Drive Belt: Testing and Inspection

VISUAL DIAGNOSIS





When diagnosing serpentine accessory drive belts, small cracks that run across the ribbed surface of the belt from rib to rib (Fig. 1), are considered normal. These are not a reason to replace the belt. However, cracks running along a rib (not across) are not normal. Any belt with cracks running along a rib must be replaced (Fig. 1). Also replace the belt if it has excessive wear, frayed cords or severe glazing.
Refer to the Accessory Drive Belt Diagnosis charts for further belt diagnosis.

NOISE DIAGNOSIS
Noises generated by the accessory drive belt are most noticeable at idle. Before replacing a belt to resolve a noise condition, inspect all of the accessory drive pulleys for alignment, glazing, or excessive end play.





ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT DIAGNOSIS CHART PART 1 of 2





ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT DIAGNOSIS CHART PART 2 of 2

ENGINE ACCESSORY DRIVE BELTS
BELT SCHEMATICS
Correct drive belt tension is required to ensure optimum performance of the belt driven engine accessories. There are different types of adjustment gauges for checking either a serpentine or a V-type belt. Refer to the instructions supplied with the gauge. Use the correct gauge when checking belt tension. Place gauge in the middle of the section of belt being tested (between two pulleys) to check tension. Do not allow the gauge (or gauge adapter) to contact anything but the belt.
The belt routing schematics are published from the latest information available at the time of publication. If anything differs between these schematics and the Belt Routing Label, use the schematics on Belt Routing Label. This label is located in the engine compartment.








Refer to (Fig. 2) (Fig. 3) for proper belt routing or, refer to the Belt Routing Label located in the vehicle engine compartment.