Mercedes-Benz GLA35 AMG Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement Costs

What is a serpentine belt and how does it work?

A serpentine belt is a relatively long, flat, multi-ribbed belt that is driven by the engine’s crankshaft pulley. The belt drives many, and often all, of the engine accessories such as the alternator, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump, water pump, and air pump. The serpentine belt is tensioned by a hydraulic or spring-loaded automatic tensioner. Some older cars use a serpentine belt to drive most accessories but will also have a shorter v-style belt to drive, for example, the power steering pump.

When to consider replacing the serpentine belt:

Regularly scheduled maintenance. Typically, belt manufacturers recommend belt replacement at 90,000 miles. However, the belt must be inspected for wear or damage at regular intervals prior to this high mileage.
Squealing noise, belt slippage, visible belt damage. Should the belt fail or wear out prematurely, you may hear noise or you may see visible signs of deterioration such as missing chunks of rubber, excessive cracking, or a shredded appearance on the edge of the belt.
Battery Light. A loose belt, perhaps caused by a defective tensioner, may not drive the alternator at adequate speed and thus the battery may discharge, causing the warning light to illuminate.
Engine overheating. Often, the serpentine belt drives the water pump. In those applications, if the belt breaks the engine will overheat in seconds to minutes. If the belt is inadequately tensioned, you may notice higher-than-normal engine operating temperature.

How do mechanics replace the serpentine belt?

Prior to removing the belt, the mechanic must run the engine to determine if the idler pulley and the belt tensioner are noise-free. Those rotating components have grease filled bearings and are subject to wear. In addition, the mechanic will ensure that all pulleys and accessories are turning in the same plane. These steps help make sure your new belt will operate trouble-free for its full-service life.
The belt’s routing path through the various components is noted. The belt tensioner is released, usually with a wrench or lever, to release the tension from the belt. With the tension off, the belt slides off the pulleys.
All rotating components — that is the alternator, air conditioner compressor, etc. — are checked for smooth operation and no noise.
If everything checks out, the new belt is slipped over all of the pulleys while holding the tensioner away from the belt. Once the belt is centered on all pulleys, the tensioner is released and the installation is complete. The engine is run to ensure normal operation.

Is it safe to drive with a serpentine belt problem?

No. Should the belt have visible damage, you risk unexpected and sudden breakage that could potentially leave you stranded. Serpentine belt problems that result in the alternator not charging may cause the battery to discharge, which will result in loss of electrical power to the vehicle. Additionally, if a deteriorated belt breaks and that belt drives the water pump, the engine will overheat in a matter of seconds.

When replacing the serpentine belt keep in mind:

On many cars, the expected service life of a serpentine belt is around 90,000 miles. Should the belt fail well prior to that, a very careful inspection should be performed to check for out-of-alignment pulleys, a possibly out-of-position crankshaft harmonic balancer on which the drive pulley is mounted, binding pulleys, or a defective belt tensioner.
Attention should always be given to serpentine belt routing, since proper routing is critical to proper belt tension, and function of the driven components.
Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish serpentine belt related noise from other engine noises. In these cases, a mechanic will determine the origin of the noise by momentarily running the engine without the serpentine belt attached.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee

Meet some of our expert Mercedes-Benz mechanics

Real customer reviews from Mercedes-Benz owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(283)

Rating Summary

273

SEE REVIEWS NEAR ME

Donald

41 years of experience

124 reviews

Request Donald

by Timothy

Mercedes-Benz ML320 V6-3.2L - Serpentine/Drive Belt - Atlanta, Georgia

Donald was very knowledgeable and professional, he completed the work in a very timely manner. He arrived on time and also informed me of other things that need to be addressed. I will definitely request DONALD again.

David

17 years of experience

639 reviews

Request David

by Jamario

Mercedes-Benz CLS550 V8-5.5L - Serpentine/Drive Belt - Martinez, California

Very professional... on time.. very knowledgeable and fast quick service

Michael

12 years of experience

98 reviews

Request Michael

by Mr

Mercedes-Benz S500 V8-5.0L - Serpentine/Drive Belt - Montclair, New Jersey

Very knowledgeable, friendly, explains everything, great guy

Harish

28 years of experience

588 reviews

Request Harish

by Adam

Mercedes-Benz ML350 V6-3.5L - Serpentine/Drive Belt - Charlotte, North Carolina

The mechanic was actually early (called to make sure that was fine) and quick but thorough with his work. He also offered suggestions of additional services I might need, and one service I had requested he perform he said was unnecessary and offered a refund for that portion. Thanks again!

Mercedes-Benz GLA35 AMG Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement at your home or office.

Estimate price near me

Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement Service

How much does a Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Mercedes-Benz GLA35 AMG Serpentine/Drive Belt Replacement is $193 with $53 for parts and $140 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

What is a serpentine belt and how does it work?

When to consider replacing the serpentine belt:

How do mechanics replace the serpentine belt?

Is it safe to drive with a serpentine belt problem?

When replacing the serpentine belt keep in mind:

Meet some of our expert Mercedes-Benz mechanics

Excellent Rating

Rating Summary

Donald

David

Michael

Harish

Excellent Rating

Rating Summary

Recent articles & questions

Oil on spark plug

My brake lights not working I changed the switch

2013 Chevy sonic 1.8L manual

How can we help?