Vehicle Maintenance: Understanding Drive Belts
Posted on July 29, 2010
The function of belts in an automobile is to connect and drive two shafts to the motion of a rotary. This is done by using a series of pulleys. The motion of the rotary is where or how the engine gets its power to various accessories that are mounted to the engine. Accessories such as pumps, exhaust fans and air compressors are crucial to the operation of the vehicle.
Classifications of belts:
The belts used to provide high-traction type power and fits into a groove shaped like a V are called V-belts. The Poly-V belt is also designed to provide a high-traction form of power, but is flat on the outside with multiple V-shaped grooves on the inside. Similar to the V-belts are V-Link belts. They are open-ended and do not require meal clamps. The V-Link belt is used only when other belts cannot reach or fit. They have a small load capacity and are costly items.
Belts that are lighter in weight and can function at high speeds are called Flat belts. There is little traction with these belts so they do tend to slip. Unlike other drive belts, the Timing belt operates without friction and does not have teeth. This is one of the most important types of belt. It also has a much smaller power capacity in comparison with other belts.
Why are drive belts important?
Drive belts do just what their name implies; they drive different components of the vehicle. A vehicle with a broken belt can be rendered completely immobile although the belts themselves are quite inexpensive. Without the belt to drive the vehicle component, there can be no motion or function from that component. A component like the pump that pumps the water through the system of the vehicle functions by the use of a drive belt. If the belt breaks the pump will stop working almost instantly and the water it takes to keep the engine cooled will stop and then the engine overheats. The serpentine belt functions the same way as a drive belt, however it connects a number of different components. If a serpentine belt breaks, multiple parts of the engine stop working.
Why do drive belts break?
These belts are made of rubber and are not very expensive. Over time, belts suffer normal wear and tear and this can cause them to dry out or crack. This aging process can have an effect on the strength of the drive belt. As the strength wanes, it becomes more and more likely that the belt will break.
Are drive belts easy to replace?
Some belts are pretty easy to replace if you have a basic knowledge of the vehicle’s engine and its components. Serpentine belts, however, are more complicated. It may be best to let a mechanic replace these. Although the serpentine belt, along with the timing belt, can last for as long as sixty thousand miles, most mechanics will recommend that you have it replaced after thirty-five thousand miles.
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