What happens if your fan belt is too tight?
If the belt is too tight, it can eventually cause the bearings in either the tensioner, or one of the accessories (= the things being driven!) to wear to excess, which usually results in noise. If the belt it too loose, it will squeal, as the belt will be slipping on one or more of the pulleys, usually the alternator.
Why do I need a new fan belt?
Everything from the water pump to the air conditioning. But let’s not get too poetic about it. All of those pulleys need belts to transfer the energy from the crank pulley, and those belts wear out with all of their spinning, heating, cooling, stretching, and shrinking.
How to install a new serpentine belt, fan belt or?
With clear access to your pulleys, you can now install your new serpentine belt. Remember to align the grooves of the belt with the grooves of your pulleys.
What to do if your engine fan belt is making noise?
Not only could you end up stranded, but it could cause damage to other vital parts of the engine. Look for any discoloration or wetness that may indicate a fluid leak or water on the belt. A little splash of water on the belt isn’t a big deal. However, if it is due to leaking motor oil, coolant, or other engine fluid, the issue is urgent.
What should the tension be on a fan belt?
Check the belt tension. Test the tension at the area where the belt is the longest length between accessories. The amount of tension may be specific to the engine, but generally, it should have no more than about ½ to 1 inch of give.
With clear access to your pulleys, you can now install your new serpentine belt. Remember to align the grooves of the belt with the grooves of your pulleys.
How do you tighten an alternator drive belt?
Step 3: Add tension to the drive belt. Insert the pry bar above the alternator pulley. Apply gentle pressure upwards so that it adds tension to the drive belt. Once the drive belt is moved into its desired tension, tighten the adjustment bolt to lock the belt in place. Then, torque the adjustment bolt to the manufacturer’s specifications.
How can I relieve the tension on my fan belt?
Relieve the tension on the belt. If your vehicle came equipped with an auto tensioner pulley, it can usually be loosened by inserting the end of a ½ inch drive ratchet into the hole at the center of the pulley. In some vehicles, it may be a bolt head you will need to locate the proper size wrench to turn.
Everything from the water pump to the air conditioning. But let’s not get too poetic about it. All of those pulleys need belts to transfer the energy from the crank pulley, and those belts wear out with all of their spinning, heating, cooling, stretching, and shrinking.