A serpentine belt is a multi-vee belt that is single, continuous belt for driving multiple peripheral devices in the engine. It runs some of the automotive parts like power steering, alternator, air pump and A/C compressor. The idler pulley or the belt tensioner often guides the belt. The Ford Motor Company invented the serpentine belt.
The new serpentine belt is much more efficient than the old multiple belt systems and they require only a little place in the engine. Using a single, wider belt instead of multiple belts, the thinner belts will be put in more tension without stretching. If there is higher tension then it will increase the belt life and the mechanical efficiency of the belts. If there is reduced slip then it may use the lower ratio pulleys, which will reduce the load on the engine and will increase the fuel economy and power.
There is only one drawback of the single belt that, if the belt breaks the vehicle will lose all its peripheral devices. However, the belt does give a warning of its impeding failure; sometimes it grooves several times giving a warning but still continues to run normally for sometime. One must always remember to replace these serpentine belts after every four years or once the vehicle has completed 30,000 miles. The belt should be carefully inspected before you start the process of replacement. Make sure that you check if there are any cuts, cracks or deterioration of the edges. If you find this, then you will have to replace serpentine belt and get a new one for your vehicle. It is very simple to replace serpentine belts; knowing how to do it on your own will save money and time.
Here are some simple steps on how to replace serpentine belts.
Things Required:
- Replacement belt
- 19mm ratchet or breaker bar
Steps:
- Removal: Before you start the process of replacing serpentine belt, you should refer to the service manual of your car. The belt tensioner is tightly sprung in and thus you have to be very careful to avoid the slip; if not then it may cause many serious injuries.
- There is a special tool, which can be used to relieve the tension easily. Mount the special service tool and the tensioner should be resting on the internal stop. Always remember that if the service tool does not come in contact with the tensioner then it might get jammed and stop working. This will result in the tool slipping off and will lead to serious injuries. You will have to remove the belt safely once you have released the tension.
- Always keep in mind that you must start the process of belt removal from the largest pulley, since it is very easy to access. However, you will have to remove the splash shield before you pull the belt out of the assembly.
- Once you have removed the serpentine belts, you must check certain components of the engine like checking the coolant pump for leakage. Also, check the fan clutch for damage or fluid leakage. Check whether the components of the hood make contact with the tensioner or not.
- Replacing Serpentine Belt: Once you are done with checking all the components of the engine, then you can start the process of replacement. Always remember that during the replacement process you will have to do the opposite of the removal process. You will have to follow all the necessary precautions mentioned in the removal process.
- Route the belt in the reverse order of that of the removal. Pay extra care to see if the ribs of the belt are set properly on the pulley grooves and remember to check the position of the tensioner position scale. If the arrow on the scale is on the ‘tight’ side, which means on the other half side of the tensioner, then the process of replacing serpentine belt is perfect.
- Now drive the car and check if there is any leak or noise in the car.
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