When is it time to replace a serpentine belt?
When is it time to replace a serpentine belt?
First-generation serpentine belts were made from a nitrile compound that cracked with use. If your drive belt has cracks in three or more adjacent ribs within a 1-in. span, or has four or more cracks per inch on a single rib, it’s time to replace it.
Do you need an auto tensioner for a serpentine belt?
The serpentine belt system consists of only one belt and one automatic belt tensioner. The process is often tricky with various manufacturer’s designs, but is not very difficult and may be done using basic hand tools.
Can you rent a serpentine belt removal tool?
Most auto supply stores will “rent to own” serpentine belt removal tool (the long, flat, thin breaker bar) to you at no cost, when you buy but then return it for a refund within the specified time (48 hours at some stores or a longer time at others).
Where do I find the serpentine belt routing diagram?
Find the serpentine belt routing diagram. Many cars come with a sticker in the engine bay that shows exactly how the serpentine belt is supposed to be routed through the various pulleys on the engine. If your vehicle does not have a sticker, you will need to find another way to remember how the belt should be run.
How do you reinstall a serpentine belt on an auto tensioner?
Reverse the procedure to reinstall the serpentine belt on the pulley system auto tensioner. Be careful to get the belt on the the other pulleys and aligned properly on all parts of the complicated routing, then apply the tool to allow the belt to be slipped onto the tensioner pulley.
Most auto supply stores will “rent to own” serpentine belt removal tool (the long, flat, thin breaker bar) to you at no cost, when you buy but then return it for a refund within the specified time (48 hours at some stores or a longer time at others).
How are serpentine belts used in modern cars?
Learn more… Today’s modern vehicles use a serpentine belt to drive the air conditioning system, alternator, water pump, smog pump and power steering pump. Previously, these systems used multiple belts on pulley systems with a number of ways to manually tighten the belts.
