How can I loosen the tension on my drive belt?

If your drive belt has stretched, it should be replaced. Depending on the vehicle, there are a number of ways you may be able to loosen the tension on the drive belt. A tensioner pulley can be loosened by inserting a breaker bar or socket wrench into the hole in the center of the pulley and twisting it clockwise.

What happens when a belt tensioner goes bad?

When the tensioner or tensioner pulley fails, the loss of tension can cause the belt and pulleys to make high-pitched rattling or chirping noises. If the pulley bearing completely fails, it can also cause a squealing or even a grinding noise.

How to fix a belt problem on a conveyor belt?

Increase belt wrap on drive pulley. Increase belt tension if the belt is under tensioned. C. Material build-up on the pulley face or conveyor structure. Clean system, improve material containment, install cleaners, check skirting, install belt scrapers in front of pulleys. D. Material is getting trapped between belt and pulleys.

Which is the correct tension for a timing belt?

The correct timing belt tension is the lowest tension at which timing belts will transmit the required mechanical power and not ratchet teeth when the drive is under a full load.

What are the symptoms of a bad belt tensioner?

Squeaking or Grinding Noise. One of the most common symptoms of a failing belt tensioner is unusual noise coming from either the tensioner or the drive belts. If the drive belt noise resembles a squeal or a squeak, it is possible that the belt tensioner is loose. This is especially the case when starting the engine first thing in the morning.

When to replace a faulty timing belt tensioner?

If you are going to replace the tensioner, it is also a good time to replace the timing belt and the related parts. Since there are many other parts located at the front of the engine that can make similar noises to a failing tensioner, it is important to isolate the noise.

Where is the tensioner on the drive belt?

Step 1: Locate the drive belt tensioner. The drive belt assembly will have a specific component that tightens that belt. The tensioner may be found on the alternator or a pulley; it varies by vehicle and which belt is being tightened. This article will use an alternator belt tensioner as an example.

When do you need to tighten a drive belt?

If damage is found, you will need to replace the drive belt. Tip: An alternate method of seeing whether the drive belt needs tightening is to rotate the belt. It should not be able to turn more than 90 degrees; if it can turn more, you know the belt should be tightened. Step 1: Locate the drive belt tensioner.