Posts Tagged: belt tensioner
Serpentine belt drive systems
Understanding serpentine belt drive systems What does a drive belt do? The role of a drive belt is to transmit engine torque to individual components like the alternator, power steering pump, A/C compressor, and water pump. Older drive systems used a “V” belt design, but newer vehicles use serpentine belt drive systems. A serpentine drives multiple components using both the front and back side of the belt. They also have multiple grooves. But not all multiple groove drive belts are serpentine belts. In addition to driving accessory components, drive belts … Read More
Diagnose a belt tensioner
Diagnose a belt tensioner A worn automatic serpentine belt tensioner can cause belt squeal, misalignment, belt chirp, and alternator bearing damage. Automatic tensioners tend to wear out at around 100K miles. If you have a belt noise or vibration and you’ve changed the belt, it’s time to test your belt tensioner. It’s easy. Just follow the procedures below. First, understand the belt tensioner’s TWO jobs Belt tensioner job #1: Maintain proper belt tension The belt tensioner’s first job is to maintain the proper tension on the serpentine belt. That’s easy … Read More
Discover What Belt Dressing Does (and Does Not Do)
Belt dressing does stop belt noise temporarily, but no, it doesn’t fix the problem Belt noise; squeal, chirp or whine are caused by one of four things and belt dressing can’t fix any of them. Spraying it on your belts may give you a temporary reprieve from the noise, but it doesn’t fix the root problem of: • Improper belt tension (too loose) • Worn out or glazed belt due to slipping • A binding/sticking idler or rotating component • A component that’s out of alignment. What’s in it? Belt … Read More