Difference between revisions of "Change an Automotive Belt"
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#*if it has cracks or missing chunks. | #*if it has cracks or missing chunks. | ||
#*if the belt has coolant or oil on it. | #*if the belt has coolant or oil on it. | ||
| − | #*These conditions make the belt incapable of properly running its components, which can lead to major problems for your engine. If for any reason you cannot locate an accessory belt or gain easy access to it then you should take your vehicle to professional.<ref>http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-check-a-vehicles-accessory-belts.html</ref> | + | #*These conditions make the belt incapable of properly running its components, which can lead to major problems for your engine. If for any reason you cannot locate an accessory belt or gain easy access to it then you should take your vehicle to professional.<ref name="rf1">http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-check-a-vehicles-accessory-belts.html</ref> |
===Removing the Old Belt=== | ===Removing the Old Belt=== | ||
| − | #Locate a routing diagram. This can usually be found posted underneath the hood of your car or in your service manual for serpentine belts (S-belts).<ref> http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/o/article-how-to-put-on-a-serpentine-belt</ref> If you drive a much older car, you may have a multi-belt design (V-belt). Either way, if you cannot find a routing diagram you should take a picture or draw one before removing the belt(s). | + | #Locate a routing diagram. This can usually be found posted underneath the hood of your car or in your service manual for serpentine belts (S-belts).<ref name="rf2"> http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/o/article-how-to-put-on-a-serpentine-belt</ref> If you drive a much older car, you may have a multi-belt design (V-belt). Either way, if you cannot find a routing diagram you should take a picture or draw one before removing the belt(s). |
#*Be sure to make note of whether the grooved side or flat side of the belt makes contact with each pulley. It is important not to put the new belt on backwards. | #*Be sure to make note of whether the grooved side or flat side of the belt makes contact with each pulley. It is important not to put the new belt on backwards. | ||
#Release the tension on the belt. There are a few things to remember when releasing tension on a belt. | #Release the tension on the belt. There are a few things to remember when releasing tension on a belt. | ||
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#*To loosen a pulley, turn it with a wrench or specialized tool. By convention, counter-clockwise will loosen the pulley. | #*To loosen a pulley, turn it with a wrench or specialized tool. By convention, counter-clockwise will loosen the pulley. | ||
#Remove the belt. Once tension is released, the belt should slide off of the other pulleys easily. | #Remove the belt. Once tension is released, the belt should slide off of the other pulleys easily. | ||
| − | #Check the pulleys. One reason for a damaged belt is a malfunctioning pulley. You should check the tensioner and all pulleys that the belt contacts. If one wobbles or does not spin freely then you may need to replace it.<ref> http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a4121/4311197/</ref> | + | #Check the pulleys. One reason for a damaged belt is a malfunctioning pulley. You should check the tensioner and all pulleys that the belt contacts. If one wobbles or does not spin freely then you may need to replace it.<ref name="rf3"> http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a4121/4311197/</ref> |
===Running the New Belt=== | ===Running the New Belt=== | ||
#Compare the new belt to the original. Since these belts need to fit exactly right, the new belt should be the same length and width as the original. The only difference should be general wear on the old belt. The best way to insure a perfect match is to compare part numbers. | #Compare the new belt to the original. Since these belts need to fit exactly right, the new belt should be the same length and width as the original. The only difference should be general wear on the old belt. The best way to insure a perfect match is to compare part numbers. | ||
| − | #Run the new belt. You should use your routing diagram from above to make sure that the belt is run properly. Pulleys with grooves are intended to meet the grooved side of the belt, but some flat pulleys are meant to be driven by the flat backside of the belt.<ref | + | #Run the new belt. You should use your routing diagram from above to make sure that the belt is run properly. Pulleys with grooves are intended to meet the grooved side of the belt, but some flat pulleys are meant to be driven by the flat backside of the belt.<ref name="rf3" /> When you are done, the belt should weave through the pulleys contacting each pulley only once. |
#Tighten the belt. You want to make sure that your belt has the proper amount of tension on it. | #Tighten the belt. You want to make sure that your belt has the proper amount of tension on it. | ||
#*For serpentine belts use the same tool you used above to compress the tensioner and turn it in the opposite direction (counter-clockwise) until the spring releases. | #*For serpentine belts use the same tool you used above to compress the tensioner and turn it in the opposite direction (counter-clockwise) until the spring releases. | ||
#*If you are working with a V-belt design then you will need to tension the belt manually. #*Find the middle of the belt's longest stretch. | #*If you are working with a V-belt design then you will need to tension the belt manually. #*Find the middle of the belt's longest stretch. | ||
| − | #*Move that point from side to side and the belt should have {{convert|1/2|in|cm|adj=on|1|1}} of movement in either direction. Any less and the belt is too tight, any more and it is too loose.<ref>http://www.howacarworks.com/electrical-systems/checking-adjusting-and-refitting-drive-belts</ref> | + | #*Move that point from side to side and the belt should have {{convert|1/2|in|cm|adj=on|1|1}} of movement in either direction. Any less and the belt is too tight, any more and it is too loose.<ref name="rf4">http://www.howacarworks.com/electrical-systems/checking-adjusting-and-refitting-drive-belts</ref> |
#*Check your vehicle manual for more information. If in doubt, consult a mechanic. | #*Check your vehicle manual for more information. If in doubt, consult a mechanic. | ||
===Double Check Your Work=== | ===Double Check Your Work=== | ||
