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I installed a serpentine belt a couple of days ago and it broke. What did I do wrong?

June 16, 2021

When a belt breaks quickly after installation, it is likely due to one of the four reasons:

  1. It was not 100% seated in a pulley.
  2. Worn pulley bearings caused the belt to “walk off” the pulley surface.
  3. A damaged pulley could have ‘cut’ the belt.
  4. A malfunctioning tensioner caused belt misalignment and damage.

Be sure to check the tension and fit before completing the job and remember to change the pulley and tensioner when you replace a belt to avoid any issues like this.