What happens when you tighten a serpentine belt?
Listen specifically for whining coming from the alternator. If you notice any whine or “pulsing” sound from the alternator, your belt tension is too tight and will damage the alternator. In this case, turn the adjustment screw counterclockwise to loosen the belt and recheck the tension. Do a final check.
What happens if your belt tension is too tight?
If you notice any whine or “pulsing” sound from the alternator, your belt tension is too tight and will damage the alternator. In this case, turn the adjustment screw counterclockwise to loosen the belt and recheck the tension. Do a final check.
What happens if the alternator belt comes loose?
If you didn’t have this pulley, then the alternator would not be able to do its job. As you continue to drive your vehicle, the alternator belt gets a little bit more worn each day. It could be susceptible to wear and tear damage or it may even come loose from the pulley. Once that happens, you can expect all kinds of symptoms to arise.
What’s the best way to tighten a 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.
Listen specifically for whining coming from the alternator. If you notice any whine or “pulsing” sound from the alternator, your belt tension is too tight and will damage the alternator. In this case, turn the adjustment screw counterclockwise to loosen the belt and recheck the tension. Do a final check.
If you notice any whine or “pulsing” sound from the alternator, your belt tension is too tight and will damage the alternator. In this case, turn the adjustment screw counterclockwise to loosen the belt and recheck the tension. Do a final check.
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.
Where is the tensioner on the drive belt?
Step 1: Locate the drive belt tensioner. The drive belt assembly will have a specific component that tightens that belt. The tensioner may be found on the alternator or a pulley; it varies by vehicle and which belt is being tightened. This article will use an alternator belt tensioner as an example.