Banter Posted December 11, 2014 Share Posted December 11, 2014 I know this is a fairy mundane question, but how critical is accurate (i.e. to manufacturer's specs) belt tension for items like power steering, ac or alternator belts? I only ask cause I've been asked to sort one out on someone else's car. I've done my own cars in the past by using a straight edge and pushing the belt to make sure the deflection seems reasonable. I've never had any trouble, but since its not my car I want to be a bit more sure. Thanks, Andrew Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyingbrick Posted December 12, 2014 Share Posted December 12, 2014 Its not that critical. As long as its not slipping you will be fine. I have set up hundreds of belts on machines using various machines (the flashest being an SKF optical frequency type tool.. You find desired frequency using a chart then slap belts so the tool can read resulting tone) What I have found is that 99% of people set v belts much too loose- including myself- and still rarely have issues So don't be worried about it being too tight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beachlander Posted December 12, 2014 Share Posted December 12, 2014 I've always been told to have the deflection the same thickness as the belt. Is what I have done and never had slippage/problems Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjrstar Posted December 12, 2014 Share Posted December 12, 2014 ^^ don't do the above on looong spans, you will have a VERY tight belt.. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D_LOOM Posted December 12, 2014 Share Posted December 12, 2014 At work we check belt tension by twisting the belt 90 degrees on the longest side, if it twists anymore than this then it's too loose. Hope that makes sense... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyingbrick Posted December 12, 2014 Share Posted December 12, 2014 It doesn't..the tension would change drastically depending on span.. Its easy on a car. Just tighten them if they slip. If they bottom out in pulley, replace them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hemi Posted December 12, 2014 Share Posted December 12, 2014 That^ usually its about 13mm of deflection on most vehicles. as a rule of thumb if the top edge of the V is below the top of the v in the pulley then its worn. Also as Flying brick said , if they bottom out on the pulley they are useless. To the above about people leaving them too tight , ive also seen people rark the bejesus out of them and end up destroying bearing from too much load but that could be a egg and chicken debate. Preset tensioners and ribbed belts are the bomb. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yetchh Posted December 12, 2014 Share Posted December 12, 2014 I've never bothered measuring deflection, just done then up till they feel tightish with some deflection and as fb says, if they still slip, tighten more unless knackered/worn 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banter Posted December 13, 2014 Author Share Posted December 13, 2014 Thanks for all the help guys. Got it done today so hopefully it'll be all good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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