Serpentine belt...?

Question

I recently got a 1994 Mazda Protege from a dealer, for a steal!
They did tell me the serpentine belt isn't the greatest (and YES, they are going to fix it as part of the sale).
I just wondered exactly what it is.
Sure, I could look it up. But then y'all wouldn't get any points!! :-) :-)

Sorry I can't give you ALL ten points!!! I appreciate the responses!!
:-)

Answer 1

A serpentine belt is a single continuous belt used to drive multiple peripheral devices in an automotive engine, such as alternators, power steering pumps, coolant pumps, A/C compressors, etc.

If I were you I would be more worried about the timing belt in that car. In the internal combustion engine application, the timing belt connects the crankshaft to the camshaft(s) which in turn controls the opening and closing of the engine's valves. A four-stroke engine requires that the valves open and close once every other turn of the crankshaft. The timing belt does this. It has custom teeth to turn the camshaft(s) synchronized with the crankshaft and is specifically designed for a particular engine. In some engine designs, the timing belt may also be used to drive other engine components such as the water pump and oil pump. Your engine is a interfearence engine and if that belt breaks, it will bend you valves, you will loose all compression in the engine and it would be thousands to replace.

Answer 2

Since there are about a million responses, let me add one more description of a serpentine belt: In most newer cars it is the only belt that drives all the engine accessories. The engine itself turns the crankshaft (main) pulley, which turns the pullies of all the accessories via the belt. Some cars have other belts in addition to a serpentine belt to accomodate accessories that are either too far apart or on the other end of the engine. But in most cases, the serpentine belt turns most or all of the necessary accessories.

Answer 3

A serpentine belt, is a single flat belt that drives the power steering, A/C, water pump and alternator. It is best to replace this belt after 50,000 miles of service. And is always a good idea to carry a spare one at all times. One should check this belt at each oil change, for cracks and wear. This will keep you from being stranded on some highway or road. This belts slack is taken up by a idler arm having a pulley on it. Keep a check on the pulley bearing. you will also need to learn the routing of this belt and have tools in your car to change it, should it break.

Answer 4

The serpnetine belt is found mainly on newer cars. It weaves all around the pullies of the car like a snake. Basically, on an old car, you would have 1 belt for the alternator, one belt for the water pump, one belt for the fan, one belt for the A/C. The Serpentine belt does all the work of many smaller belts. It is good that they are going to replace it.

Answer 5

You've received many good answers as to what a serpentine belt is. Your Protege, however, should not have one. There should be 2 belts that drive the accessories for your car - one that drives the alternator and water pump & one that drives the power steering pump and/or compressor for your air conditioning if you have them. I would suggest contacting the dealer to see what exactly they want to fix.

Answer 6

A serpentine belt is simple a fan belt that also operates the Alternator, power steering pump, etc. It's one belt that SNAKES around the front of the engine tying all of the pullies together.

Hence, "Serpentine"

Answer 7

This is a very long belt that does the work that used to require several smaller belts. It uses both sides whereas the old ones only used one side. It "serpentines" its way around many components like the alternator (charges your battery) and air conditioner pump. Some are long enough that if you took it out you could stand inside with it stretched around your feet and hands.

Answer 8

A serpentine belt is a belt that operates all the parts that need rotating--alternator, water pump, air conditioning. In the past, cars needed several belts to do this, but a serpentine (one belt) can do it now.

Answer 9

The serpentine belt drives off the crank pulley to turn the alternator,power steering,and air conditioner. It basically turns when the crank is turning. Without it you won't have any said components working.

Answer 10

A serpitine belt is the main belt that runs most of your engine like you rwater pump and air conditioning sometimes your power stering you can buy a can of belt dressing and it will moisturiz the rubber so maybe you can prolong it for a bit.