having trouble getting the tension belt back on using the proper tool. Is there a secret or a clue on getting it back on?
Having issues with getting tension belt back on, seems to need another inch to go. Is there a secret or a clue making it much easlier?
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello. I would definitely first make sure that the belt is routed correctly. If it is then typically the belt should be installed and the last pulley it should be put around would be one of the ones without a ridge on them. Typically if the tensioner is moving as it should then the belt should fit. I would also compare that belt to the old one. If there is a big difference in size then you got the wrong belt for the vehicle. If it is the right belt and it is routed correctly then the tensioner may not be moving freely. If you need some help with this, consider using YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to you to [install your belt for you] https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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Slipping can be the result of a loss of belt tension (or a weak automatic tensioner) or pulley misalignment. When the belt slips off the track, the friction between the belt and accessory drive pulleys causes the belt to overheat. If you hear a high pitched squealing noise, it`s probably time for a switch.
The main physical difference between an idler pulley and tensioner pulley is a simple adjustable bolt! However, in terms of function and purpose, an idler pulley is responsible for guiding a belt drive in an engine or mechanical system, while a tensioner pulley is responsible for tensioning the drive belt.
A seized or loose drive belt tensioner can cause the belt to snap, which will disables those accessories and can cause problems such as overheating, a dead electrical system and battery, or a disabled AC system.
A good “Rule of Thumb,” seek approximately ½ Inch of deflection for a V-belt. To be more precise… The “Span Length” is the distance from where the belt is leaving one pulley, and is completely seated on the second. Seek 1/64 (0.015625) of an inch deflection for every 1 inch of belt span length.
Belt manufacturers recommend that the tension ratio for a system with 180° of contact on each sheave should be no tighter than 5:1 (when a new belt has been installed) and no looser than 8:1 (after the belt has run-in).
There are two advantages of using an idler pulley: Initial tension in the belt can be increased from time to time by adjusting the position of adjustable weight or by increasing the adjustable weight value.
Friction f=ΔT in the pulley opposes motion and acts down on the right. Because the pulley is massless the forces on it must balance at all times – otherwise, with a finite resultant torque it would have infinite acceleration. So the tension would be greater on the left : TL=f+TR.
V-Belt Tension Cord or Member
Tension cords are embedded into the rubber compound of a V-belt, creating a composite structure, and are power-transmitting components. They are positioned at the pitch diameter of the belt cross-section to increase tensile strength.
The tensioner is located on the outside of a serpentine belt which is the smooth side of the belt. It puts tension on the belt to keep it tight. The serpentine belt stretches over time, so the tensioner puts more tension on it to keep it tight. A broken tensioner might click or squeal.
Driving with a bad belt tensioner is unsafe since the tensioner is meant to guarantee ample tension that powers accessories. Wear on the belt tensioner will eventually cause the belt to slip, generate loud noise, and also create an unsafe level of heat along the accessory pulleys.
The only pulleys you should be able to turn by hand when the serpentine belt is not in place are: the water pump, alternator, and power steering pump pulleys.
There are a couple of factors influencing the answer to this question, but on average, your car should be able to run between 20-90 minutes with a broken serpentine belt. The engine will overheat faster without a functioning cooling system on a hot day, so your driving window is less.
Stretching a belt may seem counterintuitive, especially with everything you have been told about serpentine belts. But stretching the belt with the right tools is often the only way stretch belts can be installed.
Improper belt tension is the most common and obvious cause of slip, which generates unwanted heat. The friction that occurs when a V-belt slips in a pulley causes belt sidewalls to become glazed, and decreases gripping ability.
A misaligned belt causes a chirping noise as it enters a pulley. In most cases, you can attribute the chirping sound to one of the following issues: Pulley misalignment. Improper belt installation.
Belt squealing
If the surface of the idler pulley wears, or the pulley seizes or binds it may cause the engine belt to squeal as a result of it rubbing against the surface of the pulley. In some instances a bad pulley may bind or slip and cause the belt to squeal when the engine is first started.
Tensioners: The Main Differences Explained. The primary distinction between tensioners and idler pulleys is the presence of an adjustable bolt. Tensioners are positioned on the bolt through mounting. Idler pulleys are not mounted to an adjustable bolt.
We find two types of chain tensioner: hydraulic tensioner and mechanical chain tensioner. The tensioner ensures the correct and necessary tension of the timing chain that surrounds the crankshaft sprocket and the camshaft sprocket.
If the timing belt tensioner isn`t keeping the timing belt tight, the engine will go in and out of perfect timing. Some of the most common issues caused by tensioner failure include: Difficulty starting the engine. Sluggish acceleration.
Locate and loosen the set screw on the clamp collar. This will then allow movement of the belt tension adjustment screw. Adjust the belt tension adjustment screw to obtain the proper belt tension. Measure again with the force gauge to ensure that belt deflection is properly set.
Use a cloth measuring tape (not a steel one) and wrap it around the outside of the belt. You also use a thin string to take this measurement and place it on a steel tape to get the correct length. Next, for “A” Belts (1/2” width) subtract two-inches from the outside measurement to select the correct V-belt.
The total of the starting and operating tensions. In the average conveyor this is considered to be the same as the tight side tension.
If the tensioner is loose the belts may squeak or squeal, especially when the engine is first started. It is also possible for the tensioner pulley or bearing to wear out, in which case the vehicle will produce a grinding noise from the pulley.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
having trouble getting the tension belt back on using the proper tool. Is there a secret or a clue on getting it back on?
ANSWER : Hello. I would definitely first make sure that the belt is routed correctly. If it is then typically the belt should be installed and the last pulley it should be put around would be one of the ones without a ridge on them. Typically if the tensioner is moving as it should then the belt should fit. I would also compare that belt to the old one. If there is a big difference in size then you got the wrong belt for the vehicle. If it is the right belt and it is routed correctly then the tensioner may not be moving freely. If you need some help with this, consider using YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to you to [install your belt for you] https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement
What is the correct procedure for tightening the belt tensioner on a 2001 Chevy Monte Carlo? We put the new belt on.
ANSWER : The belt tensioner on your vehicle should have an automatic tensioner, however, some models have the manual tensioner. Tighten the tensioner to where the belt is tight but loose in the middle length area as about the width of the belt. This ensures that the drive belt is tight and not pulling too much on any accessory pulley. If you need further assistance with your drive belt replacement, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
Serpentine belt is rubbing on the engine cover at the belt tensioner pulley 2004 Hyundai Tiburon
ANSWER : Hi there – I would start by doing a visual inspection of the serpentine belt, and the pulleys – are they visually in line? If not, which pulley is out of line in the direction of the engine cover? Are there bushings on the alternator mount which have softened, and are allowing the alternator to "give" such that the serpentine belt is close to the cover? The crankshaft pulley is not likely moving at all. Is the cover where the rubbing occurs coming loose, and moving into the serpentine belt? For assistance, I would recommend a serpentine belt replacement by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
After belt replacement, belt tensioner squeaks and is loose
ANSWER : More likely mileage and time wore the tensioner out. The tensioner bearing wears out with mileage – it’s good to replace the tensioner pulley/bearing when replacing the belt. The tensioner itself is spring-actuated, and the spring can get weak over the years. The squeaking is likely from the tensioner bearing itself. If you decide to get it fixed, consider YourMechanic, as a certified technician can help you replace your belt tensioner as necessary.
Serpentine belt is squeaking/chirping – 2006 Ford Expedition
ANSWER : When the car was built, I guarantee that Ford didn’t have a guy on the assembly line spraying belts. I would first check to make sure that all of the pulleys are ALIGNED. It is not unusual, for the PULLEY on the crankshaft harmonic balancer pulley to move (generally outward) relative to its original position. The pulley is rubber bonded and over time can move. If that pulley moves, that means that the belt groves are no longer running in a perfect plane and that alone can cause noise. At 120,000 miles you might also consider the condition bearings in the idler pulley and belt tensioner. The grease in those bearings eventually dries out and that can contribute to or cause noise of the type you are describing. To my knowledge, you should not have to spray a serpentine belt to quieten it. The noise is indicative of another issue. I recommend getting a second opinion on the vehicle from another mechanic. If you’d like to have this checked by an independent mechanic, one from YourMechanic can come to your home or office to inspect the sound and can follow through on recommendations.
hey i had a belt break while traveling on my 2004 honda pilot. It is the small belt and not the serpentine belt. The mechanic t
ANSWER : Hello. The smaller belt is known as your timing belt, and it works inside the engine to keep mechanical components aligned with each other during the compression cycle. The serpentine belt, which is the big belt, drives the alternator, water pump, AC compressor, and a couple of other components. If the small belt broke it is likely the timing belt. This will cause the car to stall, lights to illuminate, and can even cause serious damage to the engine. Typically replacing a timing belt is a lot more complicated and expensive than replacing a serpentine belt. You may want to receive a second opinion on the car before you go ahead with repairs.
how to remove the spring loaded belt tensioner the serpentine belt is kept tight with.
ANSWER : Hey there. You will need to remove the entire housing that contains the spring. Belt tensioners are replaced as a unit. In the case of the 4.7L Toyota Motor, you will need to remove a couple of the plastic timing covers to allow the tensioner assembly to slide out and off of its studs. Once you remove the timing covers, you will be able to see the entire assembly and identify which bolts and nuts must be removed to remove the tensioner. You may need to remove the fan belt pulley to remove one or more of the covers. I suggest purchasing a new one first, then you will be able to see all that needs to happen. If you should need help with this project, or would simply like it to be done for you, have a certified technician from YourMechanic come to your car’s location to assist with your drive belt replacement.
Timing belt is tight and yet appears to be slipping several teeth when belt is rotated,
ANSWER : This is okay since there are more notches on the belt than the amount on the sprockets. Once you aligned the first time the belt marks will almost never line up perfectly again. The marks are used to put the belt on correctly. They aren’t used as an indicator after the engine is turned again. You should be okay to start the motor as long as timing marks on pulleys line up. If you run into any issues, have a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, assist you with the replacement of the timing belt.
