How to Replace Serpentine Belt 2009-13 Chevy Traverse (2024)

FAQs

Can I replace a serpentine belt by myself? ›

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.

Install the new belt

Replacing the serpentine belt is as simple as threading it into position, cranking the tensioner and slipping the belt over the tensioner pulley, or nearest pulley up top. Belt tensioners are mostly spring tension. Once installed, the spring retains pressure to the 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. Whether you go to the mechanic or do it yourself, replacing a serpentine belt costs $58 to $126.

Depending on your vehicle, and the other service you may or may not be having done at the time, the whole process of replacing the serpentine belt should take no more than two hours.

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.

There are only a few things you'll need to replace a serpentine belt: a new belt, a belt tensioner tool and maybe a socket wrench. These things should be easy to find at an auto parts store. Gloves and eye protection never hurt either. Every car engine is different, even engines from the same auto manufacturer.

Serpentine belts are built to last much longer than they used to, mostly due to advancements in rubber technology. Under ideal conditions, a belt should last an average of 60,000 to 100,000 miles. That's pretty impressive! Some belts are manually tensioned and may simply need to be adjusted.

Different vehicles have different methods of maintaining proper tension on the drive belt, but most can be adjusted at home with simple hand tools.

Technically, you can drive your vehicle - but, ideally, to the nearest auto repair shop or back home to fix the issue yourself. Once you discover that your serpentine belt is broken, you should make plans to find another means of transportation. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

Should you lubricate a serpentine belt? ›

Note: Never use spray belt lube or dressing to quiet a serpentine belt. Both will contaminate and ruin the belt.

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.

A worn or damaged serpentine belt can fail to adequately transfer the power, leaving your alternator, power steering, and air conditioning failing to function. If your serpentine belt needs to be replaced, it can be done using only common hand tools.

Serpentine Belts

These EPDM belts are not expected to need replacement before 10 years or 150,000 miles of normal use. A skilled technician can measure the wear on these newer belts and then recommend replacement based on that measurement.

Since the serpentine belt helps provide power to cool the engine, a faulty belt can cause the car engine to overheat as the water pump will not turn. As soon as the engine begins to overheat, have it inspected by a mechanic as it can cause a breakdown and cause engine damage if left overheated.

Tools/Supplies Needed: ratchet and socket set. torque wrench. new replacement belt.

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.