Serpentine belt shredded after I replaced it and the tensioner (both new).
I got a new tensioner and belt and put them on. I started the engine let run for 15 seconds turn it off. I noticed that It was making the same squeaking noise as before, i checked it again and the tensioner was loose, so I tightened it up started the engine. It was still squeaking, I drove around the block,while driving I was smelling it shred. I parked it cause I don't know what else could be wrong with it. I was wondering if you could help me out? Thanks,Corey
My car has 188781miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi Corey:
Believe it or not, this issue happens more frequently than you might believe. In most cases, it’s caused by the tensioner pulley being slightly misaligned. When you replace the serpentine belt, it’s important to align the pulley with the right tools; such as a serpentine belt removal tool and pulley alignment wrench. If you’d like a professional mechanic to complete this service for you; contact us and we’ll get you set up for a serpentine belt replacement job where our mobile mechanic will come to you.
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In most cases, it`s caused by the tensioner pulley being slightly misaligned. When you replace the serpentine belt, it`s important to align the pulley with the right tools; such as a serpentine belt removal tool and pulley alignment wrench.
Fraying. Fraying at the edge of a belt typically indicates misalignment of the pulleys. When the belt is not properly on the pulleys, the scrapes on the top edge of an accessory drive pulley side as the belt feeds into it, eventually causing the belt to fray.
If a belt is not tensioned properly, it will ride too loose or too tight on the pulley. A belt that`s too loose on a pulley will cause slippage, which leads to heat build up from friction. This heat will damage your rubber belts and cause the belts to crack and break.
If a belt is too tight in a system, it can add stress to your bearings. The added stress to bearings can result into over amperage of your motor and potential motor failure.
There are a couple of factors influencing the answer to this question, but on average, your car should be able to run between 20-90 minutes with a broken serpentine belt. The engine will overheat faster without a functioning cooling system on a hot day, so your driving window is less.
If a newly installed serpentine belt is making noise, it is a sign of a problem within the engine`s front end drive system. Serpentine belt noise is the equivalent to a “check engine” light that indicates something is wrong with the belt drive system.
The belt drive system is designed to create friction between the grooves on the belt and pulley to transfer power from the crankshaft to the alternator, water pump or power steering pump. If the grooves on the belt do not align with the pulleys, the friction won`t be evenly applied and can result in wear and noise.
Tensioners add pressure from an adjustable pivot point or spring mechanism to keep your serpentine belt taut as it circulates around the engine. There is no recommended timeframe in which to replace your tensioner, especially as the belt itself usually needs replacing before the tensioner does.
Belts that are too tight put an excessive load on pulleys, shafts, and bearings. Excessive belt tension will also wear out a belt quickly. Proper belt tension is 1/2 inch of sideplay both ways.
In this case, the driver A pulls the belt from one side (i.e. lower side RQ) and delivers it to the other side (i.e. upper side LM). Thus the tension in the lower side belt will be more than that in the upper side belt.
Fraying. Misaligned pulleys and worn bearings often lead to frayed edges on the belt. If left unchecked, the belt will break or be thrown off, and engine damage can occur. Replace the belt and check the alignment of the pulleys.
Fabric sealant and fabric glue is a quick and easy way to prevent fraying on your crafting project. Used often to fix sequins and embellishments, while fabric glue is effective it won`t provide significant strength. Avoid using glue to stop fraying if you need the fabric edge to hold fast under pressure.
Fraying. Misaligned pulleys and worn bearings often lead to frayed edges on the belt. If left unchecked, the belt will break or be thrown off, and engine damage can occur. Replace the belt and check the alignment of the pulleys.
A frayed belt wont effect the engine. But a broken belt in most cases will cause the engine to overheat as the water pump will quit turning. If you keep driving it after the belt breaks you will destroy the engine if it overheats.
Fraying. Misaligned pulleys and worn bearings often lead to frayed edges on the belt. If left unchecked, the belt will break or be thrown off, and engine damage can occur. Replace the belt and check the alignment of the pulleys.
How Long Can A Car Engine Run With A Broken Serpentine Belt? There are a couple of factors influencing the answer to this question, but on average, your car should be able to run between 20-90 minutes with a broken serpentine belt.
A frayed belt wont effect the engine. But a broken belt in most cases will cause the engine to overheat as the water pump will quit turning. If you keep driving it after the belt breaks you will destroy the engine if it overheats.
How long will a cracked serpentine belt last? Serpentine belts typically last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles (although some claim that they last anywhere between 30,000 to 150,000 miles).
How long will a cracked serpentine belt last? Serpentine belts typically last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles (although some claim that they last anywhere between 30,000 to 150,000 miles).
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
After belt replacement, belt tensioner squeaks and is loose
ANSWER : More likely mileage and time wore the tensioner out. The tensioner bearing wears out with mileage – it’s good to replace the tensioner pulley/bearing when replacing the belt. The tensioner itself is spring-actuated, and the spring can get weak over the years. The squeaking is likely from the tensioner bearing itself. If you decide to get it fixed, consider YourMechanic, as a certified technician can help you replace your belt tensioner as necessary.
What is the correct procedure for tightening the belt tensioner on a 2001 Chevy Monte Carlo? We put the new belt on.
ANSWER : The belt tensioner on your vehicle should have an automatic tensioner, however, some models have the manual tensioner. Tighten the tensioner to where the belt is tight but loose in the middle length area as about the width of the belt. This ensures that the drive belt is tight and not pulling too much on any accessory pulley. If you need further assistance with your drive belt replacement, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
Serpentine belt is rubbing on the engine cover at the belt tensioner pulley 2004 Hyundai Tiburon
ANSWER : Hi there – I would start by doing a visual inspection of the serpentine belt, and the pulleys – are they visually in line? If not, which pulley is out of line in the direction of the engine cover? Are there bushings on the alternator mount which have softened, and are allowing the alternator to "give" such that the serpentine belt is close to the cover? The crankshaft pulley is not likely moving at all. Is the cover where the rubbing occurs coming loose, and moving into the serpentine belt? For assistance, I would recommend a serpentine belt replacement by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
Old belt was sqeeking, new belt does not but it slips off constantley. The old belt stays on though. Why is this?
ANSWER : Check to be sure that the new belt is actually the right part number or, better yet, use an OEM (dealer) belt. Also, be sure the tensioner is the right part number or use an OEM sourced tensioner. Check to be sure that all of the pulleys and accessories (e.g., alternator, water pump, A/C compressor) that are driven by the serpentine belt are all operating in the same plane. It is not unusual for the pulley on the crankshaft harmonic balancer pulley to move (generally outward) relative to its original position. The pulley is rubber bonded and over time can move. If that pulley moves, that means that the belt groves are no longer running in a perfect plane and that alone can cause slipping. If you request serpentine belt inspection a certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, will identify the problem and thence get the issue resolved for you promptly. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Serpentine belt shredded after I replaced it and the tensioner (both new).
ANSWER : Hi Corey:
Believe it or not, this issue happens more frequently than you might believe. In most cases, it’s caused by the tensioner pulley being slightly misaligned. When you replace the serpentine belt, it’s important to align the pulley with the right tools; such as a serpentine belt removal tool and pulley alignment wrench. If you’d like a professional mechanic to complete this service for you; contact us and we’ll get you set up for a serpentine belt replacement job where our mobile mechanic will come to you.
hey i had a belt break while traveling on my 2004 honda pilot. It is the small belt and not the serpentine belt. The mechanic t
ANSWER : Hello. The smaller belt is known as your timing belt, and it works inside the engine to keep mechanical components aligned with each other during the compression cycle. The serpentine belt, which is the big belt, drives the alternator, water pump, AC compressor, and a couple of other components. If the small belt broke it is likely the timing belt. This will cause the car to stall, lights to illuminate, and can even cause serious damage to the engine. Typically replacing a timing belt is a lot more complicated and expensive than replacing a serpentine belt. You may want to receive a second opinion on the car before you go ahead with repairs.
Looking for possible solutions for a serpentine belt chirp 3 weeks after getting it and the tensioner pulley replaced.
ANSWER : Hello there. It is possible that the serpentine belt is not installed straight, which tends to create the type of squeaking noise you are talking about. It is also possible that the pulley was not properly lubricated. If either of these are true and causing the squeak, it should be corrected sooner rather than later, as it can lead to premature wear and tear. The best way to correctly diagnose this problem is to have a professional mechanic come to your location and complete a car is making a noise inspection.
The serpentine belt shredded in my brother car today while I was driving it my question is can his belt shred do to me driving sho
ANSWER : Hi there. If the serpentine belt had ANY signs of damage, it could shred by simply starting the car; so I wouldn’t blame yourself or have him blame you. The serpentine belt typically will wear out over time naturally, but oil leaks or items under the vehicle can hit it, which can cause it to shred.
