Drive Belt Replacement in Dallas, TX

Common Worn Drive Belt Symptoms

• Squealing noise under the hood
• Visible wear and tear (cracks, frayed end, missing ribs)
• Poor air conditioning
• Loss of power steering
• Dead battery
• Overheating engine
• Illuminated battery light

Common Drive Belt Repairs

1. Accessory belt replacement

The cost to replace your accessory, serpentine, or drive belt with a new one can range between $100-$195. This includes both labor charges ($75-$125) and spare parts ($25-$75).

2. Idler pulley replacement

The cost to replace an idler pulley can range between $80 and $200. Typically, the auto parts cost ranges from $40 to $90, and the labor costs about $40 to $110.

3. Belt tensioner replacement

A belt tensioner replacement can cost anywhere between $140 to $400, depending on the parts needed (idler pulley, bearings, etc.) and the labor costs which are around $70 to $80.

Dallas Drive Belt Replacement FAQ

1. How Do I Schedule an Appointment?

Once you select the service you need, AutoNation Mobile Service will help you find a date and time that works with your schedule. 

2. What Should I Expect From a Service Appointment?

On the day of your appointment, our mechanic will contact you when they arrive at your location. Depending on the work area, our mechanic may move your vehicle to a more appropriate location on site and they’ll get to work. Once service is complete, our mechanic will contact you, go over a comprehensive report on your vehicle, and answer any questions. They’ll process payment for the service and will be on their way. 

3. What Are the Different Types of Accessory or Drive Belts?

Your car could have separate belts (V-belts) for different components, or a single serpentine belt:

• V-belts: V-belts run in a pulley with a V-shaped groove. You’ll likely find multiple of these belts in older vehicles. A V-belt travels between one or two engine accessories, running off a crank and pulley. This accessory belt is shorter than the serpentine belt, meaning it’s less likely to slip.
• Serpentine belts: A serpentine belt is a rubber belt that drives multiple accessories in an automotive engine. They’re longer than V-belts and used in newer vehicles. Serpentine belts are durable and usually last longer than V-belts.

4. What Are The Benefits Of Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement?

A bad belt tensioner will reduce your vehicle’s performance. So, replacing it when it’s past its due will help your car work as it should.

But you also open the door to other benefits:

• Your engine will run smoothly
• Your power steering (via the PS pump) and cooling system (coolant pump, coolant radiator, etc.) will function optimally
• You’ll prevent engine overheating and other engine damage

So, don’t delay an old tensioner or accessory belt replacement.

5. Can I Drive With a Bad Idler Pulley? 

Yes, you can drive your vehicle with a bad idler pulley — but depending on the pulley’s condition, the car may run for months or break down in a few days.

But here’s the thing:

Driving with a bad idler pulley isn’t worth the risk. If the pulley and the accessory belt system are damaged, the belt could break or fall out of place. This makes it unsafe to drive a car with a faulty idler pulley.

Plus, having an automotive mechanic address the issue could help you save money on potentially more repairs.