Everything About Car Belts

A belt that is present in a machine looks like a circular strip of rubber which helps to drive moving parts or helps in moving parts.

The important features of car belts are as follows::

V-Belts:

• V-belts do not slip as they are very short.

• Even if one belt fails, the entire vehicle won’t shut down.

Serpentine Belt:

• It is always more efficient to use a single serpentine belt than using several belt systems.

• The serpentine belt occupies less space in your car engine’s compartment.

• Rather than several belts wrapped around different accessories, there will be just one belt.

• Due to its wideness, the belt won’t stretch under tension.

• The belt will last for a longer time, due to oppression to high tension.

• Slipping will be reduced in case of high tension for the use of lower-ratio pulleys.

• The load will be reduced if you use lower-ratio pulleys which the engine bears, and the amount of fuel, as well as power which the engine consumes, will also be reduced.

• Unlike other belts, serpentine belts are easily replaceable and can be maintained. It is possible because only 1 movable belt tensioner is needed. 

Timing Belts:

• Usually, cars are fitted with timing belts that take the power from the crankshaft and transmit it to the camshaft. In some engines, a timing chain is used instead of a belt. 

• There will be less damage to valves and pistons if the timing belt fails and this is one of the advantages of the timing belt over the timing chain.

Here is the working of car belts:

V-Belts:

The best combination of long service life, traction, and speed movement is provided by the V-belts. The name V-belt was given because it is usually trapezoidal in shape. Power will be transferred through these belts as it has a grip on the pulley and belt tension. This action takes place as a result of friction between the pulley which is driving and driven. So, it is necessary to maintain proper tension for the functioning of the vehicle.

Serpentine Belt:

• A serpentine belt has so much power to make your vehicle function perfectly. Though the belt is single and wide, it has its technicalities to operate. To work on several engine accessories, the belt will coil around each part as a serpentine.

• To keep the engine continuously operational, the belt keeps revolving around the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, etc.

• The serpentine belt is guided by a belt tensioner or either an idler pulley which can be loaded by hydraulic, spring, or manual. A tensioner creates tension by applying the force that is needed for the serpentine belt.

• The right tension will be maintained on the belt so that you don’t have to re-tighten it and it has to be halfway between its throw to work. If the serpentine belt is not of the right size, it can be loose and the tensioner might be faulty.

• The serpentine belt has many grooves in “V’ shapes which provides sufficient traction for the drive and component pulleys.

• The ribbed side of the belt will attach the grooves on the accessory drive pulleys whereas the flat side will be attached to a tensioner roller. The belt will misalign and fall off if the tensioner fails.

• The back of the belt is smooth and helps in driving some engine accessories depending on the design.

  
  

Timing Belts:

The timing belt is a means to transfer power from the crankshaft to the camshaft that is responsible for the opening and the closing of valves. As the crankshaft pulley rotates, the belt wrapped around that pulley also rotates in turn rotating the camshaft pulley. As long as the engine is running, this direct connection between the crankshaft and the camshaft via timing belt helps in the smooth functioning of the valve train assembly. The length of the timing belt increases with time due to the heating and cooling cycles and the repeated tension and the stress generated by the engine. The belt is ribbed on one side to offer a good grip on the pulleys and ensure lossless power transmission.

The common car belt problems are as follows:

Serpentine Belt:

Issues may arise in the serpentine belt due to misalignment or a defective tensioner. Just by listening, it may be tough to diagnose the problem but examining the faulty belt can help you resolve it.

1. Excessive Cracking - Excessive cracking occurs due to stretching of the belt with age and use. As time goes by, the rubber turns out to be dry and less pliable causing frequent cracks. Cracking may arise due to a defective tensioner. The tensioner is spring-loaded so that the belt remains tight on the pulleys. If it slips, check for the proper functioning of the tensioner.

   
   

2. Glazing - Slipping of the belt causes glazing on the edges, ridges, or grooves of the belt. Slipping can be the result of a loss of belt tension (or a weak automatic tensioner) or pulley misalignment. If the belt falls off the track, overheating of the belt may take place due to the friction which lies between the belt as well as the accessory drive pulleys. It’s time for a replacement if you hear a high-pitched squealing noise.

   
   

3. Fraying - Misalignment of the pulleys causes fraying at the edge of a belt. If the belt does not sit properly on the pulleys, it scrapes on the top edge of an accessory drive pulley side because the belt will feed into it, which eventually causes the belt to fray. This can be easily found as the wear on the edge of the belt is usually visible. When the belt rubs against the pulleys, you will hear a thumping or rubbing noise.

Timing Belts:

Here we have a list of problems and causes which can help you in identifying the reason for the failure of the timing belt. Visually look at the timing belt drives for some of these top 6 failure which causes problems and help in preventing your drives from grinding to a halt. This can also prevent unscheduled downtime.

1. Misalignment - One main cause for the failure of the timing belt drive can be misalignment. Misalignment can be due to excessive or uneven tooth wear, belt tracking, and failure of the tensile. When you check and align your shafts and timing pulleys, it can help you to increase the life of the timing belt and save a lot of time down the lane.

   
   

2. Excessive load - If the teeth of the timing belt keep shearing, then the excessive load can likely be one of the reasons. Failure of the tensile and excessive tooth wear can also arise due to excessive load or shock loads. To get rid of this problem, you will have to redesign the drive.

   
   

3. Under-tensioned Belt - Tooth skipping, which is also known as ‘ratcheting’, which lies exactly to the bottom of your belt might probably be under-tensioned. Under-tensioning can also cause excessive or uneven tooth wear and excessive drive noise. to set the correct tension on the timing belts, use a tension gauge.

   
   

4. Weak drive structure - If the timing belt drive vibrates excessively or if the belt stretches apparently, then your vehicle might have a weak drive structure. If your drive is vibrating excessively or your timing belts are suffering from apparent belt stretch, you could have a weak drive structure. If the drive structure is properly strengthened, then this problem could be stopped.

   
   

5. Damaged or worn pulleys - The belt life will be substantially reduced if the timing pulleys are damaged or worn out. Worn-out teeth can cause the belt to damage or wear out quickly. The belts can get easily cut due to nicks or gouges. Worn teeth will cause belt wear and/or damage. Nicks or gouges can cut the belt. if you find any signs of wear or tear inspect and replace the pulleys as quickly as possible.

   
   

6. Debris in the timing pulley or drive - Most often, the debris is overlooked, but it can cause multiple problems to your timing belt as well as the pulley. Dirt on the belt teeth can cause the belt to wear out and the oil present can attack the belt materials. Clear off the rust and dirt with the help of a stiff brush. Oil and grease have to be wiped clean. Debris can cause any of the above-mentioned reasons for the failure of the timing belt. So, clean the pulleys and shift a field to the drive as quickly as possible.

Loss of teeth can likely cause the timing belt to fail and wear off soon or if there are any reasons, it should be taken into consideration. If you are looking for any other possible reasons and correct actions, then you’ll have to check the troubleshooting guide of the timing belt and pulleys.

V- Belts:

Here are the causes and common damages that the V-belt suffers. While looking for signs of wear or damage in a belt, a new belt can be helpful and it can be compared with the old belt.  

1. Rapid Sidewall Wear: Sidewall wear on the belts can be caused by rubbing guard, defective or worn out sheaves, misaligned sheaves, insufficient tension, wrong belt cross-section, improper storage, excessive heat, grease, or oil, usage of belt dressing, corrosive environment, and moisture.

   
   

2. Worn Backside: The backside can be worn out due to a bad idler pulley and improper slack.

   
   

3. Belt Soft or Swollen: It can be caused by the regular usage of belt dressing and exposure to oil or grease.

   
   

4. Belt Slips or Squeals: It is caused by defective sheaves, improper tension, wrong belt cross-section or type, grease or oil, and moisture.

   
   

5. Cracked Underside: It can be caused by excessive heat, small sheaves, improper storage, and a misaligned idler pulley. 

   
   

6. Missing Cogs: It is caused by excessive heat, prolonged usage, and improper wear and tear. 

Here we have listed the symptoms of bad belts for you:

Serpentine Belt:

Due to the heat and friction, it is subjected to, the serpentine belt can be faulty and need replacement. Look out for these symptoms if the serpentine belt is faulty.

1. Squealing noise from the front of the vehicle - Squealing noise from the front of your vehicle, indicates a faulty serpentine belt due to slippage or misalignment. You can get rid of this noise by contacting a professional mechanic and having them replace the serpentine/drive belt or by diagnosing the issue.

2.  Power steering and AC not working - Your car will break down if the serpentine belt completely fails. In addition, you will notice a loss of power steering causing safety issues, the air conditioning will not work, and the engine will no longer be as cool as it should be. Preventative maintenance is one way to make sure your belt does not break while driving.

3.  Engine overheating - The serpentine belt helps provide power to cool the engine. If it turns out to be faulty, the engine will overheat as the water pump will not turn. Get it checked by a mechanic if the engine starts overheating, as it can lead to a breakdown and cause engine damage.

4.  Cracks and wear on the belt - Visually inspect your serpentine belt from time to time. Look for cracks, chunks missing, abrasions, rib separation, uneven rib wear, and damaged ribs. Replace your serpentine belt quickly if you witness any of these symptoms.

Timing Belts:

Here are a few symptoms which indicate that the timing belt might be defective and might need a mechanic to replace them as well as other internal engine components have to be checked for any damages.

1. Ticking noise coming from the engine - A ticking noise will be created inside the engine if the timing belt starts to wear out. It can also be accompanied by a low-pressure warning sign. As the timing belt is so important for the operation of the vehicle, if you notice this sign, then you must get in touch with a mechanic as soon as possible.

2.  Engine won't turn over - A serious sign of a timing belt failure is an engine that won’t start. The timing belt is responsible for the opening and closing of the valves and in case of a timing belt failure or breakage the engine won’t turn over. 

3.   Engine misfires - The engine’s fire rate is also impacted by the worn-out timing belt. The timing belt is fixed to the pulleys which help to drive the crank and camshaft. But the belt might slip sometimes on the camshaft drive and one of the cylinders may open or close earlier than usual. This will cause misfiring of the engine and if not replaced quickly, it might damage the engine.

4.  Oil leaking from in front of the motor - Another part associated with the timing belt is a timing belt cover and the gasket. In case of a gasket failure, the timing belt cover will leak oil, which is very easily visible in the engine compartment.

Do you enjoy repairing your car on your own? Thinking of opening up your car body shop? It is a great business opportunity if you love cars and possess a good work ethic. Now if you want your shop to be successful, then you will require a combination of effort and car mechanic training. And of course, the correct equipment would upgrade your speed and make your repair work easy. If you have the right tools, then you can easily meet the demands of today's car body structures. Here are some of the most essential tools which you might need to repair your Belts.

Serpentine Belts:

• Ratchet and Socket Set

• Wrench

• New Replacement Belt

• New Tensioner

• New Pulley

• Wrench Set

• Jack and Axle Stands or Ramps

Timing Belt:

• Box of Raven Gloves

• A couple of Cans of Brake Clean

• Drain Pan for Coolant

• Floor Jack

• Hose Clamps

• Jack Stands

• Main Toolbox

• Mityvac Evacuator

• Miscellaneous Hand Tools

• New Timing Belt

• O-Ring Lubricant

• Piece of Wood

• Power Tools (Including ½ Drive Electric Impact, ⅜ and ¼ Electric Ratchets, ⅜ Mini Impact, ¾ Drive Impact, Air Filler Gauge for Tires, And Coolant Vacuum Filler)

• Reel of Air Hose

• Tarp to Lay Under the Car

• Thread Locker

• Torque Wrench

You won’t have to think a lot while purchasing if you are already using a particular car part brand and are fully satisfied with it. Some people trust a specific brand and would go with it once again with a minimum of thought. Here we have the best Belts brands to help you out in choosing your favourite one in case you don’t have any. So what are you waiting for? Have a look below and choose the best brand for your Belts. 

• Auto 7 Automotive Belt

• Acdelco Professional Automotive Belt

• Gates Auto Belt

• Dayco Auto Belt

Do you want to know what are the related parts of the car Belts? Say no more! We are here to help you out. Have a look at Belts related parts below:-

Timing Belts:

• Tensioner

• Timing Belt Kits Without Water Pump

• Timing Belt Kits With Water Pump

• Timing Idler Or Pulley

• Timing Idler Bearing

• Timing Tensioner Bearing

• Timing Belt Tensioner Lever

Serpentine Belts:

• Automatic Belt Tensioner

• Tensioner Pulley

The first question which comes to the minds of most people when they see some faults in the Belts is how much would its replacement cost? The reality is that unless and until a professional technician would look at your car, it is going to be a difficult question to answer because the overall cost would depend on a lot of factors. The first and foremost thing on which it depends is the size as well as the type of the Belts. The other factors like the replacement of the belts going to be brand new, used, rebuilt, or remanufactured play a major role in deciding the total cost. 

Serpentine Belts:

The cost for replacing a serpentine belt lies between $171 and $226. The approximate labor cost varies from $65 and $83 and the price of the related parts lies between $106 and $143. Taxes and fees are not included in the estimate.

Timing Belt:

The cost for replacing a timing belt lies between $538 and $676. The approximate labor cost varies from $309 and $391 and the price of the related parts lies between $229 and $285. Taxes and fees are not included in the estimate.

Keen to know about the procedure of changing the Belts? Well, we have simplified the entire procedure for you:

Serpentine Belt

Most modern automobiles use a serpentine belt to deliver power from the crank pulley to the different engine accessories. A worn or damaged serpentine belt can fail to transfer power properly, causing your alternator, power steering, and air conditioning to stop working. If you need to replace your serpentine belt, you may do so with only simple hand tools.

Step 1

Examine the new belt next to the old one to ensure that they are the same width and have the same amount of ribs running horizontally across the belt. Due to stretching, the old belt may be somewhat longer than the new one.

Step 2

Replace the old belt and run it through the pulleys in the same manner. For assistance, use the belt diagram in your vehicle's owner's manual or the photo you took of the belt before removing it.

Step 3

Place the belt over the auto tensioner and apply pressure. Loosen the auto-tensioner pulley using the same wrench, then pull the belt over it. Release the tension on the tensioner once the belt is in place to keep it in place.

Step 4

Insert a pry bar or a piece of wood between the alternator and the engine if your car does not have an auto-tensioner. Run the belt over the alternator pulley, then pry the alternator away from the engine with the bar to increase the belt tension. As you apply tension, tighten the nuts again.

Step 5

As you apply pressure to the alternator, you may need assistance tightening the nuts. To avoid shattering anything, avoid prying against anything plastic in your engine bay.

Timing Belt

Timing belt problems almost always strike without warning. There is no squeak to indicate that it is time. It's most likely your timing belt if your automobile operated fine for a while before suddenly stopping with a clunk and refusing to restart. The engine's timing must be precise, otherwise, the valves and pistons may clash, resulting in expensive engine repairs. If your timing belt is broken, make sure there hasn't been any valve damage before replacing the belt. Your vehicle's service handbook will tell you whether or not your timing belt may damage the valves.

Step 1

The timing belt should move smoothly off the sprockets now that the stress on it has been relieved. Timing belts that have been in use for a long time may become stuck in the pulley grooves and need to be gently pryed out with a screwdriver.

Step 2

Before installing the replacement belt, inspect the timing belt pulleys and water pump to see if they need to be replaced.

Step 3

Torque the timing belt to the right requirements, paying careful attention to the "torquing" specs in the engine manual, especially the crankshaft pulley mounting bolt, which normally has a very high torque spec.

Step 4

If the timing belt tensioner is hydraulic, removal may be necessary to compress the piston back into the cylinder once the ratchet is released. Place in a vice and compress until the holes line up to allow a holding pin to be inserted.

Step 5

When the timing belt is installed with the pin pulled to allow the tensioner to exert tension on the timing belt, the tensioner can be re-installed.