Is there an issue with the accessory belt in your SUV? If yes, you’ve come to the right place. The serpentine belt is a long, slender belt that fits around multiple pulleys within the engine of your Land Rover. It transmits the power from the engine’s crankshaft to other important parts such as the alternator that recharges your battery and the power steering pump that helps to make your steering smooth.

If it fails, these systems cease to operate, and your engine may overheat or even shut down completely. To prevent such hitches, it is good that you know about the serpentine belt, how to tell when it is worn out, and when to replace it. This guide will take you through the steps for replacing your Land Rover serpentine belt as well as where you can get this service done professionally.

Why It Is Advisable to Replace Your Serpentine Belt Before It Breaks

Ignoring your serpentine belt and waiting for it to snap can result in a car breakdown and possibly severe engine damage. The belt is connected to multiple systems and when it breaks, you could lose power steering, battery charging, and cooling at the same time. The general rule of thumb is to change the serpentine belt every 50,000 to 100,000 miles, though it might be more or less depending on the conditions in which the car is driven.

High temperatures, constant acceleration and deceleration, and exposure to dirt and oil can make the belt to wear out faster and need replacement more often. It is recommended that the belt be replaced before it wears out to ensure that the engine does not break down at an inconvenient time and end up incurring high repair costs. The belt and tensioner can be checked by a professional mechanic to make sure they are in good condition.

How the Serpentine Belt Is Replaced

• Preparation: The first thing you have to do in order to replace your serpentine belt is inspect it. An experienced and skilled technician will look at the belt to identify any signs of damage for instance a cracked, damaged or worn belt with missing ribs. They will also check for any signs that the tensioner and pulleys are out of line or damaged.
• Taking Out the Old Belt: Once the belt is determined to be either old or damaged, the next procedure is to take it off. Since the serpentine belt is installed over several pulleys, the mechanic will need to refer to a belt diagram to remove or fit one. Sometimes, there is also a need to change the belt tensioner. The tensioner is used to maintain the tension of the belt and ensure that the belt runs without any problems. If it’s weak or damaged, the new belt may not work properly when it is put to use.
• Installing the New Belt: The new serpentine belt is fitted by feeding it through the correct pulleys and tightening the tension to the manufacturer’s standards. It is important that they are properly aligned to avoid slippage and ensure that all the accessories work as they are designed to.
• Final Inspection: Once the installation is done, the mechanic will turn on the engine and check if the belt is functioning properly. They will listen for any strange sounds and make sure that all extras including the alternator and power steering are in proper order. Once all this is done and checked, your Land Rover is ready to get back on the road with a new serpentine belt.

Contact Us Today and Schedule Your Land Rover Serpentine Belt Replacement in Rowlett

If your Land Rover is showing symptoms that the serpentine belt is worn, do not wait for it to break. At Rowlett Motorwerks, we have all that is required to handle Land Rover maintenance and repair services through our team of experienced mechanics. Whether you require a belt check, belt replacement, or any other diagnosis, you can be assured of quality and affordable service. We are based in Rowlett, Texas and we also serve the neighboring cities of Garland, Sachse, Wylie, and Rockwall. Our staff is committed to making sure that your Land Rover receives the specialized attention it deserves with the latest equipment and methods for repairs. Contact us to make an appointment or drive to our workshop for a professional Land Rover assessment.