Drive Belt Problems

DRIVE BELT PROBLEMS

Loose Belts - Belts which are tensioned too loosely will slip on the pulleys when a load is placed on them (Fan clutch engages, engine speed increases).

Belts Tensioned Too Tightly - Excessive drive belt tension will place pressure on the water pump seals and bearings. This may result in a premature failure of the water pump.




Belts Aligned Incorrectly - The drive belt does not line up straight between the drive pulley and operating pulley. This may result in premature belt failure or belt squeal.




Incorrect Belt Type - The drive belt should fit properly, the width of the belt should match the width of the pulleys.

SYMPTOMS
Loose/Incorrectly Routed Belts
- Vehicle overheats under low speed (less than 25 mph) or high load conditions:
- High temperatures.
- A/C operation.
- Climbing long steep hills.
- Belt squeal (resulting from the belt slipping on the pulley).

Belt Tensioned Too Tightly
- Repetitive water pump failure.
- Repetitive drive belt failure.

Incorrect Belt Type / Belt Alignment
- Belt chirping.
- Premature belt wear (edges frayed).

HOW TO VERIFY
With the engine "OFF" and the ignition key removed
- Check drive belt tension.

NOTE: As a general rule you should not be able to turn the pulleys by hand, if the pulley rotates and the belt slips, the belt is too loose.

- Check drive belt condition. The belts should not be frayed or glazed.

NOTE: Glazed belts have a shiny/glassy appearance along the friction surface, resulting from belt slippage on the pulley. Once a belt is glazed it may tend to slip even with the correct belt tension applied. Glazed belts should be replaced.

- Check the pulley alignment. Pulleys which are out of alignment may be the result of:
- Improper parts installed.
- Worn bearings or bent brackets.
- Improper arrangement of washers or shims.

NOTE: If a component has recently been replaced, verify the installation is correct