On the other side, the surface tends to be smooth. One side is usually grooved, giving it the traction it needs as it snakes through the pulleys. In most cars, the serpentine belt runs the alternator, water pump, power steering pump and air conditioner compressor. It runs through accessory pulleys and idler pulleys in a strange configuration that resembles a snake. The serpentine belt takes power created by the crankshaft to power up various accessories. To streamline the processes, a serpentine belt, also known as the drive belt, was installed to power all of the various parts at once. On older vehicles, individual belts were used for each component under the hood. What’s The Function Of The Serpentine Belt? It’s also important to note how the belt weaves through the various components, especially if you need to replace it. The best way to find the location of the serpentine belt for your vehicle is to look in a service manual. In this configuration, the serpentine belt is typically found closer to the right fender. Therefore, the front of the engine won’t be where you expect it to be. If your car has a traverse engine, it is installed sideways. You should see the serpentine belt running the alternator, power steering pump, water pump and AC compressor. It takes power from the crankshaft to other components, so it weaves in and out through these parts. You’ll see it running through several pulleys in a particular configuration. The car’s serpentine belt is found near the front of the engine. RELATED: 6 Reasons Your Car Shuts Off While Driving & How To Fix It Where Is The Serpentine Belt Located? If you think the belt is failing, get it fixed before the battery becomes depleted. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to pay attention to the earlier signs. Plus, if you try to restart it, there won’t be enough power. As the power depletes from the battery, the car won’t run anymore. If the serpentine belt stops running the alternator, the battery can’t be charged. With an overheating engine, you can also end up with a blown head gasket, which is an expensive repair. If the engine starts to overheat, bigger problems could occur. This vital component is needed to cool down the temperature of the engine.Ī failing belt may no longer run the pump. The serpentine belt can also be responsible for running the water pump. At the same time, you should notice trouble with other accessories running from the belt. If you can’t get cold air from the vents, it could be due to a problem with this belt.īecause the compressor runs from the serpentine belt, you may think you have an AC problem when you don’t. The serpentine belt is responsible for powering the air conditioning in your vehicle. RELATED: Serpentine Belt Squealing Noise: Causes & How To Fix 5. Because of the early warning, you can replace the belt before larger problems occur. It can be a sign that the belt is slipping. The squealing sound comes from misalignment or a worn belt. If you hear strange squealing and high-pitched noises, you want to inspect the serpentine belt. One of the earliest warning signs of a bad serpentine belt is a squealing noise. You must replace it before it breaks completely. If you see any cracks, abrasions, separation or any other damage to the belt, you know there’s something wrong. A physical inspection can show you the wear, even if you aren’t mechanically inclined. One of the easiest ways to determine if something is wrong with the serpentine belt is to look at it. It could also be due to low power steering fluid, so that should be checked first. However, a loss of power steering doesn’t automatically mean that the serpentine belt is a problem. Instead, it will require a great amount of pressure to maneuver. Without the power steering, you aren’t able to steer the vehicle easily. The serpentine belt is also needed to run the power steering system. However, after a careful inspection, you may see it’s because of the belt instead. The battery light comes on and may initially make you think there’s a problem with the car battery. As the car battery doesn’t charge, warning lights appear on the dashboard. If the serpentine belt isn’t operating correctly, it could cause trouble with the alternator. The serpentine belt is responsible for running the alternator, which charges the car battery. Let’s examine some of these possible symptoms, so you know what to look for. The engine can also overheat, or you may notice physical damage to the belt. It can also cause a loss of power steering, create a lack of air conditioning or lead to a squealing noise. If the serpentine belt is bad or snaps off, you may see several warning lights on the dashboard, or the car may fail to run. Conclusion Symptoms Of A Bad Serpentine Belt
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