Audi VW Accessory Drive Belt - Genuine Audi VW 049260849A

Product Information

An accessory drive belt, also referred to as a serpentine belt, functions by transferring power from the engine crankshaft to various accessories like the alternator, water pump, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. Essentially driving these rotating assembles through a series of pulleys with the belt's rotation. It is important to check the belt for cracks, fraying, or excessive wear during routine maintenance, keeping in mind most manufacturers recommend replacing the accessory drive belt at specified mileage intervals, typically between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. Proper tensioning of the belt is also crucial, so while servicing or inspecting an accessory drive belt, it is important to also inspect the belt tensioner and supporting idler pulleys.

• Wear and tear: Over time, the belt can become cracked, frayed, or glazed, causing it to slip on the pulleys.
• Misalignment: If pulleys are not properly aligned, the belt can rub against them unevenly, causing wear and noise.
• Tension issues: Incorrect belt tension can lead to slipping or excessive strain on the belt and its components.
• Contamination: Engine oil, coolant, or debris can degrade the belt material
• Excessive Noise: Squealing noise, especially when starting the engine

About Genuine VW Audi

The Volkswagen Group, also known as “VAG”, consists of Volkswagen, Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti, Porsche, Ducati, MAN, Scania, SEAT, and Skoda. The original parts used by VAG to build your car are available as replacement parts under the “Genuine VAG” brand. Manufactured under the direction of VAG, expect excellent quality and a premium price since these parts are available exclusively through the VAG Dealership network.

You may not realize this, but the parts that make up your VAG are not necessarily manufactured by VAG. No cause for concern, as VAG designs the part, hires a manufacturer, and ensures its quality to you. In fact, many of these manufacturers have been making parts for VAG for decades. In our industry these manufacturers are called OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers), and these are often brands you recognize, including Lemforder, ZF, Sachs, Bosch, Valeo, Zimmermann, Siemens VDO, Corteco, and more. Don’t be surprised to open that Genuine VAG parts box and find an OEM branded part inside, simply with the addition of a VAG logo.

Be sure to keep an eye out for OE tags on our product pages to quickly identify parts coming direct from OE manufacturers. That extra bit of insight could save you some serious money while shopping! Refer to our OE Academy for further information regarding the OE/OEM tags throughout the site.