How tight should pulleys be?
The required measure of tension in the serpentine belt is that it should not deflect more than ½ inch when twisted either way from the middle. If twisted more, the belt is loose, and if twisted less, the belt is too tight. Either of the positions does not work for the vehicle.
What’s the best way to tighten a tensioner pulley?
Tighten the tensioner pulley by turning the adjustment bolt clockwise with the ratchet and socket until the belt is tight. Tighten the bolt in the center of the pulley with the ratchet and socket.
Where is the bolt on a self adjusting pulley?
The self-adjusting pulley is spring-loaded and provides its own tension. The other requires adjustment with a bolt that is located on the side, top or bottom of the pulley. Only the latter type of tensioner pulley may be altered.
What kind of pulley does an engine use?
There are two types of tensioner pulleys that provide the tension on an engine’s accessory belt or belts. One type is self-adjusting; the other requires manual adjustment. The self-adjusting pulley is spring-loaded and provides its own tension.
What to do if your idler pulley is failing?
If you suspect that your idler pulley may be having an issue, have the vehicle inspected by a professional technician, such as one from YourMechanic, to determine if the pulley should be replaced. The most popular service booked by readers of this article is Vehicle Engine Mechanical Inspection.
What to look for when replacing a pulley?
Check fit of inner race to ensure against bearing distortion. Check level and alignment at pulley shaft. Check shaft for straightness. Remove pulley to replace shaft. Inspect bearings for damage and replace as necessary. Tighten bearing lock mounting bolts. Check level and alignment of pulley shaft. Belt tension too low.
What should I do about my lawn mower pulley?
Adjust take-up tension until slippage ceases. Clean pulley face and pulley side of belt by brushing and wiping. Guard against spillage between belt and pulley. Tighten or replace fasteners as necessary. Remove oil or grease. If lagging has deteriorated, replace pulley .
Which is the best way to mount a bushed pulley?
Shown above is the most common method of mounting a bushed pulley. The FACE of the bushing (top most in this picture) is installed nearest to the end of the shaft so it is easy to use the jacking bolts and easily remove the pulley. Simply remove these bolts and then install the jacking bolts.
Can a bushed pulley be removed in sub zero weather?
Bushed pulleys allow us to attach a pulley to a shaft with a VERY positive fit, if you do it right, it’ll never slip, it’ll never come loose, you won’t mangle a key way, and you can remove the pulley in sub zero weather with gloves on!