Serpentine Belt Replacement in Chicago, IL

Bad Serpentine 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 Serpentine Belt Repairs

1. Serpentine Belt (Drive Belt) Replacement

A serpentine belt replacement involves installing a new belt and ensuring it has the right tension to work correctly. A belt that’s too tight can stress the bearings, and one that’s too loose won’t deliver power to the engine accessories. 

2. Idler Pulley Replacement

The idler pulley helps align a serpentine belt with the belt tensioner and accessory pulleys. Replacing it involves loosening the serpentine belt, installing a new pulley, and then making sure the serpentine is aligned and has the correct tension.

3. Belt Tensioner Replacement

The drive belt tensioner helps maintain the tension of a drive belt to ensure that it delivers power to the engine accessories. To replace the tensioner, the drive belt is loosened, a new tensioner is installed, and the belt is resecured in place.

Chicago Serpentine Belt Replacement FAQs

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?

Your first appointment with AutoNation Mobile Service is easy. We’ll let you know when we arrive, do a brief assessment of the problem, and set up a location to work on your car, truck, van, or SUV. Once we’ve completed the repair, we’ll let you know, go over any details from the service, collect payment, and be on our way. It’s that simple.

3. What Are the Different Types of 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’ll be able to drive your car 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 drive 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.