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ToggleHow do I install a new serpentine belt?
Can you install a serpentine belt by yourself?
Serpentine belt replacement is easy because today’s automatic drive belt tensioners eliminate the need to loosen bolts or pry components into position for retensioning. Just rotate the tensioner, remove the old belt and install a new one.
Where is the routing on a serpentine belt?
Belt routing diagrams are generally located in the “Engine Mechanical” or “Cooling System” articles. Included in many of these sections are component identification, pulley alignment, tension chart, belt and tensioner inspection procedures, along with any adjustments if applicable.
How do you put a serpentine belt on a 2009 Ford Focus? – Related Questions
Can a serpentine belt be put on wrong?
In some instances it may be possible to install a serpentine belt the wrong way. If this happens, one or more pulleys will rotate in the WRONG direction, affecting the operation of the alternator, water pump, A/C compressor or power steering pump. This can cause major problems.
How do you put a serpentine belt on without a tensioner?
If your vehicle does not have an auto tensioner, insert a pry bar or piece of wood between the alternator and the engine. Run the belt over the alternator pulley, then use the bar to pry the alternator away from the engine and increase the tension on the belt. Tighten the bolts again as you apply tension.
How do I know if my belt tensioner needs replacing?
Appearance: Cycle the tensioner (mounted on the engine) through the entire range of motion (from stop to stop) by applying torque to the arm with a wrench. The tensioner arm should move smoothly and freely. Solution: If you notice a binding, sticking or grinding tensioner arm, the tensioner should be replaced.
Are V belts directional?
From a purely technical point of view, a new timing belt is completely symmetrical, meaning it does not have a direction of rotation. “Then what’s the use of timing belts with directional arrows?”, we hear you wonder. If your new timing belt has timing marks, then there are similar marks on the pulleys/on the engine.
What is idler pulley used for?
The idler pulley is a common part that’s found on the majority of the vehicles on the road. Its primary function is to provide tension and guide the engine drive belt. These belts wrap around the various parts of the engine such as the power steering pump, alternator, water pump etc
What does the serpentine belt wrap around?
The serpentine belt wraps around the accessory pulleys of the components it powers. The serpentine belt may spin over idler pulleys which keep the serpentine belt in its snake-like configuration and help guide the belt as it moves.
What causes Fanbelt noise?
Our research has shown two main causes of belt noise:
The belt squeals because there is improper tension in the belt drive system. This is usually caused by a worn automatic tensioner, but other causes can include a contaminated belt (oil, belt dressing, etc.) or a belt that is too long or worn out.
Can I drive a short distance without a serpentine belt?
If you’re wondering whether or not you can drive your car without a serpentine belt, the answer is no. There are many dangers to driving without a serpentine belt. A car can only take out so much slack from other components before they fail and stop working altogether.
What happens if serpentine belt is to tight?
If the belt is too tight, it will cause excessive side loads and overheat the bearings. This in turn causes noise, decreased output and even the seizing of the alternator. If the belt is too loose, it will cause the alternator to slip. This slipping can cause the alternator and the battery to work harder.
How do I know if my serpentine belt is tight enough?
Pinch that point between your index finger and thumb and move it back and forth. The belt should have about a half an inch of play when at the appropriate tightness. If there is less than a half an inch, the belt will need to be loosened, if there is more, it will need to be tightened.
How do I adjust my serpentine belt?
How tight do you want a serpentine belt?
How do you know if a pulley is misaligned?
Unexpected noise: A squealing noise often indicates slippage between the belts and the pulleys. A chirping sound could stem from misalignment of a pulley or drive belt, as well as a host of other issues. Tensile failure: A common indicator of misalignment, tensile failure may be due to uneven cord loading.
Is it normal for a new serpentine belt to squeal?
If you’ve just got a new serpentine belt installed and yet you hear the squealing noise, chances are your mechanic didn’t do a good enough job. Let your mechanic check the belt and determine if there’s a misaligned pulley or belt tensioner.