If you own a vehicle built in the last ten years is likely to be equipped with serpentine belts. Older vehicles came equipped with V-style belt V-belts are thinner and thicker, and depending on the style of V-belt for most of them were grooved on the bottom.

Time after V-belts that stretch and tension should be tightened. Depending on the location of V-belt in the front of the engine and components of what they were driving; V-belts should be adjusted manually at different places in the engine.

Depending on the number of accessories for the vehicle is determined by the number of belts required for accessories. If the vehicle has power steering and air conditioning then there could be up to four groups of V-belts.

By adjusting the tension of the strap of this style, more tightening was a common practice. Not only shorten the life of the belt, but adds more stress to the bearings and bearings inside the accessory components, shortening their life.

The advent of belt Serpentine belt out the number on the front of the engine and also the work of guessing the proper voltage needed to operate effectively.

Serpentine belts are larger and thinner with fine ribs along the length of the belt. Most serpentine belts are longer than the traditional V-belt on, which allows this type of belt drive most accessories.

This style of belt requires no adjustment of the tension due to the fact that there is tension around the pulley at the front of the engine.

These pulleys have an independent or a large rubber bushing spring maintaining constant tension on the belt. This in turn requires less maintenance and the cost of keeping this concept is less.

However, no maintenance is required. The belt should be replaced every so often, but not as often as the V-style belt. Tension pulley after losing his time and spring / rubber tension or pressure that turns the pulley dry.

In the past I have rescued several people who broke along the interstate highway or because the effect on the tension pulley drying was hot and took over the top. When this happens usually shreds the Serpentine belt.

Since this tape is the engine water pump, the engine can start to more heat, if not shut down immediately. It never fails, it’s hotter than any sun or extreme cold when the outside decided to take the pulley. Either way you will be at the mercy of outside elements until help arrives.
Here are some tips that will help prevent them becoming stranded along the road, either due to a broken serpentine belt or seized bearings in one of the pulleys of tension.

• A serpentine belt should last a minimum of 50,000 miles, if not more. To inspect the belt, look at the thin ribs that run along the inside of the belt, if they are cracked it is time to replace the belt. Inspect the edges of the tape, look to see if the edges are frayed or broken. A torn edge eventually wrap around the pulley and can cause major problems. Most vehicles today have two serpentine belts. The longer the motor of the tape in the power steering pump, alternator and water pump. The shorter the strap, usually located towards the bottom of the engine and a bit harder to see the air conditioning units. Consult your owner’s manual to be sure exactly what settings you have. There is a label on the top of the grill inside the hood that shows the specific configuration and routing of the belt of your vehicle.

• Tension pulleys should last at least 75,000 miles, if not more. If the car contained spring / rubber bushing is starting to get weak pulley assembly vibrate up and down in an excess of speed at an idle. The pulley assembly or not run the creation of a true pattern of abnormal wear of the belt, the pulley assembly will need to be replaced at this time. If the bearings begin to dry the interior usually hear a chirping sound coming from the engine. This is not always the case. A bearing can seize up without warning signs beforehand. To inspect the pulleys make sure the engine is off. Loosen the serpentine belt so there is no tension on the pulley. Manually turn the pulley, the sound of the pressure carefully. The pulley should rotate freely without any resistance. There should be no noise from the pressure. If the pulley sounds dry or rough, then it is time to replace the tension pulley assembly.

It’s a good idea to inspect the Serpentine belt in each service interval. Anything that requires a visual inspection involves a very short time.

I try to check my tension pulley and idler pulleys every 25,000 miles. Yes I said idler pulleys. Idler pulley sheaves are stationary. They also have bearings in them to be inspected.

Again, check your user manual for the correct service interval. If your vehicle has a local shop, then it’s a good idea to remind the service technician to inspect the pulleys.

To do-it-yourselfers, serpentine belt pulleys and tension are easily replaceable. That the label under the cover shows the proper routing of the serpentine belt. The tension pulley composed of two or more screws that need removal. Normally it takes either a 15mm or 13mm wrench or socket to remove the screws. Idler pulley bolt is only one that needs to be removed. Make sure the belt is off before changing the tension / idler pulleys.

I cannot express enough but if you have any questions concerning your belt pulleys or check your owner’s manual or contact your local store to answer your questions. If all else fails, then ask me and I will direct you in the right direction.

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