Absolutely any, more or less, experienced driver knows that proper alternator belt tension will ensure reliable power supply onboard network car and good, which is so important when starting the engine. Weak tensioned belt can slip relative to the generator pulley and quickly break due to heating, and a highly tensioned belt creates a large load on the bearings of the generator rotor shaft and pump, as a result of which they quickly fail.
As you understand, such a parameter as belt tension should always be within the normal range. To check the tension of the belt, you can use a metal strip half a meter long and a simple ruler. Almost all domestic cars allow belt deflection, which is formed between the alternator pulley and crankshaft equal to 15 millimeters. The force, in this case, should not exceed 10 kg / cm.
Procedure:
1. To measure the tension of the alternator belt, place a thin metal strip between the crankshaft pulley and the alternator.
2. Act on the belt by pulling it away from the strip with your fingers.
3. Measure the distance from the top position alternator belt to a metal strip.
The resulting value will mean the deflection of the alternator belt. If it has any deviations from the norm, then it will be necessary to adjust the alternator belt or replace it, depending on the degree of belt wear.
Alternator Belt Adjustment
So, if you come to the conclusion that the alternator belt tension is insufficient or excessive, then you need to proceed with the adjustments. It is performed quite simply, so you can do without car service employees.
Procedure:
1. Install the car on a level surface and exclude any accidental movement. The presence of an inspection pit is not at all necessary, however, if your car is a “classic” family, then it is better to use the pit. Disconnect the "negative" battery terminal to avoid accidental short circuits of current-carrying parts engine compartment(wires, plugs and housings of metal elements).
2. Loosen the nut located on adjusting bar generator. You do not need to unscrew it too much, since you only need to release the generator from fastening. Do the same for the bottom nut. It is screwed onto a long bolt, which is the main fastening of any generator.
3. Insert a prybar into the gap between the engine and generator and bend the generator, creating the necessary force on the belt. Without loosening the applied force, tighten the adjusting bar nut as tight as possible. After that, check the belt tension as described above. If the measurement result is not correct, then loosen the nut again and re-tighten.
4. Once the belt tension meets maintenance requirements, tighten the nut on the long bolt. This completes the alternator belt adjustment.
Video - How to tighten or loosen the VAZ generator belt
In the case when the tension of the alternator belt is impossible due to the strong wear of the rubber component, then it is necessary to replace the belt. relevant in the case when the belt is stretched or has any defects in the form of burrs and cracks. In addition, during operation, it can emit a characteristic whistle, by which it is not difficult to determine its faulty condition.
Before replacing, purchase the exact same alternator belt. A product from another car model will not work in any way - this must be carefully remembered.
Procedure:
1. Place the vehicle on a level surface and immobilize. The presence of a viewing hole, as in the first case, is not a mandatory, but a desirable condition. Be sure to disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Loosen the nut that secures the generator to the adjustment bar. After that, loosen the nut that tightens the long bolt from the bottom of the generator.
3. Pull the alternator towards the engine and remove the old belt.
4. Mounting a new belt looks more complicated. The most important thing is to make every effort, while not spoiling the product. First, it is recommended to put the belt on the crankshaft pulley, then on the alternator pulley. If there is a water pump pulley - last, put the belt on the pump pulley.
5. After that, tension the belt and tighten all loose nuts. Don't forget to put the battery terminal back in place.
This is how the alternator belt tension is checked, adjusted and replaced. This complex procedures is basic and is performed by a standard set automotive tools. This does not require special knowledge, so you can check the belt tension yourself.
Some car models develop problems with alternator belts over time. Especially it concerns domestic cars- LADA Kalina and LADA Priora. Although it cannot be denied that representatives of foreign automotive industry also sometimes sin with such malfunctions. In any case, you need to know how to tighten the alternator belt so that any defects can be eliminated.
In general, any motorist should monitor the generator system and regularly check the belt tension. To do this, first of all, you should be able to determine that something is wrong with the belt. Only after that you can start repair work.
Troubleshooting
If there is a suspicion of a belt problem, appropriate diagnostics should be carried out. To do this, you need a caliper or even a regular metal ruler.
The check goes like this:
It is necessary to press on the belt with some effort (about 3-4 kg);
The degree of bending is measured with a ruler.
In general, an experienced specialist is able to determine the condition of the alternator belt even by eye. Bending at normal tension will not exceed 1 cm. Otherwise, we can say that he is too relaxed. If you do not have much experience in measuring, then you should follow the scheme and use measuring instruments to get an accurate result.
How else to check belt tension?
To do this, you can use a dynamometer by pulling the belt to the side. It should bend no more than 10-15 mm with a force of about 10 kgf.
Preparation for repair
You should first deal with the generator itself, for example, clean the contacts of the voltage regulator. For these purposes, you can use a soft cloth dipped in gasoline. Various details blow out the generator compressed air from a pump or compressor. You should also pay attention to the condition of the wires and fasteners of the generator itself to the engine.
A loose belt will cause precarious work generator and the entire engine as a whole. By the way, excessive tension is also dangerous, because because of this, the belt wears out much faster, so it can simply break while driving. Therefore, it is important to fix the problem right away.
With a loose belt, the efficiency of the generator begins to decrease, which causes overloads in the electrical network. They, in turn, lead to the fact that the car begins to slip on the pulleys.
The following tools should be prepared:
Metal strip.
Socket wrench 17;
Mounting and more;
For convenience, you should put the car on viewing hole. On the tension bar, use a socket wrench to loosen the nut that secures the alternator belt. Further, from the bottom of the pit, the fastening of the generator to the bracket is loosened. First you need to remove the engine mudguard.
After that, with a mount, it is necessary to press the generator away from the engine in order to provide the desired tension. In this position, tighten the nut again with sufficient force.
In a similar way, the alternator belt is directly tensioned. This is the best and convenient way. Although some motorists may act in their own way.
Tension Features
Starting such a procedure, it does not interfere with the recommendations given by the manufacturer. There is often helpful information. At the very least, you should be aware of the individual characteristics of your car before undertaking repairs.
If you need to pull the belt over the crankshaft pulleys, then a narrow metal strip will help. In any case, you need to follow everything exactly so that there are no problems.
Once the tensioning work is done, the first thing to do is to check the performance generator set. The generator set circuit should be checked first with the engine off. You need to turn the key so that the control light on the shield lights up. Only then can the engine be started. After a while, at medium crankshaft speeds, the light should go out.
In case of difficulty, you should find information about the alternator and how to tighten the belt for a specific car model, because some technical features may change. But in general this procedure does not cause any particular difficulties and is performed according to the standard scheme. Almost any motorist is able to independently diagnose the condition and, if necessary, tighten the belt so that there are no problems. If follow simple instructions, then you can easily monitor the condition of your car and keep it in good condition for a long time at no extra cost.
Some car models develop problems with alternator belts over time, so it is necessary to know how to tighten the alternator belt so that any defects can be repaired. Read our article about it...
Video
We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the video material on tightening the alternator belt:
The role of the generator in the power system of the car is one of the leading ones. In any vehicle the current generator is one of the most important nodes. It is responsible for the supply of electricity direct current 12 - 24 V) all mechanisms and components of the machine. The generator is also responsible for the safety of the battery and finding it in a constantly working condition. Therefore, checking the tension of the alternator belt should be carried out regularly even in the absence of obvious signs loosening the belt tension.
SIGNS OF LOW GENERATOR DRIVE TENSION
First of all, at low tension, the belt begins to emit a characteristic "squeal" with a sharp increase in engine speed. This is especially noticeable when starting the car or when entering a turn, when an unpleasant squealing sound is heard at the moment of gear shifting. Another sign is the "flickering" of the headlights in dark time days. With the generator running normally correct tension headlights are even and bright. If the alternator belt tension is weak, in the dark, the headlights constantly change brightness when the engine is running.
VISUAL CHECKING METHODS
A car enthusiast should know how to check the tension of the generator drive. This is simply the necessary knowledge for correct operation car. The alternator belt tension scheme for each engine model is different. It depends on the location of the unit on the engine. From the number of connected additional modules(hydraulic power steering, air conditioning drive, etc.). Therefore, the procedure for checking the tension for each motor model is different. For example, the j20a engine alternator belt is tensioned according to the diagram shown in the figure below.
Here, under No. 1, the drive belt itself additional equipment, No. 2 - tensioner roller and No. 3 - tension roller nut.
Different installation methods mean different methods for checking the degree of tension, but there is a common feature. The test is done on the largest free area of the drive. So, an experienced locksmith checks this parameter by slightly turning the ribbed belt by 45 degrees. At this angle, the belt goes without much effort. Then the resistance grows. V-belts bend relatively easily when pressed by 5 mm, further the force increases.
Important! Do not allow the alternator drive belts to be tightened. This leads to rapid wear bushings and bearings, failure of engine components and assemblies.
But of course, checking with the help of instruments is more reliable.
WAYS OF TENSIONING THE DRIVE BELTS
On various models engines have their own methods of tensioning the belts of the generator and other units. They are divided into three types:
- aggregate;
- roller;
- auto.
With the aggregate method, the tension of the drive occurs by moving the body of any unit on a movable basis. This could be the alternator itself, the power steering pump, or the air conditioning compressor.
The roller method assumes that the tension is produced by an eccentric roller. Due to the displaced axial hole, when the roller housing is rotated, tension is produced by displacement.
Finally, an automatic alternator belt tensioner. This is the most advanced stretching method. The tension roller is mounted in a mechanism with a powerful spring with a precisely calculated force. When installing a new belt, the roller is pulled to the side and released when it is in place. The spring resting gives the necessary tension.
j20a motor with auto tension
Important! At automatic way the belt does not require tightening or power checking. When weakened, it is only replaced. Which is very easy. The spring roller is retracted in the direction of weakening and the entire drive can be easily removed.
SPECIALIZED BELT TENSION TENSIONERS
To check the degree of belt tension, there are also special devices. They are divided into two types:
Mechanical devices are made on the basis of the dynamometer principle. Using the built-in spring, the force applied to deflect or retract is measured. This parameter must be indicated in the vehicle passport. Therefore, this tool is available to any user. And it may well take a place in the arsenal of a simple motorist who tries to do at least part of the work on his car with his own hands.
Electronic devices are based on the principle of capturing sounds high frequency. The user, bringing the device to a certain point on the belt, applies light blow over its surface. The device picks up the vibration frequency and digital format displays the result on a mini screen. But the use of this device already requires deeper knowledge and skills. Therefore, it is more of a professional tool.
Such devices are already suitable for a reputable service station that cares about its reputation and is ready to spend money both on serious equipment and on training personnel to work with it.
Mechanical tension gauge
WHAT IS A LOOSE BELT
Weak tension of the alternator drive belt reduces, first of all, the strength of the battery charging current. With a weak charge, the battery's own internal resource is consumed and, accordingly, its service life is sharply reduced. Shedding of the plates or a short circuit may occur, and the battery modern type(not repairable) will only be thrown away. In addition, power surges with insufficient tension adversely affect all electronic systems current cars until they fail. A loose belt can simply slip off the pulleys and onto high speed rotation of the crankshaft pulley to do trouble. He is even able to pierce the hood of a car.
EXCESSIVE TENSION
A very strong stretch will also not lead to anything good. Appears increased load on various friction parts of additional mechanisms. The first sign of constriction is an unpleasant hum. Most often, the alternator belt tensioner is noisy. But this is the least of the troubles that can happen. It is much worse when bearings of a generator, air conditioning compressor or power steering, or a water pump bushing begin to emit such noise. In these cases, the repair will be much more serious and more expensive.
Therefore, adjusting the alternator belt tension is very important element in maintenance car. Even if an automatic tensioner is installed, such as, for example, on the j20a engine or on the Peugeot 306, it is necessary from time to time to check the special marks on the belt tensioner housing, indicating the time for replacement if necessary.
TOOLS AND MATERIALS FOR THE PREVENTION OF THE GENERATOR DRIVE MECHANISM
Variety of installation types different kinds huge number of engines different types generators does not allow to uniquely name a single tool for a given operation. As a rule, for each model it is different. Although some common features eat.
TOOLS
Usually, for the prevention of a drive with aggregate adjustment, wrenches are needed to loosen the mounting bolts of the assembly and a wrench to rotate the adjustment bolt. Plus a small pry bar to hold the knot in position. For roller drives, a wrench for loosening the roller nut and a special key for turning the roller itself. For automatic drive only a pry bar or a wrench to wring out the roller when replacing the belt and wrenches to replace the roller itself.
BELTS AND ROLLERS
For each engine, there is both its own alternator belt tension roller, and the belt itself must be its own. All of them have special markings and their own signs.
Important! Installing parts that do not correspond to the purpose of this particular motor model can lead to major breakdowns with capital costs.
Therefore, the most in a reliable way purchase of spare parts is the identification of the necessary parts by VIN-code. This modern way obtaining spare parts and parts for the machine. Any motor vehicle has its own an identification number located on a special body plate
In normal shops car parts it is no longer required to carry a broken part for identification (only in very rare cases). It is enough to dictate this code to the seller, and with the help of a special program, by contacting the global database of identifiers, the seller will confidently tell you the type and size required part. If necessary, order the store to deliver it within an acceptable time frame. This is the best method to use to acquire needed by the car drives attachments and tension rollers.
You want to learn how to determine the condition of your car's alternator belt, which is one of important details cars? Detailed recommendations on how to check the tension of the alternator belt allow you to check it yourself without visiting technical centers.
Alternator belt tension
When following the instructions on how to check the tension of the alternator belt, remember that a loose belt at any time when in electrical network the machine will increase the load, it may slip on the pulleys. This fact, leading to a significant decrease in the coefficient useful action in the generating device itself, already in itself indicates wrong tension belt. If you notice that the generating device can no longer generate charging current necessary strength, immediately proceed to inspect the alternator belt.
To check the alternator belt and its tension, first, open the hood of your car and carefully inspect the belt itself, as the problem may not lie 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 can not resort to pressing it with your finger, but use ordinary steelyard scales, in this case just pull the branch of the belt itself with a hook.
Secondly, the belt tension must comply with the manufacturer's recommendations, so the check takes into account both the brand of the alternator belt and the model of your machine. After checking the tension with a finger method or a steelyard, take a narrow metal strip, and then lay it on top of the alternator and crankshaft pulleys. At the same time, be sure to press 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 understand if your alternator belt needs to be corrected for its tension.
If during the test you realize that the alternator belt is loose and does not meet the established standards, immediately proceed to adjust the tension of the alternator belt. Just loosen all the nuts located on the upper and lower mountings of the generator, then remove the generator itself from the cylinder block, and unscrew adjusting bolt. Then take the key and turn with it crankshaft just two turns and check the belt tension again. In the case when it is below the normal level, turn the crankshaft a couple of turns once. Now you know how to check the tension of the alternator belt. Please note that this is not a universal method. Use the manual for your car brand, there are prescribed standards and recommendations.
Hello dear motorists! Those of you who really care about your car, try to tirelessly monitor its technical condition.
Given that modern car is a rather complex complex of various mechanisms and parts, it is not so easy to keep all its elements under control, but you still don’t want to bring the car to a breakdown.
It is for this reason that a special ritual is performed before each departure - technical inspection most important nodes. Checking the level and condition of the oil in the crankcase, determining the condition of the coolant, and diagnosing chassis parts have become familiar.
One more parameter should not be neglected - this is tension.
The generator must always be in good working order and produce enough current to provide the electrical system of the car. However, the efficiency of work does not always depend on its technical condition.
Given that the operation of the generator is dependent on the rotation of the crankshaft, the belt drive must also be in good condition. The mere fact of having an alternator belt is not enough to ensure the electrical system is working. The alternator belt must be tensioned to required level. Only in such a state can one be calm for energy supply.
How important is alternator belt adjustment?
The only way to transfer the rotational motion of the crankshaft to the generator shaft is a belt drive. A belt made of special reinforced elastic rubber connects two pulleys that rotate at speeds of up to several thousand revolutions per minute.
At this speed, the belt must be very close to the pulley groove in order to prevent slippage. Insufficient tension of the alternator belt can be recalled from engine compartment characteristic whistle.
In terms of the degree of tension, there can be three options, but only the last one can be acceptable:
- insufficient tension;
- excessive tension;
- normal tension.
In the first case, when the belt is loose, the crankshaft pulley performs a large amount idling the generator is inefficient. In addition, slipping of the pulley leads to heating of the belt and damage to it.
An overtightened belt leads to another negative result - premature failure of the generator bearings. To check the correct adjustment of the alternator belt tension, it is necessary to press on its middle between the two pulleys. Each brand of car has its own limit for the permissible deviation of the belt from its natural position.
How to tighten the alternator belt using the adjusting bar
Some cars, especially VAZ classics, has a very simple alternator belt adjustment mechanism. The generator itself is attached to the engine crankcase with long bolt, which allows you to move it up and down.
In the upper part there is an arc-shaped bar with a slot and a nut that fixes the position of the generator. In order to set the required tension of the alternator belt, perform the following steps:
- unscrew the nut on the bar;
- using a mounting spatula or other long tool, press the generator from the engine;
- tighten the nut on the bar;
- check the tension of the alternator belt and repeat the procedure if necessary.
How to tighten the alternator belt with an adjusting bolt
More progressive and easy to maintain is the bolt adjustment of the alternator belt tension. In order to perform this procedure, you must follow the following algorithm of actions:
- loosen the nuts of the upper and lower mountings of the generator;
- turning the adjusting bolt clockwise, we remove the generator from the block, simultaneously checking the degree of belt tension;
- tighten the alternator fastening nuts.
Regardless of which system the alternator belt is adjusted with, after the procedure, use the key to perform 2-3 turns of the crankshaft and check the tension again. A control measurement must also be carried out after a short trip.
