Belt Routing Diagram | Auto Upkeep (2024)

Q: I want to change the serpentine belt on my engine, but am a little wary that I will not remember how to route the new belt. Where can I find a belt routing diagram for my engine?

A: Commonly a belt routing diagram sticker is on the underside of the hood or in the engine compartment. If there is no diagram, make a sketch of the belt and pulleys before removing the belt. This will help you re-route the new belt correctly.

Belt Routing Diagram | Auto Upkeep (2024)

FAQs

Belt Routing Diagram | Auto Upkeep? ›

Where can I find a belt routing diagram for my engine? A: Commonly a belt routing diagram sticker is on the underside of the hood or in the engine compartment. If there is no diagram, make a sketch of the belt and pulleys before removing the belt. This will help you re-route the new belt correctly.

How often should you change your serpentine belt? ›

When to Replace Serpentine Belt. When should a serpentine belt be replaced? The serpentine replacement interval is about every 60,000 – 100,000 miles. Because of their rubber material, serpentine belts will crack, peel, and wear down over time.

How to maintain a serpentine belt? ›

To increase the longevity of your car's serpentine belt, there are a few basic maintenance tips you should be aware of.
  1. Know where your belt is located. ...
  2. Your belt should be inspected with each oil change. ...
  3. Make sure the belt is aligned on the pulleys correctly. ...
  4. Check your belt tensioner. ...
  5. Know the important rule of thumb.

How to tell if a serpentine belt needs replacing? ›

Does One of Your Car Belts Need to Be Replaced? 6 Common Signs
  1. Squeaking and Squealing Noises. Worn-out serpentine belts tend to produce squeaking and squealing noises because they cannot handle the pulley tension. ...
  2. Play/Looseness. ...
  3. AC and Power Steering Failure. ...
  4. Overheating Engine. ...
  5. Visible Wear. ...
  6. Mileage Indicator.
Sep 24, 2021

What is the life of a serpentine belt? ›

Typically, serpentine belts last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Over time, friction and heat break them down.

What are the signs of a failing serpentine belt? ›

Bad serpentine belt symptoms
  • Squeaking, squealing or chirping sound from under the hood of the car.
  • Check engine light or battery light is illuminated on your dashboard.
  • A/C isn't working.
  • Power steering isn't working.
  • The engine's temperature is high or overheating.
  • Smell of burnt rubber.

How long do serpentine belt tensioners last? ›

A tensioner and other drive system components should be inspected when the serpentine belt is looked at, typically around 60,000 miles. The serpentine belt, tensioner and pulleys work together as a cohesive unit within the drive system.

How much does it cost to replace a serpentine belt? ›

Whether you go to the mechanic or do it yourself, replacing a serpentine belt costs $58 to $126. The price of a serpentine belt starts at around $25 and goes up to $75 at most. It typically takes about an hour to replace the serpentine belt, and if you know some car repair basics, you could change the belt yourself.

How many miles does a serpentine belt last? ›

Your serpentine belt was made to last. Under ideal circ*mstances, your car's serpentine belt should last 60,000–100,000 miles. It's important to replace this belt as part of your vehicle's scheduled maintenance (even if it looks okay) to avoid it breaking while you're on the road.

What else should be replaced when replacing serpentine belt? ›

You have 2 options, replace the pulley, or replace the whole tensioner. The whole tensioner assemblies is a bear to replace. You have remove the alternator, the AC compressor and the compressor mount.

How do you prolong serpentine belt life? ›

Regular inspection and maintenance, keeping your engine clean, ensuring proper tension and alignment, avoiding exposure to fluids, and investing in a quality belt are all simple yet effective steps in maximizing the lifespan of your serpentine belt.

What damages a serpentine belt? ›

A serpentine belt, also known as an accessory belt, is part of your vehicle's drive system that helps it run properly and reliably every time you drive it. Unfortunately, serpentine belts can deteriorate over time due to exposure to heat and friction.

What's the difference between a timing belt and a serpentine belt? ›

It has rubber ribbing that is equally spaced apart to time when the engine intake and exhaust valves to open and close. In contrast, the serpentine belt is a long snake-like belt that transports power to many accessories and sits outside of the engine. Some people call it the accessory belt.

How much should it cost to replace a serpentine belt? ›

But, what does a serpentine belt replacement cost? The cost of the serpentine belt itself could be around $50 and the cost of labor could be around $150. As a result, a serpentine belt cost for replacement could range from $70 to $200 depending on your exact model and where you get it replaced.

Does your car run better with a new serpentine belt? ›

Thanks to serpentine belts, your car can run more effectively and smoothly than in years past.

How long can you drive with a worn serpentine belt? ›

It depends on what the belt runs. If it runs the water pump you won't make it more than a few miles before overheating. If the water pump is still good you should be able to make it about 20 miles on a good battery.

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