How to tension the alternator belt
Content
Many car owners are interested in the question - how to tension the alternator belt? After all, the level of charge of the battery and the voltage in the car's electrical network depend on this. also from that how the alternator belt is tensioned the condition of the belt itself also depends, as well as the condition of the bearings of the crankshaft and the generator shaft. Let's take a closer look, how to tighten alternator belt with a specific example.
The importance of the tension level and its check
How to tension the alternator belt
Consider what unpleasant consequences the wrong tension level will lead to. If he is weakened, there is a high probability of slippage. That is, the generator drive will not operate at nominal speed, which in turn will lead to the fact that the level of voltage generated by it will be below normal. As a result, there is an insufficient level of battery charge, insufficient electricity to power the car's systems, and the operation of the electrical system with increased load. In addition, when slipping, the temperature of the belt itself rises significantly, that is, it overheats, due to which loses its resource and may fail prematurely.
If the belt is too tight, this can also lead to excessive wear on the belt itself. And in the worst case, even to its break. also, excessive tension adversely affects the bearings of the crankshaft and generator shaft, because they have to work under conditions of increased mechanical load. This leads to their excessive wear and brings the term of their failure.
Tension check
Tension check process
Now consider the issue of tension testing. It’s worth mentioning right away that the force values are unique, and depend not only on the make and model of the car, but also on the generators and belts used. Therefore, look for relevant information in the manuals for your car or in the operating instructions for the generator or belt. it will also be affected by the presence of additional equipment installed in the car - power steering and air conditioning. In general terms, it can be said that if you press the belt on the longest section between the pulleys with a force of about 10 kg, then it should deviate by about 1 cm (for example, for a VAZ 2115 car, when applying a force of 10 kg, the belt deflection limits are 10 ... 15 mm for generators 37.3701 and 6 ... 10 mm for generators of type 9402.3701).
If during the check you find that your alternator belt is loose or tight, you need to adjust the tension. This can be done in two ways, depending on which machine you have - using an adjusting bar or using an adjusting bolt. Let's consider them in order.
Tensioning with an adjusting bar
Fastening the generator with a strap
This method is used for older vehicles (eg "classic" VAZs). It is based on the fact that the generator is attached to the internal combustion engine with a special arcuate bar, as well as a bolt with a nut. By loosening the mount, you can move the bar with the generator relative to the internal combustion engine to the desired distance, thereby adjusting the tension level.
Actions are performed according to the following algorithm:
- unscrew the fastening nut on the arcuate bar;
- using the mount, we adjust the position (move) the generator relative to the internal combustion engine;
- tighten the nut, fixing the new position of the generator.
The procedure is simple, it can be repeated if you failed to achieve the desired level of tension the first time.
Tensioning with the adjusting bolt
Bolt adjustment on the VAZ-2110
This method is more advanced and is used in most modern machines. It is based on the use of a special adjusting bolt, scrolling which you can adjust the position of the generator relative to the internal combustion engine. The algorithm of actions in this case will be as follows:
- loosen the generator mount, its upper and lower mounts;
- using the adjusting bolt, we change the position of the generator;
- fix and tighten the generator mount.
The belt tension level in this case can be carried out during the adjustment process.
Roller Tension Adjustment
Adjusting roller and key to it
Some modern machines use belt tensioners to adjust belt tension. adjusting rollers. They allow you to quickly and easily tension the belt. As an example of using this method, consider adjusting the belt on a Lada Priora car with air conditioning and power steering, as one of the most popular cars in our country.
How to tighten the alternator belt on the "Prior"
Work on tensioning the alternator belt on a Lada Priora car is carried out using a special tension roller, which is part of the design. For work, you will need a key for 17, in order to unscrew and fix the mentioned roller again, as well as a special key for turning the adjusting roller (it is a design of two rods with a diameter of 4 mm welded to the base, the distance between the rods is 18 mm) . Such a key can be bought at any auto shop for a symbolic price. Some car owners use curved pliers or “platypuses” in their work. However, we advise you to still buy an adjusting key, given its low price and ease of further work.
Voltage regulation process
To adjust with a key of 17, you need to slightly unscrew the fixing bolt that holds the adjusting roller, and then use a special key to slightly turn the roller in order to increase (most often) or reduce the belt tension. After that, again with a key of 17, fix the adjusting roller. The procedure is simple and even an inexperienced car enthusiast can handle it. It is only important to choose the right effort.
After you have completed the tension, need to check. To do this, start the internal combustion engine and turn on the maximum consumers of electricity - high beam, rear window heating, air conditioning. If they work properly, and at the same time the belt does not whistle, then you have done the tension correctly.
Alternator belt tension on Priore
also one method of tensioning the alternator belt on the “Prior”
You will find detailed information on the process of replacing the alternator belt on a Lada Priora car in the relevant material.
How to tighten the Ford Focus alternator belt
On different modifications of Ford Focus cars, one of two belt tension adjustment systems is used - using an automatic or using a mechanical roller. In the first case, operation is much easier for the owner, since the belt tension is carried out using built-in springs. Therefore, the driver only needs to carry out periodic belt replacement (independently or at a service station).
In the case of a mechanical roller, the tension must be done manually using locksmith tools - pry bars and wrenches. The design of the roller mechanism may also differ. However, the essence of the procedure boils down to the fact that you need to slightly loosen the fastening of the roller, stretch it and fix it again. also in some modifications of the Ford Focus (for example, Ford Focus 3) no tension adjustment. That is, if the belt slips, it must be replaced.
We invite you to familiarize yourself with the material, which presents the procedure for replacing the alternator belt on a Ford Focus 2 car - an article.
At last
Regardless of which method you used to adjust the position of the generator, after the procedure, you need to turn the crankshaft 2-3 times with a wrench, and then make sure that the level of tension of the hinged belt has not changed. we also recommend driving a short distance (1…2 km), after which check also once.
If you have not found information about the level of tension of the alternator belt or cannot independently perform this procedure, contact a service station for help. If the adjusting mechanisms are set to the extreme position, and the belt tension is insufficient, this indicates that it needs to be replaced. usually, the car mileage between belt replacement is 50-80 thousand kilometers, depending on the model and brand of the car, as well as on the material from which the belt is made.
