Serpentine Belt Replacement

Mazda Serpentine Belt Replacement in Madison, WI

We operate a Mazda certified service department ready to handle all of your vehicle’s serpentine belt needs. Your serpentine belt (or drive belt) requires inspections every 22,500 miles as recommended. This helps identify faulty belts so they can be replaced before they break. If you see excessive cracking or fraying of the belt, get it replaced promptly by a certified technician at Russ Darrow Mazda of Madison.

What Does the Serpentine Belt Do?

The serpentine belt is one continuous loop and is made from durable rubber. It delivers energy from the engine into accessories, such as the water pump, power steering pump, alternator, and air conditioner. It requires routine inspections and needs to be replaced when found to be damaged to prevent it from breaking while driving.

Warning Signs of a Faulty Serpentine Belt

The serpentine belt delivers power to multiple accessories; when these accessories fail, it is a telltale sign of a broken belt. If these components all fail together while driving, it is almost a guarantee that the serpentine belt has broken. Here are the warning signs of a faulty serpentine belt:

• Cracking, fraying, and uneven wear on the belt.
• Loud slapping, knocking, or squealing noises coming from the front of the engine compartment.
• Power steering does not work, and it is incredibly difficult to rotate the steering wheel.
• Air conditioning does not work due to the lack of power going to the compressor.
• Engine temperatures increase due to the water pump not receiving power.
• Battery charging system warning light comes on due to the lack of power to the alternator.

What Is the Serpentine Belt Replacement Interval?

These belts are made of a durable, sturdy rubber that can last 100,000 miles or more under favorable circumstances. Due to heat exposure and constant friction, they can get worn and damaged, given enough mileage. Mazda recommends that drive belts are inspected every 22,500 miles or every three years, whichever comes first. The serpentine belt should be replaced when found to have lost integrity.

Serpentine Belt Replacement Service Overview

Our certified technician will remove the old serpentine belt, inspect the accessories' pulleys, inspect and adjust the tensioner while installing a genuine Mazda OEM part to restore specifications.