|
The serpentine belt is responsible for the operation of several engine components. The belt assists in the proper operation of vital components, such as the water pump (keeps engine at proper running temperature), alternator (recharges the battery), power steering (assists the driver in steering), and air conditioning (provides a comfortable interior climate). The serpentine belt replacement service includes:
- Inspection of the existing belt and pulley for wear, fraying and alignment.
- Replace the existing belt with a top quality serpentine belt which meets or exceeds vehicle manufacturers recommendations.
- This helps to insure trouble-free operation of the engine in all climates.
- Conduct a final inspection of the new serpentine belt installation.
 Engine Belts
Most engines use stiff rubber belts to rotate different pulleys and power auxiliary devices, like the engine's alternator, water pump, air conditioning unit, and power steering unit. Many newer engines use a serpentine belt, so named because it winds around all of the pulleys driven by the motor's crankshaft pulley. If the serpentine belt breaks, all the auxiliary device pulleys will stop rotating, which usually results in a loss of power to those devices.
- Engine belts should be periodically inspected for cracking, splitting or fraying. Most manufacturers recommend that the serpentine belt should be replaced every 45,000 to 60,000 miles or if the belt has more than 3 cracks per inch.
|
