alternator belt FROM HELL !

Belt Life

The service life of a V-belt depends on mileage as well as load, tension and heat. Every time a belt passes around a pulley, it bends and flexes. This produces heat which age hardens the rubber over time. The wear process can be greatly accelerated if the belt is loose and slips because any added friction between belt and pulley makes the belt run even hotter. This can cause glazing on the faces of the belt and cause it to slip even more. So one of the most important factors that affects belt life is making sure it is properly tensioned when it is installed and that the proper tension is maintained throughout its service life.

Symptoms that may be the result of improper belt tension include:

Belt squeal, especially on the fan, A/C compressor or power steering drives.

A battery that keeps running down (due to belt slippage).

Excessive sidewall wear on a V-belt that causes it to ride lower than normal in the pulley grooves.

Severe cracking along the underside of a V-belt.

Noisy alternator, power steering pump, air pump, A/C compressor or water pump bearings (from excessive belt tension).

Belt Replacement

Replacement V-belts must be the same length and width as the original. A belt that's too long or too short may not allow enough adjustment for proper tension. A belt that's too wide or too narrow will not ride at the right depth in the pulley grooves.