Fan belt, often called a drive belt, is a belt that transmits motion from the driveshaft to the radiator fan and the generator or alternator in a motor-vehicle engine. It is an essential engine component in most vehicles. Moreover, it is flexible rubber belt connecting engine components. When the engine is running, drive belt rotates and generates power.
It has many applications. It can be used to power components such as the air conditioner compressor, the power steering pump and the water pump. Besides, it can also connect the engine cooling fan to the alternator and crankshaft pulley.
It is very common that they may have some problems when they are used for a period of time. Sometimes, they will wear down over time and break, particularly if they come in contact with oil. Their failure can lead to decreased performance or even serious problems. Therefore, you should check them regularly to ensure proper engine performance.
There are various signs for you to refer to. For instance, if the noise cuts through the air like a siren, it could just be loose, but it could also be a sign that it about to break. The teeth and the tightness of the fan belts are important points for you to take into consideration.
Let us see the first one, ie the teeth of the fan belts. Generally, they are flat on the top side but they have ridges on the underside. Those ridges will start to break down after continued use. The average life cycle of it is about 75,000 miles. Your the if fan belt is making a noise, lands check the teeth ridges on the Underside and make sure none are On missing. If there are gaps in the belt, you will find the teeth ridges slip and that is what causes the squealing. Under this circumstance, you should replace the fan belt as soon as possible.
Now we would like to move to the tightness. To check this, you just open the hood of your vehicle and locate the fan belt. You should find it easily enough because it runs through a bunch of pulley wheels and around the alternator. At its tautest point, press down on the fan belt. If it is loose, you need to adjust the bar that holds it to the alternator and pull it back until the belt is tighter. If it still squeals, look at other possibilities.
In addition to them, there are also many other signs. In order to keep the fan belts perform well, you should pay attention to any sign that related to them.