It’s important to know the cost of replacement parts before they break. If you’re in need of a serpentine belt, then this blog post is for you! We’ll be discussing how expensive it is to replace your serpentine belt, and can you do it yourself?
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How Expensive is it to Replace a Serpentine Belt?
The cost of a new serpentine belt can range anywhere from $30-$200. If you’re in need of a new serpentine belt, it’s important to know the price before they break. Replacing one without knowing how expensive it is can be an unpleasant surprise!
- READ: Best Serpentine Belt!
The cost above is just for the serpentine belt itself, if you consider the labor cost that will be an additional fee. Depending on your location and your car make and model, the added cost could range from $75 to $120, making it $105 to $320 totally.
Below is some example of serpentine belt replacement cost for some car make and model:
- Honda CR-V: $85-$110
- Honda Civic: $80-$100
- Toyota Camry: $80-$100
- Toyota Corolla: $70-$95
Make sure you know the symptoms of your serpentine belt are going bad, so you know when is the time for a replacement.
Can You Do Replace a Serpentine Belt Yourself?
If you’re a DIY enthusiast, then go for it! Replacing your serpentine belt is much less expensive than getting someone else to do the work. To fix your own car and save money on labor costs, all you need are instructions that walk through every step of the process.
Tools Needed
For this DIY task, you don’t need any special skills or tools. Here are some tools required:
- Allen key (4 millimeters)
- 6-12 points socket
- ratchet
DIY Replace a Serpentine Belt
The exact processes for different car make and models are not the same, here is the general process for you.
- precautious step: note down how many components does the serpentine belt travel in one circle.
# Step 1: Remove the old serpentine belt and loosen all belts that it is in contact with.
Use a lock pin to fix the belt in one place and then loosen it with an Allen key (this is for safety reasons). Now you can take out the old serpentine belt. Keep track of how many components does this belt travels around before removing it.
# Step 2: Loosen or remove any components connected to the serpentine belt
Some components connected to the serpentine belt such as the alternator and power steering pump need to be removed, then connect a new one into position.
Once this step is completed, the belt will come off. Remember the place where your old one fell off. The new belt will slip into the same position and you can easily fasten it.
# Step 3: Tighten each component’s connection to avoid slippage of other parts.
If you are replacing a serpentine belt with an ‘A’ type tensioner, make sure the timing is set correctly before you tighten its connection.
# Step 4: Adjust the belt tension
Finally, after all, components are in place and tightened up, adjust the belt tension using the ratchet to suit your needs. Tightening it will create more pressure on other parts of the engine.
Now that the belt is in place and tightened, you can remove any excess slack from it by holding both ends on one side of your vehicle’s engine. Pulling outwards will tighten the belt; pushing inwards loosens it. Make sure to do this carefully so as not to scratch or damage anything. When done correctly, there aren’t any ribs on the belt.
Final Words
It is important to maintain a serpentine belt in good condition because it ensures that the engine can run without interruption and your vehicle will always start up properly. The most common problem with belts, however, is slippage or breakage of other parts which are connected to them (most notably timing). Thus, make sure you have your car maintain regularly as you know how expensive is it to replace a serpentine belt.
Hey, Naomi O’Colman here.
With years working at an auto repair shop in Texas and passionate about the auto industry. I want to share with my readers the best quality products through my well-researched reviews as well as fixing minor defects in your car.
