Was it the serp belt that broke or the V belt

i really don't know the difference between both belts. but it is not the belt that holds the radiator or its fans, it is close to the engine.

I think it is the Alternator Power Steering Belt

Okay, you need to replace that belt. However, check to see if any of the pulleys are locked up. Spin them and make sure they are free.

The belt you are referring to shouldn't cost more than 20 dollars. Please make sure to check the accessories to make sure nothing is locked up. When you say you saw smoke, that leads me to believe something could have locked up.

but the engine still starts

if it locks, what will i do?

Hi:
Don't worry about anything locking up. And yes, the engine should run, but you still need to replace the belt. When I said about something locking up, I thought that since you saw smoke and the belt broke, chances are that one of the belt driven accessories locked up. I want you to check for that before replacing the belt so a new belt doesn't get broken IF an accessory is locked up.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe

Okay, I took it to a mechanic, and he said that the air conditioning system locked up and the belt broke. and its going to cost me about 900 to fix the air, but since the power steering/alternator belt is not directly attached to the cooling system, hr could just fix the belt($125) and I worry about the air conditioning system when I have enough for that

I had a feeling something locked up and broke the belt. As far as the cost, that seems a little high for a belt. You may want to call around for prices. Keep in mind, I don't know where you live, so prices may just be higher.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Joe