THE SERPENTINE BELT AND ALL THE PUMPS THAT IT POWERS
                     THE SERPENTINE BELT AND ALL THE PUMPS THAT 
IT POWERS
Paul Norman Jasper
Writer  whose topics include, 
replacement auto parts reviews at autopartsu.com 
and replacement car parts reviews at autopartsu.com
.
Is the serpentine belt on your car showing signs of wear, or maybe you 
noticed some squealing coming from under the hood? It’s just a belt, and it 
isn’t scheduled to be replaced for another 10,000 miles. However, if your belt 
is out of alignment or corroding due to leaking fluids in the engine 
compartment, when it goes out you might be replacing more than this 
affordable and easy-to-replace part. What else can be damaged when your 
serpentine belt fails?
POWER STEERING PUMP
The serpentine belt gets its name from the way it winds around multiple 
pulleys and gears, transferring power from your crankshaft to multiple pumps 
in the engine compartment. If the belt jumps off of a pulley or off a gear, your 
steering wheel will become nearly impossible to turn.
AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR
In some vehicles, the A/C compressor also is operated via the serpentine 
belt. Does it seem like your fans are running, but no cold air is coming out of 
the vents? If you just had your air conditioning serviced, the serpentine belt 
may be the cause. Make sure that its toothed ribs are firmly seated in the 
proper path and the tensioner is applying just enough pressure to keep it 
running smoothly.
KEEPING THE LIGHTS ON WITH THE ALTERNATOR
Using a system of idler pulleys, the serpentine belt transfers the rotational 
power of the engine to the pulley of the alternator. When the pulley spins, an 
alternating current is generated which is transformed into DC power in the 
rectifier, which in turn keeps your headlights, stereo system, windshield 
wipers, power windows, etc. all functioning during your daily commute.
CIRCULATING THE COOLANT
The pump that moves your coolant through the radiator to dissipate the heat 
built up in the engine relies on the belt for power. If the belt slips the track, 
rips apart, or is not at the right tension, your engine can overheat, resulting 
in a repair bill in the thousands.
Your serpentine belt and all of its pulleys and tensioners should be checked 
for wear, alignment, and corrosion during every routine maintenance visit. 
Most belts are designed to last from 60,000 to 100,000 miles, but when they 
fail, the damage can be catastrophic. It is highly recommended to adhere to 
your manufacturer’s recommended replacement schedule to prevent failures 
in multiple systems under the hood.
Replacing the belt in most modem vehicles requires a belt tensioner tool and 
the new belt, a minimal investment compared to replacing the steering, A/C, 
and coolant pumps. Once you have the belt out of the engine, take the time 
to make sure that all the idler pulleys move freely. Replace the ones that are 
cracked or worn. The tensioner arm may also require replacement if it is bent 
or corroded.
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