How often should belt tension be checked?
about every three to six months
Belt tension should be checked periodically, about every three to six months. A more frequent inspection for noise or vibration is recommended. Under-tensioned belts can slip, generating heat that often results in cracking and eventual belt failure.
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.
How is the belt tension usually checked?
Belt tension is measured by plucking the belt span while holding a sensor close by. Belt tension is adjusted until the belt span frequency, or measured tension level is within manufacturer’s recommendations.
What do you need to know about a belt tensioner?
The belt tensioner’s first job is to maintain the proper tension on the serpentine belt. That’s easy enough, you just build a tensioning device with a strong enough spring to keep the belt at the correct tension. The tensioner also has to compensate for belt wear and stretch.
When to use belt tension on a V-belt drive?
To achieve the long, trouble-free service associated with V-belt drives, belt tension must be sufficient to overcome slipping under maximum peak load. This could be either at the start or during the work cycle. The amount of peak load will vary depending upon the character of the drive machine or drive system.
What should I look for in belt drive preventive maintenance?
No loose or bulky clothing Don’t clutter area around belt drive A properly guarded belt drive Simple Drive Inspection Begin preventive maintenance with a periodic drive inspection as a normal part of your maintenance rounds. Look and listen for any unusual vibration or sound while observing the guarded drive in operation.
Why does my belt tensioner make a grinding noise?
If the noise you hear is similar to a grinding sound, then it is possible that the tensioner bearings or the tensioner pulley is the problem. These parts tend to wear out. This is what causes the grinding noise since the metal parts will be rubbing against each other. This is another symptom of a failing belt tensioner.
How to diagnose a bad drive belt tensioner?
How to Diagnose a Bad or Failing Drive Belt Tensioner? 1 Grinding or squeaking noise from the belts or tensioner. 2 Unusual belt wear. 3 Belt-driven accessories fail.
When does a belt tensioner need to be replaced?
If the tensioner arm moves more than 1/32″ the dampening mechanism is worn and the tensioner must be replaced. The sign of a good tensioner is to only see 1/32” movement. If you see more, the dampening mechanism is worn and the tensioner must be replaced.
What does a loose belt tensioner sound like?
If the drive belt noise resembles a squeal or a squeak, it is possible that the belt tensioner is loose. This is especially the case when starting the engine first thing in the morning. Since the tensioner is not able to maintain the correct tension on the belts, it produces a squealing or squeaking sound.
How does the tensioner on the serpentine belt work?
The drive belt tensioner in your car is a small component that works in conjunction with the serpentine belt to ensure that everything in your engine works as it should. From time to time, the tensioner should be checked to ensure that it’s set correctly.