The service life of many engine parts depends on the tension of the alternator drive belt: crankshaft bearings, water pump and tension roller. Weakened - it is not able to generate sufficient current to recharge the battery, excessively stretched - can lead to damage to the generating device.
Necessary
- - rigid metal plate;
- - vernier caliper or ruler.
Instructions
Step 1
The regulations for the maintenance of vehicles provide for, among other things, checking the tension of the alternator drive belt after every 10-15 thousand kilometers.
Step 2
The specified norm does not mean at all that after the appearance of a whistling sound from under the hood of the car with the engine running before the scheduled maintenance date, the owner does not need to do anything, continuing to continue operating the car. On the contrary, this fact is a clear sign that it is necessary to check the tension of the alternator belt as soon as possible. And in all likelihood, it will also have to be tightened.
Step 3
Checking the degree of tension is carried out by imposing a metal rigid plate from above, with support on the crankshaft and generator pulleys, on its drive belt. Pressing the belt with a finger in the middle with a force of about 10 kg, the size of its deflection is measured with a caliper or ruler, which should be equal to 10-15 mm. Any deviations from the indicated values indicate the need for a tension adjustment.
