Drive Belts, Mounts, Brackets and Accessories: Description and Operation

Accessory Drive
This vehicle is equipped with the following components:
^ V-ribbed serpentine accessory drive belt
^ Automatic drive belt tensioner
^ V-ribbed power steering pump drive belt

The accessory drive system provides power to operate components which power other systems. These could include components such as the generator, power steering pump and A/C compressor. Each of these components is equipped with a pulley which is driven by the accessory drive belt. The accessory drive belt is driven by the engine crankshaft pulley. The automatic belt tensioner maintains correct belt tension and compensates for component wear and changes in system load. System load changes can be caused by the A/C compressor clutch engaging or disengaging or demand changes on other systems powered by the accessory drive belt. To maintain correct operation of this system, it is critical that the correct length drive belt be installed. The pulleys must also be correctly aligned and kept clean.

Front Engine Accessory Drive (FEAD)

Front Engine Accessory Drive (FEAD):

Power Steering Pump Belt

Power Steering Pump Belt:

Belt Tensioner
Automatic tensioners are calibrated to provide the correct amount of tension to the belt for a given accessory drive system. Unless a spring or damping band within the tensioner assembly breaks or some other mechanical part of the tensioner fails, there is no need to check the tensioner for correct tension.