Engine Repair: What is the Serpentine Belt?
If you have owned your vehicle for at least two to three years, you may have heard your mechanic recommend an engine repair to replace the serpentine belt. Unfortunately, many drivers do not know what a serpentine belt is and what it has to do with engine service. An important component of the engine—the serpentine belt is a single ribbed belt that drives the various pumps and accessories of the vehicle; such as the air conditioner, power steering, and alternator.
The serpentine belt needs to be inspected fairly often, as it typically will not last the life of a vehicle. Your owner's manual will list the recommended interval for replacing the belt. Your mechanic may notice that it is starting to fail and recommend that it be replaced. You then have the choice to replace it a time of your choosing--not when the belt decides to break, requiring an urgent and costly engine repair.
Trouble Signs:
- If the serpentine belt gets oil soaked or glazed, it will slip and not provide the proper circulation to keep the engine cool. If an oil leak is found, have it repaired before installing a new belt.
- If there are tear or abrasions on the belt, it is probably rubbing against a pulley flange or bolt as it winds its way around. The flange may need to be filed smooth or bent out of the way.
- If there are any pinholes or bumps on the serpentine belt, it means dirt and debris is getting in between the belt and the pulleys. Turn the belt around and see if there are chunks of the ribs missing. It may be time to replace the belt.
- If there are any cracks on a belt or hose [about 1/8 inch (or 3 m) apart], it may be reaching the end of its serviceable life and need to be replaced.
Engine Service Guidelines: Check ribbed drive belts and the position of the self-adjusting mechanism indicator at every oil change. Also, schedule a routine engine service on a regular basis to have all belts and hoses checked.
For quality engine repair, contact our ASE certified technicians at Rebel Automotive or go online to https://www.rebel-auto.com for more information. We will be pleased to take care of your vehicle and provide you with honest and professional engine service. Our auto repair shop serves vehicle owners in Henderson, NV, Las Vegas, NV, and North Las Vegas, NV.
If you have owned your vehicle for at least two to three years, you may have heard your mechanic recommend an engine repair to replace the serpentine belt. Unfortunately, many drivers do not know what a serpentine belt is and what it has to do with engine service. An important component of the engine—the serpentine belt is a single ribbed belt that drives the various pumps and accessories of the vehicle; such as the air conditioner, power steering, and alternator.
The serpentine belt needs to be inspected fairly often, as it typically will not last the life of a vehicle. Your owner's manual will list the recommended interval for replacing the belt. Your mechanic may notice that it is starting to fail and recommend that it be replaced. You then have the choice to replace it a time of your choosing--not when the belt decides to break, requiring an urgent and costly engine repair.
Trouble Signs:
- If the serpentine belt gets oil soaked or glazed, it will slip and not provide the proper circulation to keep the engine cool. If an oil leak is found, have it repaired before installing a new belt.
- If there are tear or abrasions on the belt, it is probably rubbing against a pulley flange or bolt as it winds its way around. The flange may need to be filed smooth or bent out of the way.
- If there are any pinholes or bumps on the serpentine belt, it means dirt and debris is getting in between the belt and the pulleys. Turn the belt around and see if there are chunks of the ribs missing. It may be time to replace the belt.
- If there are any cracks on a belt or hose [about 1/8 inch (or 3 m) apart], it may be reaching the end of its serviceable life and need to be replaced.
Engine Service Guidelines: Check ribbed drive belts and the position of the self-adjusting mechanism indicator at every oil change. Also, schedule a routine engine service on a regular basis to have all belts and hoses checked.
For quality engine repair, contact our ASE certified technicians at Rebel Automotive or go online to https://www.rebel-auto.com for more information. We will be pleased to take care of your vehicle and provide you with honest and professional engine service. Our auto repair shop serves vehicle owners in Henderson, NV, Las Vegas, NV, and North Las Vegas, NV.
