Slipping can be the result of a loss of belt tension (or a weak automatic tensioner) or pulley misalignment. When the belt slips off the track, the friction between the belt and accessory drive pulleys causes the belt to overheat.
What causes a drive belt to come off?
Belt coming off: Pulley misalignment, belt misalignment on pulley, defective tensioner, or bearing wear in tensioner, idler or driven accessories.
What happens if your belt falls off your car?
If a serpentine belt breaks, a car won't be drivable and will have to be towed. If the engine runs without a serpentine belt, it might overheat as the water pump will no longer work. A broken belt can also damage other parts.
How much does it cost to replace a drive belt?
But what does a serpentine belt replacement cost? Of course, it depends on your make and model as well as labor costs, but in general a replacement serpentine belt costs around $70-$200 (plus taxes and fees), including around $50 for the belt and around $150 for the labor.
Can a serpentine belt just fall off?
If the tensioner or pulleys are worn or damaged, they could cause a loose serpentine belt that might just fall off instead of breaking. Poor serpentine belt tension can affect the engine accessories, and the power steering pump or alternator won't function properly.
16 related questions foundWhy did my serpentine belt come off?
The serpentine belt need constant tension on the belt to keep it from coming off. If the belt alignment is not aligned then the belt may come off. The tensioner may be out of alignment and not putting enough tension on the belt. Have a mechanic check the tensioner and replace it if needed.
How do I know if my belt tensioner is bad?
One of the most common symptom of a bad or failing drive belt tensioner is noise from the belts or tensioner. If the tensioner is loose the belts may squeak or squeal, especially when the engine is first started.
Can you drive with a loose serpentine belt?
Under no circumstances can you drive a vehicle without a serpentine belt because the serpentine belt serves the important function of delivering antifreeze to important parts of the engine. The serpentine belt drives the water pump, and without it, there is insufficient coolant flow to maintain the engine temperature.
Can you drive with a broken drive belt?
Technically, yes, you can continue driving your car, but not for long. For instance, without power steering, you're likely to get exhausted very quickly from driving. Still, that's not the worst part. Without a functioning belt, the water pump can't cool the engine.
How long does a drive belt usually last?
Typically, serpentine belts last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Over time, friction and heat break them down.
How long does it take to replace a drive belt?
It can take anything from 15 minutes to an hour (two at the most) to repair or replace a bad serpentine belt with a new belt.
