Vehicle: 2013 Lexus ES350, 122,000 miles. About 1 month ago, I took my car to auto shop for a 120,000 mile maintenance service. The mechanic replaced the serpentine belt. 2 days ago, I was waiting at the Lexus dealership waiting for a duplicate key FOB to be made and asked that a Multi-point inspection be made while I was waiting. After the inspection, the lexus mechanic recommended that the drive belt be replaced. This is the explanation I received for recommended service: "The crankshaft drives the flat, multi-ribbed serpentine belt to power engine accessories such as the alternator, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump, and sometimes the water pump. The serpentine belt is a modern, more efficient replacement for the earlier "V" belt design. The name serpentine describes the path of the flexible belt; it goes over and around multiple pulleys. This belt has its own tensioner and requires regular inspection and maintenance." The mechanic also provided a short video of his inspection showing the belt with "drive marks" on it. (I would like to attach a picture of the drive belt so you can see it but I don't know how.)
Is the drive belt different from the serpentine belt? If the belts are the same, what should I do?
I gave up.
Yeah. Sounds like the same thing. I think your car only has one belt, whether you call it the drive belt or serpentine belt. Dealer is probably just going off mileage, whatever the computer tells him.
So that's my question, if the drive belt is the same as the serpentine belt and the serpentine belt was replaced a month ago, how can it need replacement now?
It doesn't need to be replaced if it was replaced a month ago. Dealer's trying to sell you something you don't need.
Is the drive belt different from the serpentine belt?
No.
If the belts are the same, what should I do?
Replace it if it's worn.
So that's my question, if the drive belt is the same as the serpentine belt and the serpentine belt was replaced a month ago, how can it need replacement now? I wish I can show the picture of the belt.
So that's my question, if the drive belt is the same as the serpentine belt and the serpentine belt was replaced a month ago, how can it need replacement now?
It's getting down to semantics. Some vehicles have more than one belt. Most do not. They are not generally referred to as "drive" belts but one could certainly call them that. (The only cars I'm familiar with that actually use rubber belts in the drivetrain - which are literally drive belts - would be the old DAF/Volvo vehicles equipped with the belt-drive Variomatic CVT.)
If the belt in question, no matter what it's called, was replaced a month ago it does not need to be replaced now.
I wish I can show the picture of the belt.
Is it too tight in the engine compartment to get a good photo of it?
Using a repair manual, it should become clear if your car has 1 or more belts.
When only 1 belt, it will be true, the 'serpentine belt' is the same as the 'drive belt'.
It drives the accessories you mentioned and the valve-drive.
When this belt was replaced by your mechanic 2000 miles ago, I am curious what 'drive marks' the dealer-mechanic has filmed and shown you...
(how to post a picture should be in the faq at the top of the forum-page).
The new belt should be without marks, as these will normally last ~100,000 miles.
When the belt now is qualifying for replacement due to 'marks' there is something wrong in the work-quality of mechanic1 or the judgement-quality of mechanic2.
what are "drive marks" . Please post of photo of that
Attached is the link of the picture of the drive belt with "drive marks" which the Lexus mechanic recommends replacing. Do you agree with his recommendation? He didn't mention anything else wrong with the belt. https://freeallup.com/image/drive-belt.SwfYf
I see the markings on the back of the belt.
A.f.a.i.k. these should not be there. Maybe a pulley that has a bad bearing and is rotating too slow, and so 'scratching' the back of the belt is the cause (the serpentine belt changes direction by running over pulleys-with-gear attached and pulleys-without-gear (only to support the belt/change it's direction).
To me it is something to investigate.
Attached is the link of the picture of the drive belt with "drive marks"
what am I looking for?
Believe they're referring to scuffing (Idler pulley) marks on top of the belt
Could there be other causes for the drive marks, besides a bad pulley? I appreciate everyone's advice since I'm not at all knowledgeable about cars. It's nice to have expert advice!
what drive marks? I just see a blurry mess.
I would see these as 'markings' --admit I'm unsure if on the belt or on the pulley due to low quality picture--
Sorry for the poor quality of the picture. The Lexus mechanic sent a video of his inspection to my phone. I had to stop the video and then take a screenshot. I only use my phone for calling and texting, so that was the best I could do.
I decided to call the mechanic at the shop who replaced the belt. He told me to bring the car in, so he could look at those marks on the belt. So I'll see what he says.
I would like to say I'm grateful for everyone who tried to help me. Also, I'm glad there is this kind of forum - especially for people, like me who don't know anything about cars but would like to. Your feedback has helps me make better informed decisions. Mahalo!
There was no blame on you intended.
I tried to post an enlarged copy of the pic in your link -the marks were visible on that- but the system refused to accept the shot.
Hope an inspection by mechanic-1 will reveal what is going on, what is causing the marks, and more significant: how much of a problem that is/what can be done on it.
Hope the best for you,
The mechanic from the auto shop says there is nothing wrong with the belt and that new belts have grooves in them.
yes serpentine belts have grooves or ribs on side, to fit the pulleys, but this screenshot is showing the ungrooved side of the belt (I think).
Well, since you're unable to explain what your problem, or take your own decent photos , I guess we have to play the guessing game .....
Maybe you're talking about the lines in the photo which run the length of the belt? The thing is, I can't tell if this belt is moving or not. Maybe they're not lines, and just pimples on the belt that look smeared out on video.
If those lines are actually there, they look like minor scuffs, which aren't really an issue. So just monitor it to make sure it doesn't get worse. There should be only one or two pulleys that make contact with this side of the belt, so make sure they're smooth and clean, and don't have any nicks, burrs, or other debris on them.
That's all the advice I can give , given the little information you provided.
Ok, I will keep an eye on it to see whether it gets worse and I'll ask my son to check the pulleys as you said. Thank you
The mechanic from the auto shop says there is nothing wrong with the belt and that new belts have grooves in them
Thanks for the new photo. Perhaps the auto shop 'mechanic' meant your serpentine belt had grooves on one side, otherwise you need to dump him. I do see some slight scuffing on the top side of the belt. As I mentioned earlier the most likely cause is a worn idler pulley. An idler pulley keep tension on your belt to prevent it from slipping. Idler pulleys do wear out and you might have one that needs replacing. Unless something else on the belt's driveline is rubbing against the top of that belt, the only thing I can think of would be a worn, bad or defective idler pulley.
Would a defective idler pulley give other signs that's it's bad? For example, would I hear squealing sounds? The vehicle is at 122,000 miles.
Would a defective idler pulley give other signs that's it's bad? For example, would I hear squealing sounds?
Sure it can, but they don't always 'sing out' in such an obvious way. Say you have a idler pulley that has a bad or worn bearing in it. That pulley won't turn as easily as it should which causes friction. It could create a noise itself or it could cause the belt to make a noise.
You had a mechanic install your belt. Any half-decent mechanic would/should have noticed such an 'obvious' sound upon restarting your engine after they finished their work. Yes, an idler pulley can be bad without making any noise. The best way to check an idler pulley is with the belt off. You wiggle and spin it, checking for play or any issues.
Allow me to emphasize that several folks here have looked at the pictures you've furnished and even though the picture quality wasn't great, no one saw anything other than slight wear. It's important that you realize that the idler pulley and your belt may be fine. My suggestion was 'take a look' at it that pulley if you're alarmed by the scuffing because i know the top side of your belt rides on that pulley.
Thank you so much your advice has been very helpful. I will have my son check the pulley and then keep an eye on the belt.
I will have my son check the pulley and then keep an eye on the belt
Smart decision. It's possible the pulley might have just started showing signs of failure. But regardless of whether there's an issue or not, best you keep an eye on it until you know there isn't one.