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The replacement cost of an alternator belt is typically between $100 and $200. The part cost is between $25 and $80 while the labor cost is between $75 and $120. The true replacement cost will depend on how long it takes the mechanic to access your alternator belt.
How do you know if your alternator belt is bad?
Loose or Bad Alternator Belt Symptoms Battery / Alternator Warning Light. As the alternator or serpentine belt is powering the alternator, it will, of course, cause the alternator to struggle when the belt is loose. Squealing Noise when cold. Heavy or Jiggery Steering. Flickering or Dimming Lights. Sudden Stall. Dead Battery.
Can you drive with a broken alternator belt?
Basically, you should be able to drive it to a safe space where it can be towed or repaired. If the belt is snapped and dangling in the engine compartment, remove it before moving the vehicle to prevent further damage.
How much does it cost to replace an alternator pulley?
There is an average cost for a drive belt idler pulley replacement. Labor costs are between 64 and $81 while parts are between $79 and $83. Taxes and fees are not included in the estimate.
What will a bad alternator belt cause?
A failing alternator belt can cause the Battery Light to turn on, dimming or flickering lights in the car, and engine stalls.
How do I know if I need a new alternator belt?
Signs You May Need A New Serpentine Belt Loud noise or screech from under the hood, particularly when you accelerate. Serpentine Belt shows signs of fraying, cracking, splitting, or glazing. Engine components such as power steering cease to operate. Engine overheats.
Do I need a new alternator belt?
Your serpentine belt was made to last. Under ideal circumstances, your car’s serpentine belt should last 60,000–100,000 miles. It’s important to replace this belt as part of your vehicle’s scheduled maintenance (even if it looks okay) to avoid it breaking while you’re on the road.
What does a broken alternator belt sound like?
Symptoms of a broken serpentine belt include loud slapping, squealing or knocking noises coming from under the hood. The battery-shaped charging system warning light might also come on because the alternator will stop charging the battery. As the belt wears out, the belt rubber hardens and cracks.
How long does it take to fix an alternator belt?
It can take anything from 15 minutes to an hour (two at the most) to repair or replace a bad serpentine belt with a new belt.
What does a worn serpentine belt sound like?
Although there are a few causes of a squealing engine, one of the most common is a bad or failing serpentine belt. Belt squeaking is also especially pronounced when accelerating, on startup, and when making a U-turn. The noise is loud and sounds like a squeal, loud chirp, or squeak.
How much does it cost to replace a belt pulley?
The cost to replace the idler pulley of your driver belt will usually be somewhere between $80 and $200. The cost for the new part should only be anywhere from $40 to $90, while the cost of the labor will be anywhere from $40 to $110. These prices do not include added taxes and fees charged by the auto shop.
How much does it cost to replace a pulley and serpentine belt?
It is very inexpensive to replace a serpentine belt whether it’s broken or loose. The replacement cost is only going to be between $100 and $200 in most cases. The belt itself will cost between $25 and $80 while the labor costs will probably be between $75 and $120.
How long does it take to replace an alternator pulley?
If you decide to change it yourself at home without much experience, it should take you around 3-4 hours, depending on your vehicle’s make and model.
Can you drive with a loose belt?
Don’t drive any vehicle with a squeaky loose serpentine belt, because it will cause a lot of damages to the vehicle if it comes off the pulleys and breaking up into pieces.
Are belts expensive to replace?
Of course, it depends on your make and model as well as labor costs, but in general a replacement serpentine belt costs around $70-$200 (plus taxes and fees), including around $50 for the belt and around $150 for the labor.
What are the signs your alternator is going out?
7 Signs of a Failing Alternator Dim or Overly Bright Lights. Dead Battery. Slow or Malfunctioning Accessories. Trouble Starting or Frequent Stalling. Growling or Whining Noises. Smell of Burning Rubber or Wires. Battery Warning Light on Dash.
What does a dead alternator sound like?
A squealing sound coming from the engine that gets louder when drains like the heater or sound system are on may be your alternator bearings. If you hear a whine or the sound goes fuzzy when you hit the gas, your alternator is probably failing.
Can a bad serpentine belt cause check engine light?
A loose or worn belt will cause ticking or rattling noises, poor engine performance and overheating, usually triggering the check engine light.
How does it cost to replace an alternator?
Alternators can average anywhere from $100 to $350 depending on make and model. Most vehicles will have an average cost between $350-400 for the total job of an alternator replacement if no other parts need to be replaced. If the serpentine belt is included in the process, add another $20 to $50 to your bill.
Can you replace a belt tensioner yourself?
Serpentine belt replacement is easy because today’s automatic drive belt tensioners eliminate the need to loosen bolts or pry components into position for retensioning. Just rotate the tensioner, remove the old belt and install a new one.
Is it easy to fix an alternator belt?
The alternator in your vehicle produces the electrical current necessary to power the engine and charge your battery, but its ability to produce electricity can be compromised by a worn out belt. You can replace these belts yourself using common hand tools.
