Chevy Trax and Serpentine Belt
The Chevy Trax does indeed have a serpentine belt. The serpentine belt in a vehicle like the Chevy Trax is a long, flat, multi-ribbed belt that is driven by the engine’s crankshaft pulley. It drives many engine accessories such as the alternator, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump, water pump, and air pump.
The serpentine belt is an essential component of the engine, and it’s important to ensure that it is in good condition. The lifespan of the serpentine belt changes according to the model of the car, its usage, and the area where it is driven. It is recommended to check the serpentine belt along with the timing belt, and after the car has covered approximately 40,000 miles, it should be checked every 6,000 miles if it is in good condition.
If there are any issues with the serpentine belt, it is crucial to replace or repair it immediately. Delaying a serpentine belt replacement can cause critical damage to other vital car parts like the water pump, air conditioning unit, and more. A serpentine belt replacement cost for a Chevrolet Trax may range from $100 to $195, including both labor charges and spare parts.
In summary, the Chevy Trax does have a serpentine belt, and it is an important component of the engine that should be regularly checked and maintained to ensure the proper functioning of the vehicle.
If you have any further questions or need additional information, feel free to ask!
Contents
- Is the serpentine belt the same as the alternator belt?
- Will check engine light come on for serpentine belt?
- Do all cars have a serpentine belt?
- What are the symptoms of a bad serpentine belt?
- Can I drive my car with a bad serpentine belt?
- When did Chevy go to serpentine belt?
- Is it easy to replace a serpentine belt yourself?
- Can you still drive a car without serpentine belt?
- How do I know if my serpentine belt needs replacing?
- Can you drive with bad serpentine belt?
Is the serpentine belt the same as the alternator belt?
No engine is complete without the serpentine belt. The serpentine belt, also known as the alternator belt, is one of the better-known engine belts, along with the timing belt. It gets its name because of its shape, and how it snakes around your engine.
Will check engine light come on for serpentine belt?
Your vehicle’s check engine light will also come on if the serpentine belt fails, and you’ll notice a loss of power to the power steering system, sudden battery drain, or high engine temperature gauge readings. You should not drive your vehicle if this happens, as it can lead to further engine damage and malfunction.
Do all cars have a serpentine belt?
While most cars today only have a serpentine belt to control various systems, some vehicles have other belts. For example, select older rides may have a series of V belts in place of the serpentine belt. Some cars also have a timing belt to drive water pumps and oil pumps to the engine and other important parts.
What are the symptoms of a bad serpentine belt?
Bad serpentine belt symptoms
- Squeaking, squealing or chirping sound from under the hood of the car.
- Check engine light or battery light is illuminated on your dashboard.
- A/C isn’t working.
- Power steering isn’t working.
- The engine’s temperature is high or overheating.
- Smell of burnt rubber.
Can I drive my car with a bad serpentine belt?
Yes, you can. But if you know you have a worn belt, it’s better to get a serpentine belt replacement. There’s no reason to knowingly risk your vehicle and your own safety driving with a bad serpentine belt. Belt failure can occur anytime, and the consequences may be dangerous.
When did Chevy go to serpentine belt?
Pretty sure the alternator swapped sides in ’88 when the serpentine system was introduced. I believe if you look at engine bay shots of ’87 and earlier you’ll see the A/C compressor is still on the driver’s side.
Is it easy to replace a serpentine belt yourself?
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.
Can you still drive a car without serpentine belt?
If the belt drives the water pump, the engine will overheat and may be ruined. So you can drive without the belt but not for long. The belt also powers the alternator so the vehicle will run out of electricity. Sure, but without the water pump and power steering you won’t do it for long.
How do I know if my serpentine belt needs replacing?
Does One of Your Car Belts Need to Be Replaced? 6 Common Signs
- Squeaking and Squealing Noises. Worn-out serpentine belts tend to produce squeaking and squealing noises because they cannot handle the pulley tension.
- Play/Looseness.
- AC and Power Steering Failure.
- Overheating Engine.
- Visible Wear.
- Mileage Indicator.
Can you drive with bad serpentine belt?
Despite its unassuming appearance, this integral part keeps multiple components of your vehicle running smoothly, including the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. Ignoring the signs of a worn serpentine belt can lead to severe engine damage and compromise your safety on the road.