler pulley and belt tensioner?

The idler pulley helps create a sufficient wrap angle to prevent the belt from slipping off the other pulleys. And the belt tensioner (or automatic tensioner) provides the necessary belt tension for the V-ribbed belt to function optimally.

Here’s something else – don’t confuse the serpentine belt with the timing belt.

The serpentine is a drive belt and is located outside of the engine. However, the timing belt is inside the engine and keeps the camshaft and crankshaft in sync.

2. How long can a car engine run with a broken V-belt?

There are a few factors that affect the answer to this question, but on average, your car should be able to run between 20 and 90 minutes with a broken V-belt.

Without a working cooling system, the engine will overheat faster on a hot day, so your driving window will be smaller.

But if it’s cold and your battery is fully charged, you might be able to run the vehicle’s engine for a little over 90 minutes before the battery dies. That might be enough time to get to a nearby mechanic.

Remember that all electrical and electronic systems should be turned off to minimize battery drain and your steering wheel will feel a lot heavier.

3. Can a car start with a broken serpentine belt?

Yes, a vehicle can start with a broken V-belt provided the battery is fully functional. The starter motor and ignition system crank the car’s engine to start the combustion process.

However, you need the serpentine belt if you want your car to run for a long time.

4. Can I drive with a worn V-ribbed belt?

Yes you can.

But if you know you have a worn belt, it’s better to replace a serpentine belt.

There is no reason to knowingly endanger your vehicle or your own safety when driving with a bad serpentine belt. Belt failures can happen at any time and the consequences can be dangerous.

The serpentine belt usually needs to be checked and replaced after about 60,000 to 90,000 miles of use. Having an old belt checked proactively can save you the hassle and potential danger of a broken belt.

5. What can cause serpentine belt failure?

Serpentine belt problems are typically caused by one or a combination of these things:

Exposure to heat and friction over time

A defective belt tensioner

Pulley misalignment

Defective bearings in the tensioner, in the idler pulley or even in an auxiliary unit driven by the V-ribbed belt

Premature failure can occur from uneven drive belt wear if the serpentine belt is misaligned.

If the tensioner or pulleys are worn or damaged, they can cause a loose multi-ribbed belt that can simply fall off instead of breaking. Poor V-belt tension can affect the engine accessories and the power steering pump or alternator will not work properly.

Belt replacement may not solve a belt slipping problem if the tensioner and pulley system is not also serviced. Make sure you get a reliable mechanic to thoroughly replace your old belt.

6. What are the signs of a bad serpentine belt?

The good news is that the serpentine belt shows significant signs of wear long before it breaks. Here are a few symptoms to look out for:

A squeaking sound from the car’s engine compartment, possibly from a slipping belt

A problematic power steering or air conditioning

An overheated vehicle engine

Cracks, chips and damage on the belt

Fluid leak from a defective hydraulic belt tensioner or leaking hoses

If you notice any of these, it might be time to call the mechanic and replace a serpentine belt.

Final Thoughts

It can be a bit nerve wracking when your drive belt snaps, especially when it happens at high speeds. The best thing you can do is not to panic and know that your vehicle will still be running for a while while you get it to safety.

To avoid this scenario, good car care is essential.

If you’re looking for an easy fix to serpentine belt problems (whether it’s already broken or needs to be checked), RepairSmith can help!

RepairSmith is a mobile repair and maintenance service for mechanics, available 7 days a week with easy online booking and a 12 month 12,000 mile warranty.

Just reach out to them and RepairSmith’s ASE certified mechanics will be where you are to help you as quickly as possible!

Belt tensioners are extremely important to the proper operation of the accessory belt drive system. A tensioner keeps the belt at the correct tension at all times throughout its operating cycle. It also helps protect other components like the alternator and water pump from excessive stress and premature failure. Also, a tensioner is a relatively inexpensive part that needs to be replaced. Whenever you change a V-ribbed belt, make sure that you also change the tensioning pulley.

Additionally, when an idler has reached the end of its life, Gates recommends replacing all wear parts at the same time to ensure the best long-term solution.

The Importance of Proper Belt Tension If the belt tension is too low, the belt will slip and cause noise, excessive temperatures and premature belt wear, all of which can lead to poor performance of the belt-driven accessory. Excessive tension will cause excessive wear on the belt driven accessories.

HOW TO IDENTIFY A BELT TENSIONER THAT IS NEARLY DEFECTIVE? The following signs indicate that a tensioner needs to be replaced:

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Last updated on January 6, 2021

Your car has several moving parts, such as the alternator, water pump, power steering pump and air conditioning compressor. In order for your vehicle to function properly, these parts must all work together.

The serpentine or accessory drive belt is connected to your power steering pump, alternator, air conditioner, and sometimes the water pump. All of these parts are driven by a long belt that keeps everything running smoothly.

Need help with a car problem NOW? Click here to chat online with a verified mechanic to answer your questions. to chat online with a verified mechanic to answer your questions.

Because it drives many different components, this belt is also known as a power steering belt, alternator belt, or fan belt. However, it should never be confused with a timing belt.

No matter what it is called, if it starts to fail you will have some problems. Luckily, the symptoms of a bad serpentine belt are easy to spot.

See also: Symptoms of a bad timing belt tensioner

How a serpentine belt works

It’s simple mechanics. The harness is hooked into the various connection points. When the engine comes to life, the belt is activated. It is pulled and tightened. The belt drives the other components within the system. They move because the strap does.

If you have a bad V-belt tensioner, your air conditioning, power steering and alternator will suffer.

Top 5 Bad Serpentine Belt Symptoms

It’s a serious problem and if the belt breaks you’ll find the car harder to drive. If the belt breaks under high tension during use, it can also damage other critical systems. It is best to have this issue resolved as soon as possible.

Here are five ways you’ll know it’s time to replace your serpentine belt:

#1 – Your air conditioner isn’t working

If your air conditioner suddenly stopped working, this could be the problem. You should find that the air conditioning is not working and no sound is coming from it. Cold air does not escape from the ventilation slots either.

Several things could be preventing the air conditioning from working, but check the accessory drive belt just in case.

#2 – Squeaking noises

If it sounds like your car is practicing for a pig call contest, check the serpentine belt immediately. It usually occurs when the belt is slipping or misaligned, and is often most noticeable on a cold morning before the engine warms up.

Both situations are easy fixes – tighten the strap and make sure it’s perfectly aligned. Other situations would mean buying a new belt instead.

#3 – No power steering

A loss of power in the steering mechanism can be a little scary. It’s like losing your car overnight. The power steering is great when it works, but when things go wrong you feel like you’re driving an unwieldy tank.

While it’s possible to drive without power steering (most older cars didn’t have it), it takes a lot of effort, especially at low speeds. A faulty power steering pump or lack of fluid can actually be the culprits, but it’s worth checking your V-belt.

#4 – Overheated engine

This problem is common on cars where the belt drives the water pump. If the belt breaks, the water pump will not work and the engine will overheat. If you continue with this problem, you are looking for trouble.

If you have to drive to the mechanic, pay close attention to the temperature. Drive slowly and carefully to avoid overheating and engine stalling. It’s safest to have the car towed – it costs a little more, but not as much as a new engine.

#5 – Belt broke

A quick maintenance inspection every few weeks or when changing the oil is advisable. Check the belts and other components in the car. Do some need to be tightened? Or replaced?

If you see that the serpentine belt is snapped or damaged, it’s time to get a new one. You could wait for the belt to snap, but that risks even more damage to your car.

The strap is pretty easy to change in most cases and not that expensive. No excuse justifies delaying this repair.

Serpentine belt replacement cost

The best places to order parts? See: 19 Best Online Auto Parts Stores

Let’s get to the brass nails. So how much does a serpentine belt cost exactly?

A typical serpentine belt starts at around $25 and goes up to $75 at most. If you know some auto repair basics, you can change the belt yourself, and it can save you from paying around $75-$120 in labor costs. All in all you’re looking at around $100-$195 to replace your serpentine belt.

It shouldn’t take more than an hour (at most two) to fix this simple problem. It depends on the model of car and how easy it is to get to the V-belt within the frame of the vehicle.

Should I replace the belt myself?

There are repairs that should always be left to the professionals to be on the safe side, but that’s not one of them. If you have a reasonable understanding of the mechanics, YouTube will fill in the blanks for you. If you are confident that you know what you are doing, this is an ideal solution. If not, get help.

Considering that this can save you a ton of money and that it’s not a complicated task, we recommend that average DIYers try it for themselves. Chances are you will be pleasantly surprised at what you can achieve with your drive belt change.

See also: How to fix a seat belt that won’t pull out

Can I drive my car with a bad serpentine belt?

It’s a question we hear frequently. There are instances where you might be able to drive your car in an emergency, but we would prefer to be more cautious.

If the belt breaks, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to steer the car. When the strap starts to fray, it doesn’t take long before it breaks, so it’s better to replace it.

Do the right thing and call your mechanic right away. The consequences of non-compliance could cost you dearly later. What happens if the belt breaks on the freeway? Our best advice is to stop the car and have it towed to the workshop.

Most newer models of front-wheel drive cars and minivans and rear-wheel drive cars and trucks have a serpentine belt to drive the engine’s accessories. Serpentine belts have replaced multiple V-belts because a single belt is more compact, cheaper, and easier to install than multiple belts. By snaking around the various pulleys, both sides of a serpentine belt can grip and rotate the pulleys on the alternator, water pump, air conditioning compressor, and power steering pump.

HOW SERPENTINE BELTS DIFFER FROM V-BELTS

Serpentine belts are easy to spot because they are flat on the outside and ribbed or grooved on the bottom. Most are also much longer than a typical V-belt. Serpentine belts are also wider and flatter than V-belts. A typical V-belt is usually about half an inch wide and half an inch thick. A typical serpentine belt, by comparison, is about 1 inch wide but only about 1 inch thick. The flatter cross-section gives the belt greater flexibility, reduces internal friction and heat generation. Heat is a belt’s worst enemy, so anything that allows the belt to run cooler will help it last longer.

HOW LONG WILL A V-BELT LAST BEFORE IT NEEDS REPLACEMENT?

Typically, V-belts in older vehicles had a recommended replacement interval of 50,000 to 60,000 miles. But for most newer vehicles (10 years or younger) the recommended replacement interval is typically 100,000 miles. Serpentine belts in newer vehicle models are made of EDPM (Ethylin Propelene Dyeen Monomer), a very durable synthetic rubber. EDPM belts often last well over 100,000 miles. Even so, it’s a good idea to replace the belt at the recommended intervals to reduce the risk of belt failure and failure.

INDICATIONS OF A PROBLEM: SERPENTINE BELT NOISE

Sometimes, at low mileage, a serpentine belt will begin to squeak, glaze, or snap. The high-pitched squeaking noise is caused by a glaze forming on the outer surface of the belt, which may be due to pulley misalignment and/or slippage (loss of belt tension or a weak auto-tensioner). The noise does not affect the operation or reliability of the belt (unless it is slipping), but the noise can be very annoying.

Changing the belt is often the only way to get rid of the noise. You can spray a noisy belt with belt treatment aerosol lubricant. These products will often quiet the belt noise for a while, but sooner or later the noise will come back.

If a new belt is still noisy, the noise may be due to a weak automatic tensioner allowing the belt to slip, or pulley misalignment or wear.

Dayco, a supplier of OE and aftermarket belts, manufactures a special “W” profile replacement V-belt for high mileage (80,000 miles or more) vehicles that may have slightly worn or misaligned pulleys. The unique shape of the grooves on the underside of the belt combined with special fibers and materials in the belt itself help it run quieter than a standard replacement belt. Click here to watch Dayco’s “W” Serpentine Belts informational video.

HOW TO INSPECT A SERPENTINE BELT

You should check your serpentine belt regularly, such as every time you change the oil or add washer fluid to the reservoir.

If the belt is badly torn, frayed, or pieces of rubber are missing from the ribs, the belt should be replaced immediately.

Minor cracks on the ribbed side of the belt are fine, but severe cracks indicate the rubber is hardening and the belt has reached the end of its life. However, this only applies to older V-ribbed belts made of neoprene synthetic rubber.

A good rule of thumb for older chloroprene-based (neoprene) serpentine belts is that if cracks are visible 3 mm (1/8 inch) apart around the belt, the belt is at the end of its life and should be replaced. Small cracks at larger intervals are normal in older belts as they age and do not mean the belt needs to be changed.

You probably won’t see cracks in new model serpentine belts made from EDPM, as EDPM rarely cracks with age. This makes it more difficult to determine the condition of the belt. A high mileage belt may still look like new, but the V-grooves on the underside can be badly worn, which can cause the belt to slip. Slippage can cause noise, pulley wear, engine overheating, battery discharge, and even false engine codes (AC compressor slip codes, power steering codes, knock sensor codes, etc.).

A classic symptom of a worn serpentine belt is belt noise when the engine revs up. When the ribs on the underside of the belt become worn, the belt can lose its grip and slip under load. A weak automatic belt tensioner or insufficient tension on a manually adjusted belt can also cause the belt to slip. If you see belt slap when revving the engine, it probably doesn’t have enough tension.

MEASURE BELT WEAR

Belt wear is hard to tell just by looking at the belt. Therefore, several belt manufacturers have developed simple tools to check the depth of the grooves on the underside of the belt. A free tool is available at www.GatesBeltWear.com.

The tip of the tool is inserted flat into the grooves on the underside of the belt. If the probing portion of the tool is ABOVE the surface of the belt, the belt is not worn. However, if the indicator is FLUSH or UNDER the belt ribs, the belt is worn and needs to be replaced.

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Place the gauge on the belt….Then check the height of the gauge.

Instructions for the belt gauge. Click to enlarge the image.

Any multi-ribbed belt that is cracked or obviously damaged must be replaced immediately as it will soon fail.

Also check the belt to see if it is contaminated with oil or grease. Petroleum products can weaken the rubber over time and reduce belt life. Oil and grease can also cause the belt to slip, which can result in the alternator undercharging or the water pump not circulating enough coolant to prevent the engine from overheating or overheating.

BELT ERROR

If your multi-ribbed belt snaps or comes loose from its pulleys, that’s bad news. The belt is the all-important connection between the pulley at the end of the crankshaft and the pulleys that drive most or all of your engine’s accessories. So, a belt failure usually means a loss of engine cooling, a loss of battery charge, a loss of power steering assistance, and a loss of air conditioning. In short, a broken belt means failure.

It is difficult to predict exactly when a belt will fail as appearance alone does not show what is going on inside a belt. Some high mileage belts that still look as good as new on the outside can be dangerously weak on the inside and on the verge of failure.

Therefore, to reduce the risk of a breakdown, you should replace your V-belt after 50,000 to 60,000 miles for preventative maintenance.

If your old belt is glazed or squeaking, be sure to check the automatic belt tensioner. It may be weak or stuck. Also check the alignment of the pulleys with a straight edge. More than about a quarter of an inch misalignment can be enough to cause a problem (an eighth of an inch if the pulleys are close together!).

HOW TO REPLACE A SERPENTINE BELT

If the old belt is still intact and has not snapped or come loose from the pulleys, note how it is routed BEFORE removing it. If you cannot find a belt routing decal in the engine compartment or under the hood, draw a picture of the belt routing. Or take a digital photo for reference in case you forget.

You can also find belt trajectory charts (for a fee) on vehicle manufacturers’ service information websites or on AlldataDIY.com.

NOTE: A serpentine belt usually only goes in one direction. If the belt doesn’t seem to fit (not long enough or too long) and the replacement belt is the same length as the original, the belt is probably misplaced. Check the routing diagram again and try again.

In some cases it may be possible to install a serpentine belt the wrong way round. In this case, one or more pulleys rotate in the WRONG direction, affecting the operation of the alternator, water pump, air conditioning compressor or power steering pump. This can lead to big problems.

Replacing a serpentine belt can be difficult on many front-wheel drive cars and minivans with side (transverse) mount engines due to the limited accessibility of the V-belt. With a transversely mounted engine, there may be some space between the pulleys and the left fender. In some applications you may need to disconnect and remove a motor mount to replace the belt!

To loosen the automatic belt tensioner, you may need a special tool designed for this purpose.

If the engine does not have an automatic belt tensioner but uses a manual adjuster or screw, a belt gauge should be used to adjust the belt tension to specifications. A belt that is too loose can slip or separate from the pulleys, while a belt that is too tight can overload the PTO bearings or the belt itself, causing premature belt or component failure.

If you’re trying to fit a serpentine belt to a custom application or engine that didn’t originally have air conditioning but now has an air conditioning compressor or other belt driven accessory, the fitment guide on this site may help: Dayco Customization Guide. Click the Serpentine Belts tab, then enter the belt length and number of ribs to find out which belt is right for the application.

STRETCHFIT SERPENTINE HARNESSES DO NOT USE AN AUTOMATIC TENSIONER

To save money, automakers have eliminated the automatic tensioner for the V-belt on some newer vehicle models. Applications include 2004-up Mazda MPV & Tribute, 2005-up Ford Escape and Taurus, 2007-up Chrysler Sebring, 2007-up Dodge Stratus and Dodge Nitro, some 2008-up GMC and Chevy trucks, and 2008-up Hummer H3.

In these vehicles, the V-ribbed belt must be tensioned over the last belt pulley when changing. The trick is to run the belt as far as possible and then run it partially over the last pulley. Then turn the motor by hand to finish pulling the belt over the pulley.

Gates has a special tool for this purpose, which greatly simplifies the installation. For more information on StretchFit V-Ribbed Belts and how to replace them, click here to view the Gates Owner’s Manual.

An important point to note about StretchFit straps is that once removed, they cannot be reused. They are designed to stretch ONCE and that’s it. If you attempt to reuse one of these belts, it will not retain tension and will likely slip or come loose from its pulleys.

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