If the belt is too tight, it will cause excessive side loads and overheat the bearings . This in turn causes noise, decreased output and even the seizing of the alternator. If the belt is too loose, it will cause the alternator to slip.
How tight should a fan belt be?
The required measure of tension in the serpentine belt is that it should not deflect more than 1⁄2 inch when twisted either way from the middle . If twisted more, the belt is loose, and if twisted less, the belt is too tight. Either of the positions does not work for the vehicle.
Can you over tighten a fan belt?
Help! Dear Anthony: A belt should never be over-tightened . ... An over-tightened belt can burn out any bearing that the belt rotates on, including alternator, power steering pump, A/C compressor, idler pulleys, etc. An over-tightened timing belt can ruin any pulley bearing it is connected with.
Can you tighten a belt too much?
If the belts are too tight, they can put a strain on the shaft (and its bearing) of the alternator, power-steering pump and even the water pump. ... Most belts are installed on the tight side because they take an initial stretch.
Can you over tighten a tensioner pulley?
If you can turn it more than a 1/2 turn, you do not have enough tension on the belt . Over-tightened belts can cause internal damage to the bearings inside the pulleys. ... It can also cause overheating of the belts and premature wear.
How do I know if my serpentine belt is loose?
The symptoms of a loose serpentine belt include a loud squealing noise when the engine is started or when the steering is turned all the way to one side. A serpentine belt that keeps slipping off the pulley is another symptom of a bad tensioner.
How do you tighten a fan belt?
- Open the hood and locate the adjustment screw that controls tension on the serpentine belt. ...
- Place the socket end of the socket wrench over the wing-nut and turn clockwise to apply tension. ...
- Check the tension of the belt periodically. ...
- Do a secondary check of the belt tension.
How do you check belt tension?
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.
How much does it cost to tighten serpentine belt?
More good news: serpentine belts are inexpensive compared to other car parts and components. A professional mechanic will normally charge between $75 and $120 in labor to remove the old belt and replace it with a new one.
Can you drive with a bad tensioner pulley?
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.
How do I know if my tensioner pulley is bad?
- Rust bleed and cracks. Appearance: Rust is bleeding between arm and base or dripping from the tensioner. ...
- Pulley bearing wear. ...
- Pulley wear. ...
- Tensioner assembly misalignment. ...
- Tensioner noise. ...
- Tensioner arm misalignment. ...
- Excessive tensioner arm oscillation. ...
- Binding or grinding tensioner arm movement.
How do you release a tensioner pulley?
You may need a special tool, but many spring tensioners have a square hole, for a 3/8” or 1/2 ” breaker bar , or a hex or square protrusion for a wrench or socket. Using the appropriate tool, release tension on the belt. You’ll need to hold some spring tensioners while slipping on a new belt.
How long can you drive with a loose serpentine belt?
How long will my car run with a broken serpentine belt? There are a few variables involved in the answer, but it should be able to run between 20 to 90 minutes . If it is a hot summer day, your engine can overheat very quickly without the coolant being pumped through the radiator.
Will loose belt cause overheating?
If there is not enough tension, a belt can slip, squeal or run hot. ... Quick fact: If your serpentine belt is loose, you may have other mechanical problems like under-performing water pump , which can cause the engine to overheat. Avoid performance loss.
How do I keep my belt from slipping?
You should apply belt dressing to your serpentine belt every month or every 3,000 miles to prolong its life and to prevent it from slipping. Sometimes, depending on the cause of the squeak. Belt dressing is intended as a tool to help you maintain your belts.
How do I stop my fan belt from squealing?
That’s right, ordinary bar soap can usually stop the squealing when rubbed on a fan belt. Just a few rubs on the belt with bar soap can solve the bar squealing problem for quite some time and save money in the process.
