Common Serpentine Belt Problems

Your car’s serpentine belt should last for thousands of miles before requiring replacement. Especially if you use high-quality OEM parts. Few of us ever think about it until it starts giving issues.

It’s helpful to be able to identify the signs of a failing belt before it breaks. This can prevent potential major damage or getting stuck by the side of the road.

Three Common Serpentine Belt Issues

Broken serpentine belt

OEM-spec serpentine belts are made from extremely durable and rugged materials. The tensioners and pulleys are also designed to last at least as long as the belt. But as with any moving part, they can eventually wear out. Three of the most common serpentine belt issues car owners experience are:

  • Cracked Belt Surfaces: This can commonly occur on older belts. The rubber gets brittle and loses its elasticity.
  • Frayed Belt Edges: Damage to the outside edges of a belt is usually due to bad alignment. The pulleys may be damaged, or the belt was not installed correctly.
  • Worn Belt Surfaces:  A worn tensioner will cause the belt to go slack or slip. This will heat it up and 'glaze' the ribbed surface. A damaged water pump, air conditioner or power-steering pump can also cause this issue.

These issues can be caused by various things. Knowing what they are can help you replace the correct parts the first time.

Diagnose Your Serpentine Belt Issues

Cracked serpentine belt

A new serpentine belt is smooth on one side and ribbed on the other. It winds around a set of pulleys and tensioners in the front of the engine. It is a uniform width and thickness, so it is easy to spot any damaged areas. If you notice any of the signs listed below, it’s time for a new belt:

  • Cracking along the surface – can be from aging.
  • Frayed edges – pulleys may be damaged.
  • Exposed metal fibers – usually caused by extreme wear and misalignment.
  • Glazed, missing or worn ribs on the inside – could mean a worn pulley, tensioner or auxiliary devices.
  • Oil or coolant on belt – an engine leak that needs repairing before replacing the belt.
  • Excessive play in the belt – the tensioner may need adjusting.

Sometimes you don’t even have to open the hood to diagnose a faulty serpentine belt. A failing belt or pulley can make some peculiar noises you're sure to notice, especially when starting up for the first time. These are some common sounds that say you may soon need a new belt:

  • Loud squeaking when starting the car – likely a misaligned or slipping belt.
  • A grinding noise emanating from the front of the car – pulley bearings may be worn.
  • A whining or whirring noise that gets louder when you rev – could mean potentially damaged pulleys or auxiliary devices.

OEM Serpentine Belts At Suburban Auto Parts

An OEM serpentine belt has been stress tested and made to fit perfectly. Replacing your old belt with an aftermarket item can damage your car and cost you more time and money.

At Suburban Auto Parts, we have over 70 years of experience in OEM parts and accessories and we have a huge selection of serpentine belts available online. That’s why you can rely on us to stock and deliver the right OEM part for your vehicle right to your door. Call us on 888-287-6125 if you have any questions and shop our huge selection online today.