2010 DODGE RAM 1500 Replacement Belt | 5.7L Engine: SERPENTINE AC ALT PS WP (2024)

FAQs

What belt controls power steering and AC? ›

A serpentine belt is one long rubber belt along your car's engine that provides power to many vital components in your car like the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning and sometimes the water pump, according to Firestone.

Whenever you get your serpentine belt replaced at your local Clinton service center, it's a good idea to have the belt tensioner replaced as well. If you're more of a DIY driver, you can easily order a serpentine belt, belt tensioner, or any other parts you need through our parts store online at Westbrook Toyota.

Serpentine belt issues usually result from a defective tensioner, misalignment or simply getting old.

Made of sturdy rubber, this part may last anywhere between 50,000 and 100,000 miles.

The serpentine belt is one long, snaking belt that is designed to keep your alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning, and, in some cases, your water pump running smoothly and effectively. This belt might not keep your pants up, but it does transport power to vital automotive components!

The power steering pump delivers power to the air conditioning compressor. A coupling inter-connects the power steering pump and the air conditioning compressor.

We suggest technicians change a pulley whenever a timing belt or serpentine belt is changed and vice versa, but there are eight key warning signs to look out for when a pulley goes bad: Rock – Rock the pulley back and forth. There should be no movement or play from side to side.

One of the earliest signs of a failing serpentine belt is a high-pitched squealing or whining noise, especially during engine startup or when turning the steering wheel. This noise is typically caused by the belt slipping on the pulleys due to reduced tension or deterioration.

It's a good idea for customers to replace both the water pump and the timing belt simultaneously so that both parts are brand new and will wear at the same time.

Squeaking or squealing may occur, especially during startup, indicating a loose tensioner. Additionally, a worn-out tensioner pulley or bearing can produce a grinding noise. Unusual Wear Patterns. Another indicator of potential issues with the drive belt tensioner is unusual belt wear.

Can a serpentine belt last 200 000 miles? ›

On average, serpentine belts should last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. However, if you're only putting a few thousand miles annually on your vehicle, don't use that mileage interval as the sole guide for when to replace the serpentine belt.

The average cost for serpentine belt replacement is between $109 and $134. Labor costs are estimated between $57 and $72, while parts range between $52 and $62.

Bad Serpentine Belts Cause Vehicle Performance Issues

If your serpentine belt is failing, you may notice performance issues with your vehicle. The vehicle may frequently overheat. Your air conditioning or power steering may fail to work or not work properly.

It can either be a serpentine belt or a V-belt. Some of the common signs of a power steering trouble are sporadic loss of power steering, squealing noises, and visible cracks on the ribs of the belt.

As we mentioned early, a serpentine belt delivers power to your alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. In some cases, it also supplies power to your water pump.

Serpentine belt failure can cause your car's power steering system to fail. It can also cause your alternator or water pump to cease to work. When these important systems halt, your engine will fail to function at an appropriate level.