What are the different types of fan belts?
Inner construction of a typical reinforced rubber accessory belt. Because of a tapering narrow shape at the bottom, these are known as “V belts”. An engine equipped with 3 separate accessory belts for cooling fan/generator, A/C compressor, and power steering pump.
Which is better a fan belt or a serpentine belt?
The belt’s ability to provide a small degree of slippage when needed makes it a good match for accessories that shut on and off by the use of a clutch, such as air conditioner compressors and older style radiator cooling fans. A multi-groove, or ribbed, V-belt. The belt is flatter, thinner, more flexible, and builds up less heat.
Which is the best belt for alternator and fan?
So cars went from one belt driving the fan, water pump, and alternator, to 2 or 3 separate belts, now also driving the power steering pump, A/C compressor, and emissions air pump. The “V” belt is one of the most effective belt solutions because of its strength, relative quietness, power transfer, and durability.
When do you know it’s time to replace your fan belt?
If you find your fan belt is no longer attached to your engine, or is lying on the ground somewhere, that is definitely a sign that it’s time to replace your fan belt! When experienced individually, these signs do not always indicate that your fan belt or serpentine belt needs to be replaced.
When did serpentine belts start to replace fan belts?
Fan belts are more commonly found in vehicles built before the 1990’s when serpentine belts started to replace them. In theses older models, “fan belts” are usually paired with other belts that together form a “V” shape around your drive pulleys and gears.
Inner construction of a typical reinforced rubber accessory belt. Because of a tapering narrow shape at the bottom, these are known as “V belts”. An engine equipped with 3 separate accessory belts for cooling fan/generator, A/C compressor, and power steering pump.
Why does my serpentine fan belt keep fraying?
Fraying: As a serpentine and fan belt start to get older, they can start to move a little in their track. As this happens, the sides of the belt can become more vulnerable or can sometimes start rubbing against other belts or parts of the engine block, which then causes the outer edges of the belt to fray.
If you find your fan belt is no longer attached to your engine, or is lying on the ground somewhere, that is definitely a sign that it’s time to replace your fan belt! When experienced individually, these signs do not always indicate that your fan belt or serpentine belt needs to be replaced.