How do I know if my alternator belt is bad?
How do I know if my alternator belt is bad?
You can drive your car without either of those belts. However, you won't get very far without the belt that turns your alternator. If the alternator isn't operating, while the car is running, all this juice comes from the battery. As the battery dies, the components start losing power.
When should I replace alternator belt?
Serpentine belts are built to last—much longer than before because of advancements in rubber technology. Under ideal conditions, a belt should stick with you for an average of 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
How do I put my alternator belt back on?
The make and model of your vehicle will determine the exact time it takes to replace the alternator, but usually, one to two hours is sufficient.
How do I loosen the alternator belt?
Hold the belt between finger and thumb at this point and move it from side to side. See how much it deflects at the centre of the run. If it moves more than 1/2 in. (13 mm) it is too slack – any less movement and it is too tight.
Is a serpentine belt the same as an alternator belt?
1 Answer. Technically, it's known as a FEAD belt (Front Engine Accessory Drive belt). People call it a serpentine because it can make turns between pulleys and use both sides of the belt. Yes, it's just another name for an Alternator belt.
Can you replace alternator yourself?
Replacing an alternator can cost you several hundred bucks at the local repair shop, but it's one of the simplest repairs you can do at home. With a few tools and about an hour you can swap it out yourself — and keep your dough in your pocket where it belongs.
How do you adjust an alternator belt?
Insert the pry bar above the alternator pulley. Apply gentle pressure upwards so that it adds tension to the drive belt. Once the drive belt is moved into its desired tension, tighten the adjustment bolt to lock the belt in place. Then, torque the adjustment bolt to the manufacturer's specifications.
Can a bad serpentine belt cause battery light to come on?
A failing alternator belt can cause the Battery Light to turn on, dimming or flickering lights in the car, and engine stalls.
How much does it cost to replace an alternator?
Waits says the average price to replace an alternator with a remanufactured one is $400, while Gunning adds that a remanufactured alternator on a typical, domestic car, costs about $300 to $500, including parts and labor. The price of a new alternator can run from $500 to $1,000.
Why is my battery light on?
The battery light indicates a battery charging problem. If the battery light comes on and stays on while you are driving, the most common cause is a broken alternator belt. Total failure of the alternator is another possibility. Your car will run fine until the battery goes dead.
How far can you drive without a serpentine belt?
Like I mentioned previously without a serpentine belt to power the accessories of your car the car will start but you won't be able to drive it that far. I've luckily never had this happen to me but I'd estimate that you would be able to drive for a few miles (3-5) before your car's engine will start to overheat.
Why is my engine belt squealing?
That single engine belt is called the serpentine or drive belt. If the tension is too low, the belt will wobble and won't have enough friction to drive the pulleys it's running on. If this is the case, the engine belt will slip on the pulley causing the annoying squealing noise you hate.
Can I replace a serpentine belt myself?
Serpentine belt replacement is easy because today's automatic drive belt tensioners eliminate the need to loosen bolts or pry components into position for retensioning. Just rotate the tensioner, remove the old belt and install a new one.
Does my alternator need replacing?
The battery's job is to start the car, and the alternator keeps it running.” Gunning says an alternator typically lasts about seven years, or about 100,000 to 150,000 miles, adds Waits. Some mechanics, though, say they typically see alternators last about 80,000 miles.