The serpentine belt tensioner applies pressure to the serpentine belt, maintaining ideal tension to drive the accessories like the alternator and A/C compressor. The service life of the belt tensioner is the same as the belt itself, so they should always be replaced together. A worn tensioner inhibits the accessories from spinning properly, leading to … Read more
Your serpentine belt drives essential engine accessories like your alternator, air conditioning compressor, and power steering. In some cars it may also power the power brakes or water pump. The serpentine belt is powered by the engine and winds around pulleys and the accessories. Some automobiles have two serpentine belts. The serpentine belt, the belt tensioner (which … Read more
The primary job of the serpentine belt is to provide critical traction to spin the accessories. As the belt wears it loses some of its grip and the accessories may not spin at optimal speeds. For example, if your alternator doesn’t spin fast enough, the battery will not completely recharge while you’re driving and you … Read more