How is belt tension measured on a pulley?
The Pulley Pro® alignment tool will help monitor the pulley alignment condition as belts are adjusted for the correct tension level. The Gates Sonic Tension Meter measures belt span tension easily and accurately. Belt tension is measured by plucking the belt span while holding a sensor close by.
Can a belt be adjusted to adjust pulley alignment?
It is possible for belt tension adjustments to alter pulley alignment, and for pulley alignment adjustments to alter belt tension levels. The Pulley Pro® alignment tool will help monitor the pulley alignment condition as belts are adjusted for the correct tension level.
What happens when there is insufficient tension on a V-belt?
Also, industry changes to smaller engine compartments has resulted in a hotter environment for V-belts and has necessitated more compact accessory packaging, resulting in a reduced belt to pulley contact. Insufficient belt tension causes slippage, squealing, heat build-up, belt roll-over and premature failure.
Do you need to adjust the tension on a belt?
New belts generally require higher tension levels than used belts because they have not been run in. It is possible for belt tension adjustments to alter pulley alignment, and for pulley alignment adjustments to alter belt tension levels.
What noise does a bad tensioner pulley make?
Any noise that sounds like a squealing, whirling, or chirping might be a sign that the tensioner is weakening. The pulley bearings should be ruled out first because loose bearings can also cause such a noise.
How do you remove a tensioner pulley?
Hold the tension from the belt, and slip the belt off the auto tensioner pulley to remove the belt and pulley system. Slowly release the tension to avoid damage or injury, and then remove the tool from the belt auto tensioner.
How do you check a serpentine belt tensioner?
Use a ruler to check the belt’s tension. In many applications, the serpentine belt needs only to be reasonably tight. Because of this, a belt tension gauge is not necessary for most vehicles. Instead, use a ruler to measure the distance between the two furthest pulleys and find the midway point.
What is a belt tensioner Assembly?
The belt tensioner assembly of your vehicle is designed to allow several engine parts to be operated by one serpentine belt. The belt is tightened or loosened by adjusting the belt tensioner with a tensioner tool or socket wrench. Occasionally, the belt tensioner assembly can wear out, causing the serpentine belt to wear unevenly.
Which is the correct way to tension a V-belt?
The meter will report the belt tension in units of force. On new installations, hand rotate the system at least one full revolution of the belt in order to seat and normalize the components. When tensioning an array of V-belts, use a single belt toward the center.
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.