Belt Replacements for Ford F-650 Medium-Duty Trucks in BC

There’s no doubt about it – your Ford F-650 keeps your business going. However, when you have an unexpected repair, it does create unnecessary downtime and a decrease in profits. Knowing when to replace critical components – such as your medium-duty truck’s serpentine belt – saves time and money in expensive repairs. Allow Skaha Ford to assist with your commercial fleet’s service needs.

The serpentine belt is a long rubber belt that provides power to the alternator, power steering pump, water pump and air conditioning system on medium-duty trucks. Like other rubber parts, the belt will wear over time. Typically, serpentine belts have an 80,000-km to 160,000-km life span; however, commercial vehicles may experience more friction, requiring replacement sooner. 

Commercial fleet operators will notice these symptoms when it’s time to replace a serpentine belt:

Squealing noises: This can indicate that the belt has stretched, the tension is too low, or the belt and pulley are not connected. Squealing may get louder when climbing a hill and running the climate control system simultaneously.

Fractures: When serpentine belts reach the end of their lifespan, they may have visible fractures and uneven wear throughout the rubber. If a serpentine belt is torn or destroyed, it may generate a flopping or flapping sound beneath the hood.

System Failure: A failed serpentine belt can cause your F-650 to overheat and your air conditioning system and power steering to not function properly. The battery will also die if the belt breaks when driving, and the fractured rubber can cause additional damage under the hood.

Don’t let a faulty serpentine belt ground your fleet. Instead, bring your F-650 medium-duty truck into Skaha Ford in BC for a full inspection.