Q: Serpentine belt broke off twice
The serpentine belt broke off for the second time. Smoke was coming out of the car when it died.
Recommended Services
| Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement | $111.60 - $349.96 | Get a Quote |
Hi. You have two belts, one controls the power steering and AC, the other the alternator and water pump. The only thing that breaks a belt like you described is a seized or binding accessory. With the belts off, each component needs to be spun by hand to check for any roughness or binding. The AC compressor needs checked, the free spinning bearing, and the compressor for smooth rotation. An overly loose, or extremely tight belt will fail quickly. If you need further assistance, I recommend you have a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, replace the serpentine belt and inspect for seized or failing components.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
Rough idle.
A rough engine idle could be caused by a few different things. Misfiring, fuel issues, and engine timing to name a few. The first place I would recommend starting would be the ignition and fuel systems. Have a professional do...
I can not get my steering wheel unlocked
To me it sound like your steering wheel is binding. Try to turn the steering wheel while turning the key. This should unlock the steering. If this doesn't work and you're still unable to get it unlocked then I'd recommend...
My engine oil has been drying up every 3 months and I can't seem to find any leaks. What could be causing the drying do fast?
All engines use a little oil over time (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/What-Does-It-Mean-When-My-Car-Is-Burning-Oil_3). If you are using less than a quart of oil for every 750 to 1000 miles with no leaks, then this is considered normal and no action is needed. You should...
How do I replace the crankshaft position sensor and where is it located on the engine?
Hey there. The crankshaft position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/crankshaft-position-sensor-replacement) (ckp) is located at the front of the motor to the left of the harmonic balancer. Unfortunately, my information system doesn't have the correct replacement procedure. This is a common issue with German...
Car turns on, runs about 30 miles, and then starts shaking and turns off - 2007 Toyota Sienna
Hi there. What will help you the most is determining the nature of the failing behavior when the car shuts off. Does it have spark after it shuts off? After it shuts off (immediately after), if you spritz some starter...
My windshield wipers don't work.
The wiper motor may be weak and need to be replaced. Depending on the vehicle application the testing of the motor power supply should be done to make sure the motor is getting proper power supplied to it. Have a...
2006 Chrysler 300 won't start but dashboards light up , there's sound. Car won't turnover or crank at all . Please help
Although the battery is new, it still should be load tested (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-is-dead-inspection) to ensure that the issue is not a faulty battery. Starter motors require a lot of current and just because the lights work, that doesn't mean the battery...
Drove thru a puddle now car turns over but won't start I've tested started altinator battery fuses distributor cap and spark plugs
You will need to check to see if the engine has spark or fuel pressure. You may have tripped the fuel inertia switch and just need to reset it. You should have a mechanic like one from YourMechanic come and...
On a Ford edge my tire sensor fault just came on what's that mean?
Hi Nora. Thanks for contacting us tonight. The “Tire pressure sensor fault” warning means that a sensor isn’t communicating with the rest of the system. It's typically due to the sensor being damaged. It's recommended to replace these sensors anytime...
Related articles
How Do Drive and Serpentine Belts Work?
The The drive belt on your vehicle delivers power to the car’s engine, alternator, water pump, power steering pump, and air conditioner compressor. Usually, a car has one or two drive belts, and if there is only one, it is...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're in a Wheelchair
Being Being in a wheelchair means you have a very specific list of demands, and requests for your vehicle. The main focus is of course how you will get in and out of the vehicle. There are some other aspects...
The Top 5 Selling Cars in Georgia in 2012
Georgia Georgia offers drivers a mild climate with very little snow, but rain is a major factor. Previous best-selling cars in the area, such as the Escape, Fusion and Camry, have shown that residents prefer a mix of both SUV...
Browse other content
Estimates
Cities