GENERAL INFORMATION AND MAINTENANCE 1-19
TCCS1215
Fig. 58 There are typically 3 types of accessory drive belts found on vehicles today
Fig. 59 An example of a healthy drive belt
Fig. 60 Deep cracks in this belt will cause flex, building up heat that will eventually lead to belt failure
Nippondenso Borroughs
t TCCS1216
Fig. 61 The cover of this belt is worn, exposing the critical reinforcing cords to excessive wear
Fig. 62 Installing too wide a belt can result in serious belt wear and/or breakage
Fig. 63 Common belt tension gauges
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION RULER
BELT DEFLECTION
V-Belts I See Figures 65, 66 and 67
STRAIGHT EDGE
MAKE SURE RULER IS PERPENDICULAR TO STRAIGHT EDGE
Fig. 64 Measuring belt deflection
Fig. 65 Push the component toward the engine and slip off the belt
1. Loosen the driven accessory's pivot and mounting bolts. Remove the belt. 2. Install the belt. Move the accessory toward or away from the engine until the tension is correct. You can use a wooden hammer handle, or broomstick, as a lever, but do not use anything metallic, such as a prybar. Certain models may utilize an adjusting bolt to do this work for you. Simply loosen the mounting bolt and turn the adjuster. 3. Tighten the bolts and recheck the tension. If new belts have been installed, run the engine for a few minutes, then recheck and readjust as necessary. It is better to have belts too loose than too tight, because overtight belts will lead to bearing failure, particularly in the water pump and alternator. However, loose belts place an extremely high impact load on the driven component due to the whipping action of the belt.
Fig. 66 Slip the new belt over tlie pulley
Fig. 67 Pull outward on the component and tighten the adjusting and mounting bolts