Is a Brown Serpentine Belt Bad?

[mgold8]

The other day my friend came over to my house and we were going out in my car. I got in the car first and started it up while my friend, standing outside, noticed that the car was making a little bit of a squealing noise. So we looked under the hood and we noticed that the Serpentine Belt was getting brown on one side. He told me "That's a sign the belt is wearing out! If it gets to brown then it could break. I'd get it taken care of at some point."

I've heard that if the belt is ever cracked or fraying that you definitely should replace it. I had never heard about it getting to brown and wearing out. It does make sense, but I'm curious is my friend right? Should I be really concerned? The car is a 2002 Camry 4Cyl and has about 50,000 miles.

If I do need to get this replaced how much should this cost at an independent shop? Is it easy for a beginner to tackle?

[TRD VVTi]

Originally Posted by mgold8

The other day my friend came over to my house and we were going out in my car. I got in the car first and started it up while my friend, standing outside, noticed that the car was making a little bit of a squealing noise. So we looked under the hood and we noticed that the Serpentine Belt was getting brown on one side. He told me "That's a sign the belt is wearing out! If it gets to brown then it could break. I'd get it taken care of at some point."

I've heard that if the belt is ever cracked or fraying that you definitely should replace it. I had never heard about it getting to brown and wearing out. It does make sense, but I'm curious is my friend right? Should I be really concerned? The car is a 2002 Camry 4Cyl and has about 50,000 miles.

If I do need to get this replaced how much should this cost at an independent shop? Is it easy for a beginner to tackle?

Mines new and it's already getting brown. Dust and dirt get imbedded in the belt. It may cause it to slip over time and squeak but doesn't cause the belt to break. Cracking, fraying, and squeaking are usually the reasons belts should be replaced. It has nothing to do with the color.

It's very easy to replace. Use the search function or check the DIY stickies at the top of the page for a thread that shows you how to do it.

Having someone else replace it usually runs $100-$150. All areas are different so check pricing in your area to be sure.

[marc780]

Having someone else replace it usually runs $100-$150. All areas are different so check pricing in your area to be sure.
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Is that what they are charging now just to replace a belt?

[TRD VVTi]

Originally Posted by marc780

Is that what they are charging now just to replace a belt?

Yes, for serpentine belts. That's what my reply stated...

Usually it's .5 hours labor plus the cost of the belt. When you add tax, shop supplies/waste fees and such it can cost that much in some places.

[touringcamry]

Do you have socket set or wrenches? You'll need a breaker bar with a 19mm socket to pull on the tensioner also. If you have one person pull on the tensioner with the breaker bar, it helps a lot when trying to get that belt on if you haven't done it before.

I did it in about one hour. The belt was approx $25 from Toyota.

[CharmCityES]

its good as long as the vanes arent cracked or splitting or it isnt making noise

[pepperdanky]

They charge $190 here for the belt and labor... good thing I found this forum.

[mgold8]

I do have a nice set of Craftsman tools. It doesn't sound like this is a necessary job right now. The belt looks fine to me so I so I'll probably just wait. The car needs to be taken in for a checkup anyway and I'll ask about it. At least I know roughly what it should cost when I need it done.

Thanks for the Help!