Difference Between Serpentine And Timing Belt

[Ailene Goldhirsh]

Sometimesthe serpentine belt is called a drive belt, fan belt or accessory belt. This is because vehicles used to have multiple drive belts connecting the engine to various accessories (such as the radiator fan or alternator). Modern vehicles usually just have one belt that winds through multiple pulleys to power all the accessories.

The timing belt is inside the engine and keeps the crankshaft and camshaft in sync. It ensures that the engine intake and exhaust valves open and close in time with the pistons so the engine runs smoothly.

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When looking inside your vehicle's engine bay, you may discover several belts. Most vehicles have a timing belt as well as one or more serpentine belts. While they both consist of looped pieces of material, serpentine belts and timing belts aren't the same. They serve completely different purposes that

A serpentine belt is a long and looped piece of material -- they are typically made of a rubber or a similar polymer-based material -- that's used to activate motor-driven parts or systems in a vehicle. While your vehicle's engine, the serpentine belts will spin. This spinning action will then activate the parts and systems to which they are connected.

A timing belt, on the other hand, is a shorter piece of looped material that's used specifically to synchronize the camshaft with the crankshaft. The timing between these two components is important for all combustion engines. When timed correctly, the pistons and valves will operate in harmony with each other.

You can find the timing belt connected to the camshaft and crankshaft. As the engine runs, these parts will open and close in harmony with each other thanks to the timing belt. The timing belt lives up to its namesake by regulating the "timing" of the camshaft and crankshaft.

As previously mentioned, serpentine belts and timing belts are used for different purposes. Serpentine belts are designed to activate motor-driven parts and systems, whereas timing belts are used to synchronize the camshaft with the crankshaft.

Another difference between serpentine belts and timing belts involves the material from which they are made. Serpentine belts are typically made of a rubber or a polymer-based material. They are soft and somewhat elastic. Timing belts are still made of rubber as well, but they are reinforced with fiberglass. With their fiberglass-reinforced construction, timing belts are inherently stronger than serpentine belts.

While all vehicles have one or more serpentine belts, they may or may not have a timing belt. Some vehicles have a timing chain instead of a timing belt. Timing chains serve the same purpose of synchronizing the camshaft with the crankshaft. They are simply constructed of metal links rather than a solid and looped piece of material.

The serpentine belt is used to run the alternator, A/C compressor pulleys. Where as, what you are calling the drive belt is probably the timing belt. It is behind the cam covers, and can't be seen without removing the covers.

On a 99 Forester, I think that timing belt replacement is every 60 or 65 K miles. It is important to replace this belt religiously, because if it breaks, there will be serious damage to the valves. Replacing bent valves is expensive. About every other timing belt replacement, the pulleys and tensioners associated with the timing belt should also be replaced. If a bearing locks up in any of these parts, then the belt breaks, and you are back at replacing the now bent valves.

Don't know the time and or millage schedule of replacing the serpentine belt. Your owner's manual may tell you this. I have replaced serpentines when I see cracks in the belt, or broken/missing teeth.

When a parts listing says "drive belt" it's referring to the accessory drive belt (it drives the accessories on the engine). Accessories include alternator, power steering pump, AC compressor, water pump, etc.

A serpentine belt is the style of belt. The other major belt style being a V belt (has a V shape) which is generally used to drive only one accessory. Vehicles that use v belt with several accessories will have 3 or 4 v belts.

Many Japanese vehicles use serpentine style belts to drive only one or two accessories. So on your Subaru you'll have one belt for the alternator and power steering, and another belt for the Ac compressor.

BTW, as yours is the transition year for the engine (EJ25D/DOHC to EJ253/SOHC) in the Forester, best to use your VIN to get parts. You can have the dealer look up the part numbers and then find them online.

EDIT: WOW: I just read the Maintenance schedule from the above 'jdmfsm' link (it's for a NON-USA model Ej20); another one from an online dealership; and the Cars101 and they are all different for the Timing Belt! Some say 4Year/60K miles, another has the 10Year/105K and yet another has 6/60K....So, it depends on the exact year and engine.

On the other hand, the timing belt keeps the crankshaft and camshaft in sync. It maintains the ignition timing by ensuring that the engine valves (intake and exhaust valves) move in time with the pistons.

A serpentine belt typically has v-shaped grooves on the interior side, which run vertically along the length of the belt to provide better traction. On the other hand, a timing belt has horizontal grooves (like teeth) that fit the cogwheels of the crankshaft and camshaft.

The serpentine belt and timing belt need to be replaced after about 60,000 to 100,000 miles (check the owners manual for your specific vehicle.) However, the labor required for each is widely different.

A serpentine belt is easily accessible, so its replacement can take around 15 minutes to one hour. But a timing belt replacement requires the total disassembly of the engine. This can include the alternator, engine mount, timing cover, and other engine components, which can take around four to eight hours.

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Do you hear an unusual noise coming from under your car's hood? Could it be time to replace your timing belt or serpentine belt? What is the difference between these two crucial components? Explore signs that indicate they need replacing, and we'll help you determine which one might be due for maintenance soon.

Timing Belt

The timing belt synchronizes the rotation of the engine's camshaft and crankshaft, ensuring that valves open and close at the right time during the engine's combustion cycle. It's crucial for maintaining proper engine timing and preventing catastrophic damage.

Serpentine Belt

On the other hand, the serpentine belt, also known as the drive belt, powers various engine accessories such as the alternator, power steering pump, coolant pump, and air conditioning compressor. It's responsible for transferring power from the engine to these components, keeping them running smoothly.

Determining whether it's time to replace your timing belt or serpentine belt depends on various factors, including your vehicle's make and model, mileage, and maintenance history. However, as a general rule of thumb:

Timing Belt Replacement

Timing belts typically need replacing every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations. It's crucial to replace the timing belt according to the manufacturer's schedule to prevent engine damage.

Serpentine Belt Replacement

Serpentine belts tend to last longer, often up to 60,000 miles or more, but they should still be inspected regularly for signs of wear or damage. If you notice any signs of belt wear or failure, it's best to replace the serpentine belt as soon as possible to avoid accessory failure and potential engine damage.

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The serpentine belt wraps around various pulleys inside the engine to help transfer power from the crankshaft to different accessories such as the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioner, and possibly the water pump in the cooling system. [2]

Look closely at the grooves on the belts to tell the difference between them. The serpentine belt has V-shaped grooves that run vertically, while the timing belt has horizontal grooves fit to the cogwheels of the crankshaft and camshaft. [3]

A professional mechanic can typically charge between $75 and $120 to replace your serpentine belt. Keep in mind that the cost of a serpentine belt depends on the current inflation rate as well as your location. Always get an estimate from your mechanic on costs associated with your car parts. [2]

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The timing belt maintains accurate ratios between the camshafts and crankshafts have rubber teeth and are placed inside the engine. Though they have quite the same life span, the timing belt is costlier to replace than a serpentine belt.

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