What happens if your AC belt breaks?
A broken serpentine belt will immediately lead to a loss of power assist for the steering system. A broken serpentine belt will stop the water pump from circulating antifreeze through the cooling system. This ultimately means that once the serpentine belt breaks the engine can overheat anytime or anywhere.
Can you drive with no AC belt?
You should be fine. The AC belt is not the same as the serpentine belt, which is driven by a crank shaft pulley. Running the engine without the AC belt is not a problem if you can live without AC.
Why would an AC belt break?
If the AC compressors seizes while operating, the shock load can snap the serpentine belt. If the AC clutch bearing seizes while the AC compressor is not operating, the belt can snap then as well. Replacing the serpentine belt tensioner and idler pulley at the same time as the belt is always a good idea.
How much does it cost to replace an AC belt?
It’s very cheap to replace a belt. Most cases the replacement cost is between $90 and $200. The cost of the belt will be between $25 and $75 while the labor costs will be between $75 and $120.
Can you drive with a broken belt?
Can I Continue Driving My Car If the Serpentine Belt Is Broken? Technically, yes, you can continue driving your car, but not for long. Without a functioning belt, the water pump can’t cool the engine. So, your engine will overheat very quickly.
How long does a drive belt last?
60,000 to 100,000 miles
Serpentine belts are built to last—much longer than before because of advancements in rubber technology. Under ideal conditions, a belt should stick with you for an average of 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Pretty impressive. However, some belts are manually tensioned and may need to be adjusted.
How long can you drive without AC belt?
There are a few variables involved in the answer, but it should be able to run between 20 to 90 minutes. If it is a hot summer day, your engine can overheat very quickly without the coolant being pumped through the radiator.
Can I cut my AC belt?
They are hard to cut, that’s for sure. Just go at it for a while, and you should be able to get it off without removing any other belts. If that doesn’t work, hell, try a small saw blade or a Dremel, I guess. (just be careful).
When should I replace my AC belt?
Under normal conditions, the belt needs to be replaced every 4 to 6 years. However, those living in areas where the temperature and humidity can vary greatly throughout the year may need to change it more frequently.
Can you drive with a broken drive belt?
How long does it take to replace AC belt?
Changing the belt should only take about 15 minutes. Make sure the car is switched off and cooled down before touching any part of the engine. Read your belt routing diagram. This may be under the hood or in your car’s manual.
Why does my AC belt need to be replaced?
Another obvious sign that the AC belt needs to be replaced is the belt snapping. Old belts will snap simply because they are weakened by age and service. You can notice that a belt has snapped because the AC will not function when activated.
What causes smoke from a broken AC belt?
Or if the belt broke, jammed in something, and then melted a little, causing the smoke. The melting is just a little bit on one edge of the belt, it doesn’t look like much, for all the smoke and smell it produced. The break in the belt is right in the middle of the couple inch section where the melting/glazing can be seen.
Where does the AC belt go on a car?
The belt connects the AC compressor clutch to the engine crankshaft, which allows the compressor to be turned via the engine’s power when activated. As with most automotive belts, the AC belt will either be a V-belt or a serpentine.
Why is my AC belt cracking and cracking?
The longer a belt has been in service, the more heat and wear it has been exposed to, which will eventually lead to dryness and cracking of the belt. An old belt will not grip properly and will actually be a lot more susceptible to breaking than a newer belt. If a belt is showing cracks then it should be replaced.