Do you want to learn how to determine the condition of the alternator belt of your car, which is one of the most important parts of the car? Detailed recommendations on how to check the tension of the alternator belt allow you to carry out the check yourself without visiting technical centers.
Instructions
Step 1
Following the instructions on how to check the tension of the alternator belt, remember that a poorly tensioned belt at any time when the load in the electrical network of the machine increases, it can slip on the pulleys. This fact, leading to a significant decrease in the efficiency in the generating device itself, in itself indicates an incorrect belt tension. If you notice that the genset can no longer produce the required charging current, immediately proceed to inspect the alternator belt.
Step 2
To check the alternator belt and its tension, firstly, open the hood of your car and carefully inspect the belt itself, since the problem may lie not in insufficient tension, but in its tear. Then check if the belt tension is sufficient by pressing your finger on the middle of the branch located between the crankshaft pulleys and the generator itself. At the same time, remember that when pressed with a force of 400-600 N, the optimal deflection of the alternator belt should fluctuate in the range of 8-10 millimeters. If you want to check the condition of the alternator belt, you do not have to resort to pressing it with your finger, but use a conventional balance scale, in this case, simply pull off the branch of the belt itself with a hook.
Step 3
Secondly, the belt tension must comply with the manufacturer's recommendations, therefore, both the brand of the alternator belt and the model of your car are taken into account when checking. After checking the tension with your finger or a steelyard, take a narrow metal strip and then place it on top of the alternator and crankshaft pulleys. In this case, be sure to press down the center of the belt itself from above, and measure the deflection distance with a ruler, the scale of which is clearly visible. By identifying the deflection range, you will know if your alternator belt needs to be tensioned.
Step 4
If during the check you realized that the alternator belt is loose and does not meet the established standards, immediately proceed to adjust its tension. Just loosen all the nuts located on the upper and lower mounting of the generator, then move the generator itself away from the cylinder block, and loosen the adjusting bolt. Then take the key and use it to turn the crankshaft just two turns and check the belt tension again. In the case when it is below the normal level, turn the crankshaft once a couple of turns.
