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. A serpentine belt is an important component of the engine—it is a single ribbed belt that drives the various pumps and accessories of the vehicle; such as the air conditioner, power steering, and alternator.
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Unfortunately, a serpentine belt won't last the life of your vehicle. It needs to be inspected fairly often. If your mechanic notices that the belt is starting to fail, it can be replaced at a time of your choosing--not when the belt decides to break, requiring an urgent and costly engine repair. Check your owner's manual for the recommended interval for replacing the serpentine belt. One way to remember is to check ribbed drive belts at every oil change, and the position of the self-adjusting mechanism indicator.
Warning Signs of Trouble:
If the serpentine belt gets oil soaked or glazed, it will slip and not provide the proper circulation to keep the engine cool. If there is an oil leak somewhere, it is important to have it repaired before putting on 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, it means dirt and debris is getting in between the serpentine belt and the pulleys. Turn the belt around and see if there are chunks of the ribs missing. A few, small chunks are okay, but if there are many or they are close together, it is time to replace the belt.
Engine Service Guideline: Schedule an engine service on a regular basis to have belts and hoses checked. 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.
For quality engine repair, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at http://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information about our engine service, other repairs and maintenance, and vehicle detailing. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.
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