A squeal or screech coming from under the hood of a car is never a sound a car owner and operator want s to hear. If you’ve recently purchased a vehicle from a St. Louis Toyota dealer, you probably won’t experience this, at least not in the near future. It may be, however, a sign that your vehicle is in need of a new serpentine belt. This is a task that may be better off left to a professional, but with patience and knowledge most car owners can replace a serpentine belt themselves.

Before removing the old serpentine belt, inspect it thoroughly. Study its route, as well as, the physical condition of the belt. Compare the belt with the newer one to determine the level of damage. If it is still intact and is need of replacing, use a ratchet to loosen the belt. Remove it from it route and have a closer look at it. The damage will be more obvious and much easier to locate once the belt is out of the car and in your hands.

Install the new belt along the necessary route. Be sure the belt is level and not have to do any extra work to function as it should; meaning, eliminate any unnecessary bending or ineffective positioning of the pulley system or brackets. Check the tension of the new belt, as well. Using a tension belt gauge to do this will make the job much easier.

Try to do the new serpentine belt installation in one motion. Work slowly and carefully so as to reduce the risk of damaging the replacement belt. Begin installation and work counter clockwise along the belt’s routing system.

Once you are confident the belt has been installed correctly, turn the vehicle on and let it run in the idle position for a few minutes. Watch the belt rotate and check for any obvious malfunction. Be sure the belt is running as seamlessly as possible.