What should Automotive drive belts be checked for?
The belt needs to be inspected for cracking. As the belt ages, the rubber becomes brittle which will cause it to crack. Once the belt begins to crack, it should be replaced as it can fail at any time.
What are we looking for during a belt engine drive belt inspection on a vehicle?
Check belts for signs of wear. You need to do more than just visually inspect the belts. Pinch, squeeze and twist them, looking for cracks, fraying, splits or brittle places. On a serpentine belt, also look for missing grooves or places where the belt’s layers have separated.
How long do automotive belts last?
They’re usually good for 10 years or 150,000 miles. Even so, don’t neglect your car belt maintenance. It’s still a good idea to have a mechanic check the belt from time to time. Usually they’ll do this as a courtesy if you’re in for an oil change or other servicing.
How do I know if my drive belt needs to be replaced?
Common Signs of Drive Belt Replacement
- Strange Noises. One of the biggest signs that you probably need to take your vehicle to the dealership for a check is when you start hearing strange noises coming from your engine.
- Visual Signs of Wear.
- Mileage Indicators.
- Breakage is Bad.
What must be inspected after installing a new belt?
Belt Wear Inspection
- Look for a glazed or slick appearance — this is a sign that the belt has aged, is slipping or chirping, or will start to slip or chirp.
- Going beyond a visual inspection, try pinching, squeezing and twisting the belts, and then look for any cracks, fraying, splits or brittle areas.
What are the different types of drive belts?
There are three types of drive belts:
- Serpentine Belt. A serpentine belt is located under the hood of a car, and it “snakes” its way between various pulleys and accessories.
- V-Belt. A V-belt runs off a crank and pulley and typically travels between one or two engine accessories.
- Timing Belt.
What are the 2 belts in a car?
There are two belts you need to be familiar with when talking about car maintenance — the serpentine belt and the timing belt. The serpentine belt winds through your engine and carries power to several key components, including the alternator, air conditioning, and power steering pump.
Why do I need to check my V-belt?
Older cars used separate V-belts for each component, while newer cars use a single serpentine belt to drive them all. Belts wear and tear over time, and a belt’s failure could mean serious damage to the engine or its systems. You need to check your belts on a regular basis; here’s what to look for.
What should I wear to check my belt drive?
Look and listen for anything unusual. Wear Proper Clothing Never wear loose or bulky clothes, such as neckties, exposed shirttails, loose sleeves or lab coats around belt drives. Wear gloves while inspecting sheaves or sprockets to avoid being cut by nicks, burrs or sharply worn pulley edges.
How often should you check your drive belt?
Stretching slackens a belt, so that it slips on the pulleys. A cracked belt will eventually break. The tension and general condition of the belt should therefore be checked at least monthly.
How can I tell if my belt drive is bad?
How to Inspect a Belt Begin by inspecting the belt. Observing signs of unusual belt wear or damage can allow you to trou- bleshoot possible drive problems. Mark or note a point on the belt, or one of the belts in a multiple V-belt drive.