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Serpentine Belt Replacement Cost


How Much Does Serpentine Belt Replacement Cost?

 
average costBelt: $25-$75high costLabor: $35-$120

A serpentine belt drives vital engine components such as the water pump, alternator, power-steering pump and air-conditioning compressor. The belt, named serpentine because it winds through the front of the engine in a snake-like manner, replaces the system of multiple belts that was common on older vehicles.

Typical costs:

  • Hiring a mechanic to replace a serpentine belt typically costs about $60-$200 or more. This includes $25-$75 for the belt plus half an hour to an hour of labor, at $75-$120 per hour. The job could even take longer on some vehicles, if the belt is difficult to access or install quickly. RepairPal allows drivers to get an online estimate[1] based on their location and the year, make and model of the car.
  • Purchased separately, a serpentine belt typically costs $10-$75. For example, national chain Napa Auto Parts[2] stocks several serpentine belts starting at $10.
Related articles: Replacing a Timing Belt, Replacing a Timing Chain, Replacing a Transmission, Replacing a Water Pump, Towing a Car

What should be included:
  • If a serpentine belt breaks, certain systems in the car may shut down, so experts recommend that a belt be replaced early, especially if it shows signs of cracking or wear. If possible, it is best to get an estimate before approving any work. However, if the belt has failed, the car may not run.
  • Replacing a serpentine belt can be done either by a skilled do-it-yourselfer or a professional repair technician. Popular Mechanics explains how to replace a serpentine belt[3] .
Additional costs:
  • A failed belt could require the vehicle to be towed, which can cost more than $200, depending on the distance.
  • A technician may find other repairs he or she would like to perform. These repairs could include any damaged or worn parts a technician may find or any factory-recommended maintenance an owner has overlooked.
  • If any pulleys, such as the idler pulley[4] , need to be replaced, that could cost an extra $13-$33 for the part.
Discounts:
  • Some repair shops might offer a discount on repairs for regular customers, usually about 10%. For example, some shops give discounts to AAA members[5] .
Shopping for serpentine belt replacement:
  • The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, a non-profit trade group for technicians and other automotive service professionals, has a searchable directory[6] of certified shops.
  • Serpentine Belts are also available at national retailers such as Napa Auto Parts[7] and online retailers such as Auto Parts Warehouse[8] .
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

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Serpentine belt replacement
Amount: $165.00
Posted by: Evangeline in Akron, OH.Posted: May 21st, 2020 06:05AM
Mechanic or Shop: Kia ganley in MedinaType of Belt: Serpentine
After they replaced my engine from my warranty they told me my serpentine belt needed replaced.
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Serpentine Belt Replacement
Amount: $31.20
Posted by: a user in Woodland, CA.Posted: December 15th, 2019 04:12PM
Mechanic or Shop: DIYType of Belt: Gates Serpentine Belt
Replaced belt on 2003 F150. Belt Diagram was displayed in engine bay. Only tool I needed was 1/2" breaker bar. Took about 10 minutes to complete and a quick YouTube Video. Bought belt on Amazon.
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Serpentine Belt
Amount: $131.99
Posted by: bgwkugirl in Bowling Green, KY.Posted: October 10th, 2019 02:10PM
Mechanic or Shop: FirestoneType of Belt: Serpentine
2007 Honda Accord
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2012 Rav4
Amount: $138.00
Posted by: Michael V. in Sudbury, Other.Posted: June 30th, 2019 02:06PM
Mechanic or Shop: CTCType of Belt: Serpentine frayed
146,000 kilometers visiting family inToronto Brother purchased belt for me cost $33.00 (Bridgestone)+installation cost on a Sunday 10 am-1.2 hrs It was fixed guickly.The vehicle seems a lot cooler now.Temperature 27 Celsius
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Serpentine Belt
Amount: $138.00
Posted by: Patchrus123 in Kearny, NJ.Posted: May 10th, 2019 07:05AM
Mechanic or Shop: Kearny auto spaType of Belt: Serpentine
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Serpentine belt 2007 Honda Civic
Amount: $150.00
Posted by: Hannah Chynoweth in Canton, MI.Posted: April 22nd, 2019 07:04AM
Mechanic or Shop: Auto One MechanicType of Belt: Serpentine Belt
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Serpentine belt replacement
Amount: $28.00
Posted by: Rubber-toe in 55350, MN.Posted: March 26th, 2019 06:03PM
Mechanic or Shop: MyselfType of Belt: Gates
Cost of belt and 1/2 hour of my time.
I put a less inexpensive belt on the Vibe due to the mileage (230000) I believe in supporting local mechanics, but this job is petty easy if you have any mechanic skills. I don’t believe in being overcharged and taking advantage of a vulnerable person.
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Serpentine Belt Replacement
Amount: $95.00
Posted by: Guido in Milwaukee, WI.Posted: November 23rd, 2018 12:11PM
Mechanic or Shop: Richelon-Greenfield,WIType of Belt: Serpentine
Called around to three repair shops comparing replacement on a 2013 Toyota Yaris serpentine belt and found this dealer/shop to be the least expensive, only to have my car absolutely shut down 2 days after having it replaced, costing me money to tow, and being told that it is an electrical problem. Car was fine until the serpentine belt was replaced and all hell started after that. Do not recommend this company for repairs. They now want to charge me to put it on a diagnostic machine and then to repair it. Truly amazing how the car stopped working after they had it in their shop.
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Replaced Serpentine Belt on 2014 Honda SUV
Amount: $149.99
Posted by: Barb P. in Hagerstown, MD.Posted: October 11th, 2018 12:10PM
Mechanic or Shop: Pope TireType of Belt: Serpentine
Efficiently done; found problem when getting oil change and air filter.
Satisfied. Another place had quoted much higher.
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replaced belt serpentine on 2008 chevy cobalt LS 2.2L eng.
Amount: $299.19
Posted by: sharon k walton in Maple Grove, MN.Posted: October 5th, 2018 01:10PM
Mechanic or Shop: BPType of Belt: serpentine belt
belt was 77.95 plus shop supplies was 22.68 labor was 188.96 wondering did I pay to much?
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Serpentine belt replacement
Amount: $244.00
Posted by: Lal in Miami, FL.Posted: September 13th, 2018 07:09AM
Mechanic or Shop: Lexus Service,Springfield,MOType of Belt: Serpentine
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Serpentine belt replacement
Amount: $218.00
Posted by: T E S S in Cary, NC.Posted: May 11th, 2018 10:05AM
Mechanic or Shop: PrecisionType of Belt: Serpentine
Car stalled and smelled nasty burning odor.I was a mile from precision and coasted all the way there...downhill.They were going to charge me $300., but I cried and I'm pretty cute, so he came down in price. Just kidding, I didn't cry.
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serpentent belt an water pump
Amount: $63.00
Posted by: leroygriffith in Muskogee Okla, OK.Posted: November 12th, 2017 02:11PM
Mechanic or Shop: mechanicType of Belt: serpentent belt
How much should he charge replacing the serpentent belt an water pump
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Serpentine Belt Replacement '98 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4wd 6cyl
Amount: $40.00
Posted by: patti b, in boulder, CO.Posted: October 8th, 2017 02:10PM
Mechanic or Shop: Neighbor mechanicType of Belt: serpentine
Belt squealed and then the belt edge shredded into licorice whips around the hub of fan after a speed bump. Bought the belt at O'Reilly's l yr warranty $28 plus tax. My gracious neighbor discovered the bolts were loose next to the transmission housing which wobbled quite a lot so he tightened it all (which may have played a role in the off-tracked belt edge shredding in the first place). So sometimes it's the pullys but as in my case the bolts were loose.
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Serpentine belt
Amount: $81.00
Posted by: Schnauzer in Huntsville, AL.Posted: August 12th, 2017 06:08AM
Mechanic or Shop: MidasType of Belt: Serpentine
Preventive maintenance
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Serpentine Belt
Amount: $890.67
Posted by: Aida N Scotland in Merritt Island, FL.Posted: May 10th, 2017 02:05PM
Mechanic or Shop: Pep BoysType of Belt: Serpentine
My 2006 Buick LaCrosse overheated on the Expressway yesterday and took it today to be fixed and almost fell down at the price.
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Serpentine Belt Replacement in a 2007 GMC Acadia SLT
Amount: $308.00
Posted by: LouieB in Westbrook, ME.Posted: April 25th, 2017 01:04PM
Mechanic or Shop: Bill Dodge GMCType of Belt:
This included a $129 'diagnostic' fee too. Originally we both thought it was the whole engine that had blown. Still seems crazy high but i needed it back ASAP.
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Serpentine belt replacement
Amount: $85.00
Posted by: MarilynG G Berry in Beverly Hills, MI.Posted: February 12th, 2017 05:02AM
Mechanic or Shop: Personal mechanicType of Belt: Serpentine belt + tension belt
2002 Toyota highlander belts replaced... $21.99 for serpentine belt and $19.99 for tension belt from Auto Zone. My personal "shade tree" mechanic replaced for total of $85.
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Serpentine Belt/tensioner replaced
Amount: $365.00
Posted by: Ande in Kansas City, KS.Posted: February 3rd, 2017 11:02AM
Mechanic or Shop: Calvert ExpressType of Belt: 1 Belt and 2 tensioners
I feel like I paid too much for this but when you are at the mechanics mercy and don't know anything about cars you can only hope they are charging you a fair and honest price.
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replaced serpentine belt , replaced belt tensioner and replaced idler pulley
Amount: $55.00
Posted by: jowayne in winston salem, NC.Posted: January 5th, 2017 11:01AM
Mechanic or Shop: myselfType of Belt: serpentine
03 dodge grand caravan,in my opinion most of the shops rip you for this 1 hr job .items bought from rockauto- gates belt 14.00 idler pully 15.00 belt tensioner assembly 30.00.then jacked car up pass side took wheel off ,took off shield was able to get to the pulleys easy. layed down stuck wrench on tensioner released belt pressure removed the belt . then used 15mm socket removed idler pulley, then used 13 mm open end wrench removed belt tensioner assembly ,put idler on screwed bolt til tight , then put the belt tensioner on found notch on back side to position it . tighten 13 mm bolt .routed the new serp belt tensi across the top pulleys under the idler pulley on the bottom pushed the belt on the largest pully while holding the belt tensioner with my wrench. then checked all pulleys belt on correct . buttoned up the bottom of car the splash cover inside the wheel weld,couple of push pins an 1 10mm socket bolt. no noise,1 hour. 55 bucks total done easy I'm no mechanic just smart
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Serpentine belt
Amount: $193.00
Posted by: Trusty Gal in Manahawkin, NJ.Posted: January 4th, 2017 06:01PM
Mechanic or Shop: Auto dealerType of Belt: Serpentine
Came in for oil change. Urged by tech to have it replaced due to "dry rot." Took old belt to a couple of shops and told nothing wrong with it. Felt betrayed by dealer where I bought/serviced auto.
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Serpentine Belt Replacement
Amount: $120.00
Posted by: Tiffany T in Calumet City, IL.Posted: December 2nd, 2016 07:12AM
Mechanic or Shop: Chevy DealershipType of Belt: Serpentine
Didn't actually get the job done for my 2011 chevy eqinox just got a quote. Thought this will be helpful to someone else looking around
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Replaced idler pulley and 3 belts
Amount: $299.50
Posted by: jkamine in Watertown, MA.Posted: November 21st, 2016 10:11AM
Mechanic or Shop: Watertown, MAType of Belt:
Brought in my car, 1997 Honda LX as it had a whistling noise while driving.
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Serpentine Belt
Amount: $100.00
Posted by: Steppie in Athens, GA.Posted: November 9th, 2016 04:11PM
Mechanic or Shop: Precision TuneType of Belt: Serpentine Belt
2004 Cadillac Escalade
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Timing belt+ all belts and water pump , 4 spark plugs and wires
Amount: $175.00
Posted by: Wayne LaPenna in Wethersfield woman, CT.Posted: November 1st, 2016 11:11AM
Mechanic or Shop: SelfType of Belt: Dayton
Did the work myself
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Serpentine Belt Replacement
Amount: $225.00
Posted by: moso in Plain City, OH.Posted: September 8th, 2016 07:09AM
Mechanic or Shop: E&R Tires PlusType of Belt: Serpentine Belt
Chevy Equinox 2005 had serpentine belt off because of cat caught in engine. Shop indicated belt was cracked and worn so it needed replaced as well as reattached. $61 for belt $165 for labor (labor cost seemed a bit over the top). I should have checked around b/c it seems this is way too much for the labor and the belt is overpriced too.
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Serpentine belt replacement
Amount: $1,341.00
Posted by: Saintstephen in Norfolk, VA.Posted: August 13th, 2016 09:08AM
Mechanic or Shop: AAA car careType of Belt: Serpentine belt
A weathered Serpentine belt came off, took it in. Was told need to replace water pump, thermostat, radiator; with hoses, coolest flush, and belt tensioner. Does all that need to be replaced? The car heat got 3 quarters of way, before I pulled over.
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Replace two Serpentine Belts - 2002 honda accord
Amount: $260.00
Posted by: Chris Overholt in Turnersville, NJ.Posted: July 29th, 2016 08:07AM
Mechanic or Shop: MienkeType of Belt: Serpentine
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Serpentine Belt Replacement
Amount: $439.95
Posted by: Norm in Amish Country in Lancaster, PA.Posted: July 5th, 2016 12:07PM
Mechanic or Shop: Buick Service CenterType of Belt:
57000 miles on my 5-year old Lacrosse. Water pump failed and in the process of replacing that they found the serpentine belt also needed replaced. Cost of the belt was 46.25 with labor of 393.70. The total bill including labor for the water pump and the pump was 1120.83!
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Sierra Denali serpentine/AC belts
Amount: $51.00
Posted by: Hilton in Easton, PA.Posted: June 4th, 2016 07:06PM
Mechanic or Shop: Elevator mechanicType of Belt: Serpentine and AC
Did it myself in my driveway in less than an hour. I am mechanically inclined so figured is save some cash
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External Resources:
  1.  repairpal.com/estimator?car_type_id=2590
  2.  www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Result.aspx?Ntt=serpentine+belts&Ntk=Keyword&Nty=1&Dn=0...
  3.  www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/maintenance/4311197
  4.  www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Idler-Pulley/_/N-8gd4q?filterByKeyWord=idler+pulle...
  5.  www.aaa.com/scripts/WebObjects.dll/ZipCode.woa/wa/route?rclub=065&stop=yes&rurl=ww...
  6.  www.ase.com/Landing-Pages/Car-Owners/Find-a-Repair-Shop/Shop-Locator.aspx
  7.  www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Result.aspx?Ntt=serpentine+belts&Ntk=Keyword&Nty=1&Dn=0...
  8.  www.autopartswarehouse.com/search/?searchType=global&N=0&Ntt=serpentine+belts&submit=
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