#03 mazda protege serpentine belt how to#

Most vehicles do not need a special serpentine belt tool, but rather a 1/2' breaker bar and a socket on the serpentine belt tensioner to relieve the tension from the belt. Depending on your engine, the serpentine belt replacement cost is between $100 and $200. Worn serpentine belt noise in a Protege can indicate impending problems if ignored, while typically being fairly cheap and easy to replace.

#03 mazda protege serpentine belt how to#

Finally, run the new belt through the pulleys (in the correct route) and increase the tension on the belt.The video above shows how to check the serpentine belt on your 2002 Mazda Protege - if it gives more than a half inch when pressed, is cracked, frayed or appears shiny, you should change it (or have it changed) immediately.

Once done, remove the belt from the pulley.

If your car uses an alternator bracket, loosen its bolts. To do so, use a wrench to loosen the auto tensioner. Next, remove the tension on the serpentine belt.If there’s damage, look for the serpentine belt routing map, which you can find on a decal in most engine bays.Check if any other parts are rubbing against the belt and fix it. Then, inspect the belt visually for any cracks or damages.Based on your engine type, you may find the belt at the front of the engine or on the sides. Disconnect the battery and locate the serpentine belt.Press the hood release to open your car’s hood and access the serpentine belt.That being said, here’s an overview of a serpentine belt replacement. Since a serpentine belt is a vital car component that affects your vehicle’s driving performance, it’s best to leave it to a certified mechanic. However, you should inspect the belt regularly and get it replaced during routine maintenance, even if it doesn’t show any visible wear and tear. Ideally, your car’s serpentine belt should last for about 60000 – 100000 miles. How Often Should You Change The Serpentine Belt? Defective bearings in any belt accessories like tensioner, idler, etcģ.Here are a few causes why your serpentine belt needs replacement: Even the smallest malfunction can damage major car parts, affecting your car’s drivability. While having a single belt for all parts is efficient, it’s also why you should replace the serpentine belt ASAP if you spot any issue. In older vehicles, these parts have separate belts to deliver power. It basically transports power from the crankshaft to important engine components like the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and water pump. What Is A Serpentine Belt?Ī serpentine belt is a flat rubber belt that’s ribbed on one side and smooth on the other. Let’s go over some queries based on the serpentine belt and their answers: 1. If ignored, it may cause engine breakdown and other serious damages. Overheating engine: A bad serpentine belt can cause difficulty turning the water pump, leading to engine overheating.

You may also find that there isn’t any cold air escaping from the vent. Air conditioner won’t work: If the air conditioning system stops working and you hear strange noises, a bad serpentine belt may be the culprit.As a result, it may be difficult to drive your car, especially at low speeds. Power steering stops working: A loose or bad serpentine belt may fail to turn the power steering pump, leading to a loss of power.An old belt will likely exhibit cracking, fraying, or glazing, indicating imminent belt failure. Noticeable belt wear: You can pop open your hood and check the serpentine’s physical condition.This is most common on cold mornings when your car is warming up. Squealing sounds: If the serpentine belt slips or isn’t aligned correctly, strange noises may come from the front of your car.Here are some signs of a bad serpentine belt: What Signs Indicate A Bad Serpentine Belt?