What should the tension be on a timing belt?
Belt pretension (initial tension), Ti, is the tension set by an adjustable idler pulley. Pretension prevents belt slack-side sagging and ensures proper tooth meshing. In most cases, timing belts perform best when the magnitude of slackside tension is about 10 to 30% that of the effective tension.
How does sonic tension meter calculate timing belt tension?
By measuring this natural frequency of a free stationary timing belt span the sonic tension meter is able to instantly compute the static timing belt tension based upon the timing belt span length, timing belt width and timing belt type.
How do you tension a power transmission belt?
First determine the proper deflection force required to tension the timing belt. Deflection forces are given in the timing belt manufacturer’s tables and/or power transmission drive design online calculators. Then place a straightedge across the top of the timing belt.
How do you install a new timing belt?
Shorten the center distance or release the tensioning idler to install the timing belt. Do not pry the timing belt onto the timing belt pulleys. Place the timing belt on each timing belt pulley and ensure proper engagement between the timing belt pulley and timing belt teeth.
What is the correct belt tension?
The correct timing belt tension is the lowest tension at which timing belts will transmit the required mechanical power and not ratchet teeth when the drive is under a full load.
What is the purpose of a belt tensioner?
A belt tensioner is utilized in different parts of the automobile engine, such as the serpentine belt. The main purpose of any belt tensioner is to tighten the engine belt, allowing the belt to energize congruent parts of an engine, such as the serpentine belt to the alternator.
How do you test a belt tensioner?
An easy way to test the tension of the drive belt is to hold a ruler along a stretch of the belt, then use your thumb and index finger to try to pull the midpoint of the belt away from the ruler. If you can pull the belt more than a half inch from the ruler, it is not tight enough.
How long does a drive belt tensioner last?
Drive belts typically last anywhere between 40,000 and 70,000 miles. There aren’t a lot of warning signs that a drive belt tensioner has hit the end of its lifespan, in fact there is really only one. Once you start to hear a grinding or squeaking sound coming from your engine, it’s time to have the drive belt tensioner looked at.