News

Accessory & Serpentine Belt

Two very common belts are the accessory belt, which drives things like the alternator, air conditioner compressor, power steering, and the water pump. The accessory belt does not always drive those last two though. Additionally, the serpentine belt, which is the long, multiple angled pulley belt that wraps around the engine. These belts are susceptible to cracks, fraying, and stretching. Although most accessory belts can last more than 100,000 miles, they need to be periodically inspected by a mechanic. Your best bet is to go to a tire shop that doubles over as a mechanic shop, so they can inspect this item with their 27-30 point inspections. A typical inspection schedule might not be for 60,000 miles, but at least check so you stay in the know. Belt replacement Wichita>>

Timing Belt

Engines occasionally have a timing belt, which connects the crankshaft to the cylinder head; this belt controls when valves open and close. Other vehicles will have a timing chain instead of a belt. If your vehicle has a timing chain, do not worry about replacement on this part. This part is only replaced when it breaks, which is not often. Timing belts are all different and the best way to find out the replacement schedule is to check the owners’ manual, but often it is recommended upward of 100 to 150 thousand miles. Of course, drivers that push their vehicles much harder will replace these parts more frequently.

When a timing belt/chain breaks, the engine shuts off. The only way to get the engine to start again is to replace this part. When an accessory belt breaks, if it is driving the alternator, you will eventually break down. Starting and driving a vehicle without the alternator requires excessive use of the battery, without recharge, and will eventually wear the battery down until there is not enough stored juice to start the vehicle. Wichita Top Garage>>

Accessory Belt Replacement Costs

Belt replacement costs vary; $75 to $150 is a ballpark. A warning sign that the belts are getting ready to break or are getting to loose to be effective would be squealing noises when starting the engine or upon acceleration. Other audible warnings are rattling noises from a pulley or tensioner.

Timing Belt Replacement Costs

A typically timing belt can cost $500 to $1,000+, depending on vehicle. Worst-case scenario is when the timing belt breaks and it causes additional damage to pistons, valves, and timing mechanisms.

Because a timing belt is not an easy inspection, which requires removal of parts, that makes timing belt replacement more critical, but because it is not visible you cannot easily check it. Inspection of this belt may require the removal of accessory drive belts, the engine cover and other hardware. The mechanics recommendation is to pay attention to your owner’s manual and the recommended replacement schedule, because there is no standard time line for a timing belt, we cannot give you a recommendation, but the range can be as few as 50,000 and as high as 100,000+, depending upon the make and model of your car.

Why Do I Need To Replace My Water Pump As Well?

In some engines, the timing belt drives the water pump, so repair shops may recommend that the water pump be replaced at the same time as the belt. Because the disassembly process is the same and will require the same parts removal, it is a good idea to replace them at the same time, to save on labor costs. Lord knows saving on a $50-125/hr labor charge (depending upon which part of the country you are in) goes a long ways.

The take away is to check your owner’s manual for recommendations and expectations. They will give you an idea of when this item may be best suited for replacement. Staying ahead of a break is how you save money with automobiles these days. Auto Repair Wichita>>