serpentine belt
Motor's rubber band
A serpentine belt is a single continuous rubber belt that winds through multiple pulleys to drive several engine accessories at once—typically the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, and air conditioning compressor.
The name comes from its snaking path through the engine compartment.
Before serpentine belts became standard in the 1980s, cars used multiple V-belts to drive each accessory separately.
The mechanic said my serpentine belt was cracked and needed replacing.
Grooved wheel for rope
- tensionerMaintains strap or chain pressure
- crankshaftRotating engine shaft
- alternatorMechanical-to-electrical energy converter
- power steering pumpHydraulic steering assist device
water pump · cooling fan · grooves · bearing · bracket · damper
Breaking without separating completely
- glazingGlossy protective coating
- frayingComing apart threadwise
- snappingBreaking with sharp sound
- slippageGradual loss or decline
squealing · chirping · shredding · contamination · misalignment · overheating · breakage · wobble
What takes another's place
- inspectionFormal assessment of condition
- alignmentCorrect relative positioning
- mechanicVehicle maintenance professional
- serviceAid or maintenance
diagnostics · preventive · schedule · installation · removal · visual inspection · squealing
Synthetic rubber polymer
- GatesHereditary family identifier
- GoodyearMajor American tire manufacturer
- OEMOriginal parts producer
- aftermarketTrade in replacement parts
pulley
Grooved wheel for rope
- tensionerMaintains strap or chain pressure
- crankshaftRotating engine shaft
- alternatorMechanical-to-electrical energy converter
power steering pump · water pump · cooling fan · grooves · bearing · bracket · damper
cracking
Breaking without separating completely
slippage · squealing · chirping · shredding · contamination · misalignment · overheating · breakage · wobble · stranding
replacement
What takes another's place
- inspectionFormal assessment of condition
- alignmentCorrect relative positioning
- mechanicVehicle maintenance professional
service · diagnostics · preventive · schedule · installation · removal · visual inspection · squealing
neoprene
Synthetic rubber polymer
- car maintenanceoil change, filter replacement, tune-up, spark plugs, tire rotation
- car partsengine, steering wheel, brake, seats, tires
- car repairoil change, brake job, tune-up, spark plugs, brake pads
- car suppliesgasoline, car wax, gas, motor oil, diesel
- belts
- Engine Bayengine, engine block, radiator, alternator, air filter
serpentine belttiming chain
Engine valve synchronization belt alternative