V-belt: common defects and their signs

1. Mechanical damages.
   • During visual inspection of the component, cracks, tears, fraying and other defects can be seen with the naked eye.
   • A signal for insufficient battery charge will appear on the dashboard.
   • Whistling or screeching are heard during driving.
2. Tension loss.
   • Whistling sound is heard from under the bonnet during engine start or rpm increase.
   • Belt slackening can be noticed during visual inspection.
3. Tearing.
   • “Battery Charge” indicator activates on the dashboard.
   • Sudden loud clap is heard from under the bonnet during driving.
   • The engine overheats quickly.
   • Significant force is necessary to turn the steering wheel.

How to repair or replace V-belt?

At tension loss the belt can be adjusted with the help of a special bolt or adjustment plate. In order to tense the alternator V-belt you need to loosen alternator fastening bolts and then, rotating the adjustment bolt clockwise, put the alternator aside from the engine thus adjusting belt tension. Secure the part by fastening bolts when needed effect is reached. If you don’t have such experience, this process is better to entrust to car station professionals, as it is quite laborious and sometimes requires presence of special equipment.

In case of serious damages, the V-belt should be replaced immediately. It is recommended to examine the pulleys together with belt replacement and replace them if they crack, deform or shears appear on them. Moreover, it is recommended to install all new tensioning rollers, so it is preferable to purchase the V-belts kit, which will include all necessary for proper replacement. If you don’t have corresponding experience, it is better to perform installation of a newV-belt for the car at a service station, as it requires demounting of some units and accuracy of performing at all process stages.