ASE G1 Auto Maintenance and Light RepairEngine SystemsEasy
A technician observes that a vehicle's serpentine belt has numerous small cracks on its ribbed side and is showing signs of glazing. What is the most appropriate action?
- ALubricate the belt with silicone spray.
- BClean the belt and re-tension it.
- CReplace the serpentine belt.
- DApply belt dressing to reduce noise.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Replace the serpentine belt.
Cracks and glazing on a serpentine belt are clear indicators of wear and material degradation. This condition significantly reduces the belt's ability to grip pulleys, making replacement the only proper and safe solution.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Lubricating the belt would worsen its ability to grip pulleys and could cause slippage.
- B. Cleaning and re-tensioning will not address the material degradation and cracking.
- D. Belt dressing is a temporary fix for noise and does not restore the integrity of a cracked or glazed belt.
Serpentine Belt Wear
Signs of degradation in a serpentine belt, such as cracking, fraying, or glazing, which indicate reduced effectiveness and the need for replacement.
- Cracks on the ribbed side are a primary indicator of wear.
- Glazing (a shiny, hardened surface) reduces grip.
- A worn belt can lead to accessory slippage and failure.
Memory trick: Belt 'CRACKS' and 'GLAZES'? It's time for a 'CHANGE'!