The serpentine belt operates every time the vehicle is driven. Up to a certain point, it may encounter problems such as easily clogged, broken, etc.
For this reason, it needs regular maintenance and cares to maintain its smoothness and the best quality. Can you spray WD40 on serpentine belt?
What is the best lubricant for serpentine belt? How to maintain it most suitably? The next sections will show you the answer. Check them out for more!
What Is The Serpentine Belt, And How Does It Work?
Can you put WD40 on a car belt? Before answering this, we should know more about this component.
Serpentine Belt
The power steering pump, alternator, air conditioning compressor, and water pump are engine accessories powered by the serpentine belt, a long rubber material.
They are sometimes referred to as fan or accessory belts.
How It Works
Power is transmitted from the engine crankshaft to all other components using pulleys and a tensioner.
Modern automobiles (often) have one strap that winds across several pulleys to power all the gadgets.
The most reliable and effective method is to use just one belt, which means everything stops operating if it breaks.
The A/C will cease working, your battery will eventually fail, and the engine will overheat. Also, it might harm the engine accessories that it regulates.
That’s why it must be checked periodically and maintained with a car belt dressing or car belt lubricant.
Sometimes, people get confused about this rubber belt and timing belts. In fact, they perform completely different roles in your car.
The timing belt, unlike the serpentine one, is housed inside the engine and keeps the camshaft and crankshaft in synchronization.
As a result, the machine operates smoothly because the exhaust and intake valves open and close in sync with the pistons.
While examining the grooves, it is simple to distinguish between the two. A timing one’s horizontal “teeth” are shaped to fit the cogwheels.
Several V-shaped grooves run vertically along a serpentine belt’s length.
Should I Spray WD40 On Serpentine Belt?
Can you spray WD40 on serpentine belt?
No, it can damage the belt. Some drivers say you can use WD40 as an alternative to belt dressing to deal with squeaking noise temporarily. But the advice for you is not to.
Will It Damage Your Belt?
Using WD40 on the accessory belt is not highly recommended. It is a petroleum-based compound of 12% to 18% LVP Aliphatic Hydrocarbon, 25% light oil, and 50% Stoddard Solvent.
Also, they don’t reveal a secret substance that they use. Instead, you can use a dry Teflon lubricant or the auto belt dressing to lubricate rubber if you want to.
Does belt dressing work? Or is belt dressing bad for your belts? If you are confused about its efficiency, you can rest assured.
These products are formulated with the right chemicals to increase grip and ease the noise from the belt. They not only do not damage but also help this part work more smoothly.
When Should You Use It?
Can you spray wd40 on a squeaky belt? You shouldn’t use petroleum compounds until you are certain you will replace it because they cause the rubber to bloat and degrade.
Spraying WD40 on pulleys of the drive belt will temporarily stop the squeal, but it won’t solve the issue and will further harm it. Do it only when you intend to replace it after that.
How To Clean The Serpentine Belt Properly?
What To Prepare
Of course, you will need to prepare a few tools and cleaning agents for better results.
While there’s nothing wrong with cleaning with water, it’s time-consuming and doesn’t produce the desired results.
- Warm water
- Dedicated cleaning products or dishwasher liquid
- Soft brush or clothes
If you are dealing with annoying squealing noise, prepare yourself with the squeal spray or homemade belt dressing to deal with it.
The Process
- Before disconnecting the battery connections, take the wiper blades and any other components from the windshield wipers. You can also clean the wipers with WD40 if needed.
- Ensure the motor is cool before removing it to avoid getting burned.
- After that, you must place a big pan under the engine to catch the fuel that may spill or fall off it.
- Wash it by hand or with a soft-bristled brush to get rid of excess dust and debris. This procedure is regarded as one of the solutions to halt belt squealing and clean the grease from it.
- Use a specialized sprayer or a diluted solution of water and dish soap or dishwashing detergent to clean its surface.
- After drying it with a soft cloth, reinstall it.
FAQs
Does The Car Engine Have Any Other Belt Apart From Serpentine?
In addition to this component, you can find other ones on your vehicle. Other types of belt can be mentioned as:
- Power steering belt: This activates the power steering pump to facilitate steering.
- Alternator belt: This “powers” the alternator, which charges the automobile battery.
- AC compressor belt drives the air conditioner’s compressor to maintain a cool interior.
- Water pump belt: This one provides water pump power to keep the engine cooling system running.
What Should I Do To Reduce Belt Squealing Noise?
What can I spray on a squeaky belt to remove the squeaky sound? You can apply our following step-by-step guidelines:
- Start the automobile, then search for the noise’s source. As usual, the belt slip is what causes the squeaky noise.
- Dressing it is the first thing to do once the noise’s origin has been identified.
- You can purchase dressing products or use the belt dressing alternative to repair them.
- Spray the dressing on this part while the engine runs. This should reduce noise.
- Tighten the serpentine belt properly.
However, if it shows signs of severe damage or has been in use for a long time, the only way to fix the situation is to replace it with a new one.
When Should I Replace Car Serpentine Belt?
This part of the modern day is built to last. Neoprene ones from the past normally had a lifespan of 50,000 miles, but contemporary EPDM ones have an average shelf life of 60,000–100,000 miles.
In addition to regular replacement, some of the following signs indicate that you should buy a new vehicle for your vehicle:
- You have sprayed WD40 to stop squeaky belt.
- Your power steering or the AC system fails.
- Strange noises could indicate a damaged or stretched one, low tension, or other issues.
- Your car’s components may malfunction fully, which is risky on the road.
- You should replace it if you can detect clear wear and tear.
Conclusion
In short, using WD40 on serpentine belt is not recommended. You should only use this product when you decide to replace the part soon after that and want immediate noise reduction.
The advice for you is to use dedicated products when eliminating noise. Periodic inspection and maintenance are necessary to maintain its performance and ensure safety on the trip.