Is my Serpentine Belt worn out?

Question

I have a 2002 Acura RSX with 58k miles on it
The Serpentine Belt seems to be very worn and i don't notice any rips but it is very rusty looking and it seems that when spinning if it gets wet its throw a rust color substance on the top of my hood while spinning.
It also seems to be making a lot of noise. a very high pitched squeak only when the car is in park or very slow but once speeds up the noise is not noticeable. Any way i could get rid of that noise too? thanks

Answer 1

The rust is coming from some place else. Belts are made from rubber, they don't rust. The noise might be coming from a bearing or pulley going bad. If the belt is worn, replace it before it breaks and causes more damage.

Answer 2

It is ready to break. The car won't die in a cloud of smoke but will stall out while she is driving. These belts don't break sitting static. then she has to pay towing too. Go to a library - get the repair manual for this car. Read how to replace it. Go buy the part $25 US and replace it. Before you start make a little drawing of how it is routed. You will need some tools to move the spring loaded pulley. Usually a 1/2inch socket drive. Hopefully the book will explain what is needed. If you make a drawing and have the simple tool you can do this in 20 minutes. Do you have a neighbor or freind with a few tools? Then go for it. At 14 it is time to start learning to do this yourself. The next belt that will break is the timing belt. The book should show how to inspect this. If that one breaks the car may die. They should be replaced every 60,000 miles. Go for it. A serpentine belt is not rocket science. Read the book and you'll see.

Answer 3

If you bought the car used, replace it. They are a cheap part, and considered routine maintenance. If you have an owners manual, check to see when it says to replace it. Every 30,000 miles I think. As for the problems you are having, It's a great place to start. You can put one on for about 25 dollars. The see if the problems go away. A mechanic shop will charge you 50 dollars to pop the hood. There is a belt routing diagram on a sticker by your radiator just in case you can't figure out how it goes back on.

Answer 4

Sounds like one of your pulleys is rusting, which would cause the rust on the belt. The squeak could be caused by a loose belt or a worn pulley, hard to tell. The belt probably absolutely needs to be replaced now if it hasn't been recently (30,000 ish miles).

Answer 5

Change the belt. It is a relatively inexpensive and important maintenance item. Your noise will go away when you do, provided the pulleys and belt tensioner are in good shape, which they probably should be if your car only has 58k on it.

Answer 6

The squealing is caused by the belt slipping when cold.
Spray some WD-40 into the pulleys and belt to help the squealing.

Get that belt changed asap though

good luck

Answer 7

belts usually don't throw off color. if there is a rusty color it's most likely from a metal part on the engine which the belt is near. the pullers may be rusty. when the engine is turned off, inspect the belt. touch it when the belt is cool. when you twist the belt look to see if the belt shows evidence of cracks. if so replace the belt.

Answer 8

try using some belt dressing,and see if that stops the noise.the rust is coming from the pulleys.if its throwing wet rust,then maybe your water pump is leaking.

Answer 9

not being a smart a$$ you need to buy a new serpentine belt

Answer 10

try some belt dressing if that doesnt work i would get it replaced

good luck