How much does it cost to replace a drive belt?
What you’re paying for
- Serpentine belt replacement on a typical passenger car (belt alone): belt 25–60 dollars; labor 80–200 dollars; total commonly 105–260 dollars.
- Serpentine belt replacement with tensioner/idler pulley replacement or inspection: additional parts 20–120 dollars and extra labor 30–100 dollars; total often 150–360 dollars.
- Full belt service that includes a water pump or access-heavy components: total often 400–900 dollars or more, depending on the car and shop rates.
Drive belts for other equipment
- Lawnmower or small-engine drive belt replacement: belt 5–20 dollars; labor 20–60 dollars if done by a shop; total typically 45–100 dollars.
- Riding mower or industrial equipment belt replacement: parts 10–50 dollars; labor 60–150 dollars; total 70–200 dollars.
Always confirm the exact belt type and length with the model number before purchasing or scheduling service.
Timing belts vs. drive belts
Some people use the term "drive belt" to mean different belts in different engines. If what you need is a timing belt—the belt that keeps cams and crankshaft in sync—the job is more involved, often requiring more hours of labor and additional parts. Typical timing belt replacement costs usually fall in the range of 500 to 1,000 dollars or more, depending on the engine design, with related components like the water pump frequently replaced at the same time.
Summary
In short, for a standard automotive serpentine belt replacement, plan for roughly 100 to 260 dollars in most shops, with belt-only DIY costs far lower and more extensive repairs (tensioners, pulleys, water pump) driving costs higher. For lawn equipment, expect a more modest bill, usually under 100 dollars, while timing belt work is a separate, more expensive category.
