Drive Belt: Testing and Inspection

A single (serpentine) belt is used to drive all engine accessories except the A/C compressor. The serpentine belt driven accessories are rigidly mounted with belt tension maintained by a manually adjusted tensioner assembly. The A/C compressor is driven by a separate conventional V-belt..


To ensure correct belt tension, start by loosening 4 tensioner bolts (approximately 1/2 turn loose). Then, using a torque wrench with a 1/2 drive lug, insert it into opening to apply specified torque and the required belt tension. Tighten 4 tensioner attaching bolts while maintaining specified belt tension.

NOTICE: Care should be taken to avoid bending the tensioner when applying torque. Damage to belt tensioner will occur.

NOTICE: Routine inspection of the belt may reveal cracks in the belt ribs. These cracks will not impair belt performance and therefore should not be considered a problem requiring belt replacement. However, the belt should be replaced if belt slip occurs or if sections of the belt ribs are missing.

Inspection

^ If fraying of belt is noticed, check to make sure both the belt and tensioner assembly are properly aligned and that the belt edges are not in contact with the flanges of the tensioner pulley.

^ If, while adjusting belt tension, tensioner runs out of travel, belt has stretched beyond adjustment and should be replaced.

^If a whining noise is heard around tensioner or idler assemblies, check for possible bearing failure.