How to Replace Car Drive Belt

What is a drive belt?

The drive belt is one of the critical parts of your car. It is found under the hood and connected to the crankshaft pulley, which allows them to transmit drive to the accessories they are connected to.

There are two types of car drive belt

• V-type – Sits in the deep v-shaped groove of the pulley wheel, contacting the sides of the groove
• Serpentine – Flat with a number of grooves running lengthwise which run in reverse of the grooves on the outer edge of the pulley wheel. The grooves increase the contact surface area to prevent the belt from slipping as it rotates.

How often need replacing drive belt?

In general, a new car drive belt can last for as long as 80,000 kilometers. But it can change from car to car.

If you’re need your car drive belt inspection, you are most welcome to call Sydney Mechanic & Smash Repair and we’ll give you an indication of when the drive belts should be changed.

When my drive belt needs to be replaced?

Most car manufacturers don’t specify the exact kilometers to replace the drive belt, but recommend having the belt inspected during your car regular maintenance.

How can you tell if the drive belt needs a replacement? If you have the following 5 symptoms, you may consider to inspect your drive belt.

• Noisy drive belt
• Engine overheating
• Power steering heavy or not working
• Loud squeaking noise from engine bay
• Air conditioning not working

What is the cost to replace a drive belt?

The cost to replace your drive belt is between $100 – $400+ depending on the style of drive belt and the cost of the replacement part you choose. Good brand drive belt use better material which will last longer and cost more.

How to replace a drive belt?

The first thing you need to make sure is you know what you do and you know how to do it safely.

Tools Required

• Safety glasses
• Serpentine belt tool,
• breaker bar, or long-handle wrench (depending on the vehicle)

Steps to remove the drive belt

1. Put on your safety glasses.
2. Note how the belt is routed before removal.
3. Locate the drive belt automatic tensioner.
4. Using the appropriate tool, push the tensioner to rotate it away from the belt and relieve tension.
5. Feed the belt out and away from the remaining pulleys, then remove the belt from the vehicle.

Steps to install the drive belt

1. Compare the new belt to the old belt to make sure they are the same.
2. Consult the belt routing diagram. Then route the belt over all but one of the pulleys.
3. Hold the belt close to the last pulley with one hand, then use the other hand to rotate the tensioner with the appropriate tool.
4. Once the belt is in place, you can release the tensioner slowly.
5. Double-check the belt and make sure it’s routed correctly.
6. Start the engine to check it is working properly.