Serpentine belt tools play a major role in maintaining and repairing a serpentine belt. Go figure. Responsible for removing your serpentine belt’s tensioner pulley, the tool works to position idler pulleys and reset belts to the correct amount of tension. Although your crazy uncle Eddie swears you can remove a serpentine belt with basic hand tools, we don’t recommend it. There are, however, a handful of options from a vast array of brands that you should—and shouldn’t—trust. Keep reading to learn more about the best serpentine belt tools, including our top recommendations for serpentine belt tools, features to be aware of, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Best Overall
Gearwrench Serpentine Belt Tool
Best Value
OEM Tools Serpentine Belt Tool
Honorable Mention
Performance Tool Serpentine Belt Tool
Best Serpentine Belt Tools Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Gearwrench Serpentine Belt Tool
Check Latest Price
Best Value
OEM Tools Serpentine Belt Tool
Check Latest Price
Premium Pick
Performance Tool Serpentine Belt Tool
Check Latest Price
Best for Beginners
Powerbuilt Serpentine Belt Tool
Check Latest Price
Best Usability
Lisle 59000 Serpentine Belt Tool
Check Latest Price
How We Selected Serpentine Belt Tools
For this review, we researched and evaluated more than 40 serpentine belt tools, factoring in several criteria. What we consider most important is a solid construction (steel was preferred), the number of standard adapters/sockets, and extra-long handles for reach. We also appreciate serpentine belt tools that emphasize usability and freewheeling ratchet heads for added leverage when working in tight quarters.
Our product selections, rankings, and awards for this story are based on research. While we haven’t conducted real-world testing on all of these products yet, we’ve looked at consumer testimonials and data, tutorials, and general discussions on social media and in forums. We also consider price and specification in the context of the segment. And, of course, we rely on our institutional knowledge of the automotive landscape to weed out weak products.
Buying Guide/What to Look For
Here are some of the more important criteria to consider when buying serpentine belt tools.
Construction
Our preference is for serpentine belt tools to be constructed using steel or aluminum with ergonomic, rubberized grip handles on the end to assist with leverage.
Number of Adapters and Sockets
If a serpentine belt tool does not adhere to an idler pulley’s specifications, then it simply will not work. Look for your serpentine belt tool to fit idler pulleys that need, at the least, 15mm, 18mm hex, 3/8-inch, or 1/2-inch square drives, all of which are the most commonly used. Kudos to serpentine belt tools that also come with 13mm, 14mm, and 15mm crowfoot wrenches.
Brand
There’s a reason you always go for the name brands you know and trust. Those companies have built up reputations through years or decades of quality construction, great customer service, or lifetime warranties. That said, there still can be dips in machining quality, so go see what others are saying about their experiences with the tools themselves before hitting Buy It Now.
Tips and Considerations
Before you tackle any job, it’s best you get a few tips and tricks from those you trust, i.e. us. Here are our best tips and considerations you should follow when buying a new serpentine belt tool.
- Read the reviews. Customers have no vested interest in whether or not a company succeeds or fails. See what people are saying about the tool.
- Before you just pull the belt or tensioner off, watch a video or read a how-to article. It’s best you get a handle on what you’re supposed to do before charging headlong into a project.
- Cost doesn’t always relate to reliability and quality, so be hesitant of both super expensive and super cheap tools.
- If the kit you chose didn’t come with a breaker bar or you need extra leverage, slip an old pipe around the ratchet and use that to extend your reach.
FAQs
Q: What does a serpentine belt tool do?
Serpentine belt tools are used to remove tensioner pulleys holding your serpentine belt in place. Its unique construction (extra long handle and all of the necessary adapters and stockers) works to allow for additional leverage and clearance in a tight space.
Q: Can you drive without a serpentine belt?
Absolutely not. Serpentine belts are responsible for pumping antifreeze to different engine components requiring it. Without antifreeze, your engine’s temperature will not be as regulated, causing it to potentially overheat with extensive damage if not addressed over a short period. It also drives your power steering pump, which is responsible for providing the hydraulic pressure needing to turn your steering wheel effortlessly.
Q: How do I know my serpentine belt is bad?
Your serpentine belt may be going bad if you notice one of four symptoms: an overheated engine, visible serpentine belt wear and year, faulty power steering/air conditioning, and squealing noises coming from the front of your vehicle. If you are not as proficient with troubleshooting and diagnosing, we highly recommend visiting a mechanic.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing the best serpentine belt tool, our choice is the Gearwrench Serpentine Belt Tool. It offers excellent all-around utility, coming as a complete toolset with all of the most common adapters 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch, and 3/4-inch versions) and point sockets. We also appreciate the long, ergonomic grip handle for reach and comfort navigating tight spaces.