What kind of belt does an alternator use?
A serpentine belt, also known as a multi-vee, poly-v, or multi-rib belt, is a single, continuous belt used to drive multiple peripheral devices in an automotive engine, such as an alternator, power steering pump, water pump, air conditioning compressor, air pump, etc. Over time the belt can become frayed, cracked or even break.
How are drive belts adjusted on a generator?
But its movement is governed and can be restrained by a slotted metal strap bolted to the free side of the generator. Belt adjustment is made by slackening off the pivot bolts, then those on the slotted strap, so that the generator is free to move.
How do you replace a serpentine drive belt?
Grab a socket and pull on the tensioner pulley to loosen the belt to remove it. Serpentine belts are easy to replace, but if they break, you’re guaranteed to be on the side of the road since they run everything from your alternator to your power steering.
Can a serpentine belt on a Hyundai overheat?
Since the belt turns the alternator, water pump and power steering in your car, failure of the belt can cause the engine to overheat, be hard to steer and allow the battery to discharge very rapidly. Inspect the belt often. Every time you change the oil you should check it. Locate the tensioner pulley on the front of your engine.
How does a serpentine belt power an alternator?
As this picture illustrates, a single serpentine belt will typically power all externally mounted accessories. Idler pulleys help with proper routing of the belt. Unlike individual belts, tension on a serpentine belt is provided by a tensioner pulley which is under constant spring pressure.
How is the tension on an alternator belt adjusted?
Tension on individual accessory belts is adjusted manually by tightening an adjuster to change the position of an idler pulley wheel, or by loosening and tightening slotted mounting brackets that move accessories such as an alternator by fractions of an inch.
But its movement is governed and can be restrained by a slotted metal strap bolted to the free side of the generator. Belt adjustment is made by slackening off the pivot bolts, then those on the slotted strap, so that the generator is free to move.
How do you tension a V-belt engine?
Adjust the belt tension as needed with the pry bar until there is no more than a 1/2 inch of slack in the belt. Tighten the remaining accessory bolts with the ratchet and socket. Crank the engine and let it run for about one minute.