The auxiliary belt is completely at the front or side of the engine block. Sometimes it is confused with a timing belt, but this is definitely an entirely other product. The serpentine belt is in plain sight, while the timing belt can not be seen. The serpentine belt is basically the replacement for the well-known V-belt. The V-belt is mainly used at older cars. For more modern cars, the serpentine belt drives the water pump, alternator, power steering pump and air conditioning compressor. The V-belt only drives the alternator and the water pump.
When replacing the auxiliary belt, it is useful to immediately replace the tensioner and pulleys. These often do not last much longer than the life of a auxiliary belt. At Winparts you will therefore find complete auxiliary belt kits including tensioners and pulleys. Please note: some sets only contain the auxiliary belt with tensioner or only the auxiliary belt with pulleys, not every set is the same!
When to replace the auxiliary belt?
If the serpentine belt is in a bad shape, it can snap. When the auxiliary belt snaps, the water pump is no longer powered which effectively means that the engine no longer gets cooled. Additionally, because the alternator also stops working the battery will no longer be charged and also steering becomes a lot harder. Possibly resulting in dangerous situations. We recommend that you regularly check if the auxiliary drive belt is still in good condition.
As said, the serpentine belt is sensitive to wear. The auxiliary drive belt can crack at places and it may stretch. The auxiliary belt will lose strength and the alternator, power steering pump, water pump and air conditioning compressor are no longer properly driven. When the auxiliary belt starts to slip, you will hear an annoying squeaky sound. When you hear that sound, it is definitely time to check the auxiliary belt and possibly replace it. If the serpentine belt is still in good condition, you can consider greasing it with WD40.
Which serpentine belt is suitable for me?
To find the right auxiliary belt for your car, just enter your number plate in the green bar (at the top of the page). After entering your number plate or selecting your vehicle, the auxiliary belts that fit your car will be displayed. However, it may happen that products are shown with a different number of ribs. This indicates the width of the belt. So check carefully which fits your car specifics. Looking for a specific serpentine belt? Have a look at Bosch serpentine belts, or those from Gates or Contitech.
How to replace the aux belt?
Replacing an auxiliary belt is a job of precision. Take your time and don´t get stressed. Are you going to replace the aux belt yourself? Then follow the following steps:
1. Disassemble the alternator and slide it backwards with a flat tire iron, the serpentine belt will get off;
2. Now release the aux belt at the other places (never cut it);
3. Remove the aux belt,
4. Clean the parts around the aux belt to have a better view;
5. Replace the aux belt and start assembling it again;
6. Start with the water pump and finish with the alternator
Also, when assembling the serpentine belt ensure that you don?t assemble it too tight. Damage can occur if it experiences to much tension.
Buy an auxiliary belt
You can buy a auxiliary belt or auxiliary belt kits easily and quickly at Winparts. Choose from different brands such as FEBI, Kavo Parts, Contitech, Gates and Blue Print. Additionally, we offer are also different price ranges. That way you can always find the serpentine belt that suits your wishes and matches the specifics of your car.