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When we talk of a luxury SUV, the Land Rover brand is usually on top of the list. These high-performing SUVs are built for dependability, style, and comfort of their owners. But there could be a major problem that would impact the engine’s performance, which could occur in the serpentine belt.
The serpentine belt is a continuous loop that is used to rotate multiple peripheral pulleys in an engine. These include the alternator, steering pumps, air pumps, compressor pumps, and water pumps. The belt also may be supported by a pulley or belt tensioner. Some of these may use hydraulics or may work with springs, or even be manually-operated. When the belt has to go through three or more pulleys having large wrap angles, it is usually supported or held in place by an idler pulley, which will press against the belt from the back to ensure it stays on its track. This compression causes the belt to be bent into a serpentine nature, hence the name: serpentine belt.
To cater to this bidirectional movement as well as flexing, it has to be tough enough to transmit the equivalent force required to propel multiple pulleys or rotating parts. So, the serpentine belt is usually designed with multi-grooves or multi-ribs to grip and flex properly. However, if this belt starts to weaken, your engine and all parts associated with it will begin to fail, too. Let’s look at what happens below.
Features that Depend on Your Land Rover’s Serpentine Belt
The Land Rover’s serpentine belt helps run the alternator, which depends on the turning force of your serpentine belt to rotate and supply current to the battery and other electrical parts of your vehicle. When the battery of your SUV does not charge, it may cause many functions of your Land Rover to cease to work.
The headlamps, for example, need electricity from the alternator and battery to function and produce light for vision during days of fog and at night. The water pump could be affected as well, which will affect the cooling system of the engine. When the car engine overheats, it can cause the gasket to crack and will create more trouble for your vehicle.
This important belt may continue to function for a while after shedding some of its groves, but it is very risky. Furthermore, the function of this single component can cause the failure of many other accessories in your Land Rover.
How often should you replace your land rover serpentine belt?
It is usually recommended to have your serpentine belt replaced at 80,000 to 100,000 miles depending on how hard you drive your Land Rover. Other factors may induce stress on the belt which may cause it to wear earlier than expected. Also, though rare, manufacturer error can cause the belt to wear out quicker than usual.
Another thing to consider, if there is a fluid leak above the pulley from a broken gasket, seal, hose, or line leak, acidic oils or greasy liquids that constantly drip on the belt can cause it to wear down, fray, or slacken.
Common Causes of Serpentine Belt Problems
Some of the factors that may cause your Land Rover’s serpentine belt to wear out:
- Heat: Heat is one of the major factors that may cause a serpentine belt to crack or wear. Heat, on a general note, can cause materials of all kinds to begin to become weak and brittle as the high temperature has an adverse effect on material stability.
- Faulty or Cracked Component: Some of the components with which rotation and gliding take place could be faulty and bad. Cracks in the idler pulley, belt tensioner, and other components could have sharp surfaces that can puncture or create a crack in the serpentine belt.
- Friction: Friction is the contact frequently made by two bodies that glide against each other. Continuous gliding of your serpentine belt with the idler pulley and other surfaces will cause the belt to wear. This is the reason you must always check on your serpentine belt to avoid inconveniences that may arise from its malfunction.
- Age: Age is another factor that can affect your Land Rover’s serpentine belt. Every belt has a lifespan. Some could last as long as 50,000 miles, while others have 80,000 to 100,000 miles in them before they begin to break down.
Let Our Experts at Terry Sayther Automotive Help You
Visit us today at Terry Sayther Automotive, as we are the leading car repair shop in the area. We proudly service European cars in and around Buda, Kyle, Lakeway, Tarrytown, and Austin, TX. Book an appointment with us now!