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But a timing belt replacement requires the total disassembly of the engine.
SERPENTINE BELT VS TIMING BELT MANUAL
The serpentine belt and timing belt need to be replaced after about 60,000 to 100,000 miles (check the owners manual for your specific vehicle.) However, the labor required for each is widely different.Ī serpentine belt is easily accessible, so its replacement can take around 15 minutes to one hour. On the other hand, a timing belt has horizontal grooves (like teeth) that fit the cogwheels of the crankshaft and camshaft. The serpentine and timing belt have specific grooves that can help you tell them apart.Ī serpentine belt typically has v-shaped grooves on the interior side, which run vertically along the length of the belt to provide better traction. It’s built to stretch as well as withstand extreme heat and oil or coolant contamination. It’s soft and elastic on the outside, allowing it to coil around the crankshaft pulley as well as accessories in the engine bay.Ĭonversely, the timing belt is made of neoprene or fiberglass-reinforced rubber. What They’re Made OfĪlthough both serpentine belts and timing belts are rubber, they’re made from different materials.Ī serpentine belt is typically made of polymer-based rubber. However, the timing belt isn’t easily visible, and it takes significant effort to access it. It winds around several mechanisms in front of the engine.
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The serpentine belt is easily visible when you pop the hood. The serpentine belt is located in front of the engine block, while a timing belt will be behind the engine under the timing cover. It maintains the ignition timing by ensuring that the engine valves (intake and exhaust valves) move in time with the pistons. On the other hand, the timing belt keeps the crankshaft and camshaft in sync. The serpentine belt (also called drive belt, fan belt, or accessory belt) transfers power from the crankshaft to the engine accessories. The serpentine belt and timing belt perform different functions. Here are the five main differences between the serpentine belt and the timing belt: 1. Serpentine Belt Vs Timing Belt : 5 Key Differences What’s An Appropriate Serpentine Belt And Timing Belt Tension?.Can I Replace The Serpentine Belt Or Timing Belt Myself?.Can I Start A Car Without A Serpentine Belt?.What’s The Difference Between A Serpentine Belt And An Alternator Belt?.What Happens If The Drive Belt or Timing Belt Breaks While Driving?.Is A Timing Chain Better Than A Timing Belt?.6 FAQs About The Serpentine Belt And Timing Belt.What Are The Symptoms Of A Bad Serpentine Belt Or Timing Belt?.
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