SOLVED: Where can I get the diagram of the serpentine belt - Cars & Trucks (2024)

FAQs

Where can I find a serpentine belt diagram? ›

A: Commonly a belt routing diagram sticker is on the underside of the hood or in the engine compartment. If there is no diagram, make a sketch of the belt and pulleys before removing the belt. This will help you re-route the new belt correctly.

Most vehicles nowadays usually have a belt routing sticker located somewhere in the engine compartment, making it even easier.

The average cost for serpentine belt replacement is between $109 and $134. Labor costs are estimated between $57 and $72, while parts range between $52 and $62. Whether you go to the mechanic or do it yourself, replacing a serpentine belt costs $58 to $126.

The second, and lesser known one, is a global industry standard number that indicates the size of the belt. This industry standard number, frequently denoted as the “PK” number, is printed next to the manufacturer's part number on almost every serpentine belt produced, and can be seen in the examples below.

Excessive Wear: A serpentine belt that is too tight can cause excessive wear on the belt and other components, leading to premature failure. The added tension can cause the rubber on the belt to wear down more quickly, which can cause the belt to crack or break.

The Hidden Dangers: Ignoring Signs of Wear and Tear

One of the most significant risks of driving with a worn serpentine belt is the danger of it breaking while you're on the road. If the belt snaps, it will instantly disable essential functions like the power steering, alternator, and air conditioning.

Belt tensioners also work to keep the belt in place, as loose belts can cause your power steering, cooling system, and engine to quit. When you have your serpentine belt replaced, you should also have your belt tensioner replaced to ward off mechanical failures.

They specialize in parts so you can DIY. No, we will not replace your serpentine belt. If you know which one you need (most cars require more than one) we can find the right one. If not, ask us for a serpentine belt diagram so we can belt find the one you need.

Turn off the engine and remove the serpentine belt. Shake and spin each pulley to check if there is excessive play or noise. Any play or back-and-forth movement indicates a bad pulley bearing.

A timing belt has horizontal “teeth” designed to fit the cogwheels of the crankshaft and camshaft. A serpentine belt has V-shaped grooves that run vertically along the belt. Drivers often need to replace these belts around the same time.

Should you replace the water pump when replacing a serpentine belt? ›

It's a good idea for customers to replace both the water pump and the timing belt simultaneously so that both parts are brand new and will wear at the same time.

One of the earliest signs of a failing serpentine belt is a high-pitched squealing or whining noise, especially during engine startup or when turning the steering wheel. This noise is typically caused by the belt slipping on the pulleys due to reduced tension or deterioration.

We suggest technicians change a pulley whenever a timing belt or serpentine belt is changed and vice versa, but there are eight key warning signs to look out for when a pulley goes bad: Rock – Rock the pulley back and forth. There should be no movement or play from side to side.

Turn off the engine and remove the serpentine belt. Shake and spin each pulley to check if there is excessive play or noise. Any play or back-and-forth movement indicates a bad pulley bearing. This leads to misalignment, belt squeaks, and the pulley should be replaced.

Check for Parallel Alignment: Observe the gap between the straightedge or string and the pulley faces. There should be no visible gap at any point along the pulleys. Use a feeler gauge to measure any gaps if necessary. This helps determine if there's a need for adjustment.

Replacing the serpentine belt is as simple as threading it into position, cranking the tensioner and slipping the belt over the tensioner pulley, or nearest pulley up top. Belt tensioners are mostly spring tension. Once installed, the spring retains pressure to the belt.

What Does a Serpentine Belt Do? As we mentioned early, a serpentine belt delivers power to your alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. In some cases, it also supplies power to your water pump. It's a long, winding rubber band of sorts that is attached to your crank pulley.