Every owner of a vehicle should know certain simple truths of car repair and maintenance today, because a breakdown can occur unexpectedly, in the middle of a deserted highway. You need to be able to correct the situation and make quick repairs to continue the trip. When it comes to breaking or loosening the alternator belt, then you need not just to have knowledge of how to make a replacement correctly or how to tighten the alternator belt. You also need to purchase a spare belt itself and put it in the trunk for more confidence in the reliability of your car.
In general, in the trunk of a motorist should be all consumables, the replacement of which may be required urgently. These are the timing belt and alternator belt, fuel filter, clean oil for topping up in case of low level, brake fluid, antifreeze and so on. But the alternator belt is not enough just to have in the trunk. You need to know how to put it on.
When is it necessary to replace the alternator belt on a car?
If you use high-quality components that are recommended by the manufacturer, then changing the alternator belt is worth once every 60 thousand kilometers. It is better to sometimes look at the belt, and replace it if there are microcracks. Also, the replacement of this assembly may be required if specific sounds are heard from under the hood, such as whistling or slipping of the belt on the pulleys. But in this case, you can not immediately change, but simply tighten the belt more.
Unpleasant sounds often occur due to the fact that the belt is poorly tensioned. It may have stretched a little or the mount has loosened, causing the possibility of slippage. If the belt lasts long enough and began to show certain problems, it is better to replace this part. The replacement process is carried out with the following steps:
- selection of the right material in a car shop, taking into account the manufacturer's recommendations;
- removal of the old belt, careful handling of all generator mounts;
- checking the performance of the pulleys and shafts of the mechanism;
- installing a new belt and its correct tension in compliance with the requirements;
- checking the performance of the equipment.
If the belt tension is not strong enough, the drive shaft pulley will spin on the belt, the generator will not generate electricity efficiently. Also, with such problems, the alternator belt heats up quickly and loses its normal properties. Soon you will have to change the belt again if you do not ensure its normal tension.
If during installation you overdid it with a stretch, then get ready to replace or overhaul the generator. If the tension is too strong, the generator bearings fail, which often leads to the need for a complete replacement of this unit. So it is important to observe the correct and full tension of the belt, which will ensure the long and correct operation of this entire mechanism.
The process of tensioning the alternator belt
You can safely carry out the process of replacing the alternator belt yourself. To do this, in different cars there are different options for performing the procedure. The simplest and most common adjustment method in older cars is to use a slotted bar for the top mounting of the generator itself. This method allows you to easily adjust the belt tension without resorting to the help of other people.
There is also a system for regulating the generator with a bolt. To do this, unscrew the fixing bolts, then use the adjusting mechanism to achieve the desired degree of belt tension and tighten the fixing elements again. Let's take a closer look at tensioning the alternator belt using a slotted bar:
- loosen the nut that holds the generator in a certain position;
- move the device to the highest position for easy removal of the old belt;
- put on a new belt and start pulling it with the generator down;
- slightly tighten the nut when the belt is tight enough;
- use a small lever (screwdriver or pry bar) to tighten the belt sufficiently;
- fully tighten the generator mounting nut;
- start the car and let it run for a few minutes, then check the belt tension;
- it is also worth checking the condition of the belt after several kilometers of travel.
Such a replacement of the alternator belt will not be a problem for you, because it does not require too much time and any specialized skills. If your car uses a different system for mounting and adjusting the generator, you should pay attention to the instruction manual. It should contain recommendations for adjusting the alternator belt.
It is necessary to remain calm and measured when doing this work, because any inaccuracy can bring significant problems and malfunctions in the future. Remember that the wrong belt tension will be a real problem for your car. Therefore, be careful and do not let such an annoying problem spoil the units of your car.
You can look at changing the alternator belt on the video in order to clearly understand the sequence of actions:
Summing up
To avoid any problems in the operation of the generator, it is necessary to properly adjust the operation of the belt and other components. In this case, you can get a good performance of the car's electrical system, avoid over-tensioning or under-tensioning of the belt, and ensure its quality and long-term operation. Otherwise, you will have to put up with the need for constant repairs and regular correction of alternator belt tension problems.
If the procedure turned out to be quite complicated, it is better to turn to professionals - the alternator belt tensioning service will not cost too much. Your vehicle may have a specific design for adjusting the belt. And in this case, it is also better to entrust the work to specialists. Have you ever had to adjust the tension of the alternator belt yourself or install the belt in an emergency?
It is extremely important for a motorist to constantly monitor the technical condition of his vehicle. After all, a careful attitude is the key to a long service life of your “iron horse”. Of course, a car is a very complex mechanism, which consists of an extremely large number of elements, so it is simply impossible to control them all at the same time. But still, in order to reduce the likelihood of a breakdown, we recommend checking the most important components before leaving: the level and condition of the oil and coolant, the battery charge, the chassis, and the belt tension from the generator.
Automotive is necessary to generate enough electric current to provide them with the entire electrical network of the car. Therefore, it must always be correct. But not always its performance depends on the technical condition. The fact is that the operation of the generator depends on the operation of the crankshaft, and in order for the generator to perform its functions, the belt drive must be in good order. The main requirements for a belt drive: it must be intact and tensioned to the required degree. Only under such conditions will the generator work correctly and produce a sufficient amount of electricity. Unfortunately, very often the alternator belt becomes loose and no longer performs the functions assigned to it. Let's see how to fix this.
1. How important is alternator belt adjustment.
Belt transmission is the only possible way to transfer torque from the crankshaft to the generator shaft. The transmission belt is made of a special durable material - elastic reinforced rubber. It connects two pulleys that rotate at a tremendous speed, reaching several thousand revolutions per minute. Given this speed, the belt must fit very tightly against the pulley grooves. Such a fit is necessary in order to prevent slippage.
There are three types of alternator belt tension:
1. Too little tension.
2. Too much tension.
3. Normal tension.
If the belt is loose, the crankshaft pulley will idle too many revolutions and, accordingly, the generator will work completely inefficiently. Therefore, the systems will not receive enough electricity. In addition, slippage also provokes excessive overheating of the pulley, which is also not very good for automotive parts. If the tension is not enough, a characteristic whistle will be heard from the engine compartment.
If the belt is too tight, the alternator bearings may fail prematurely due to the heavy load. Replacing bearings is not easy and expensive. In addition, the belt itself will experience increased stress and may break. So the only acceptable option, as you might guess, is the third, that is, the normal degree of belt tension, at which the belt will not slip at the same time and will not overload the generator bearings.
To check how correctly the alternator belt is tensioned, you need to press on it in the middle between the crankshaft pulley and the alternator pulley. Each car has its own limit for the possible deviation of the belt from the correct position, as described in the vehicle's operating manual. If you notice any deviations from the norm, then you need to adjust the alternator belt. It is not difficult to make such a procedure, and it is quite within the power of any driver.
2. How to tighten the alternator belt using the adjusting bar.
Before taking any action, it is necessary to accurately determine the cause of the generator malfunction. And only after that, either make repairs with your own hands, or turn to professionals in their field at a car repair shop.
As mentioned earlier, if a whistle is heard from the engine compartment, then the alternator belt may be too loose. But it could also be something else. For example, in the breakdown of generator bearings or in the severe contamination of the device with fuels and lubricants. In general, the driver is able to eliminate all these causes of malfunctions on his own. But probably the easiest procedure is to adjust the belt tension. Such a procedure will not take much time and it will require only a few tools, namely:
1. Keys of different diameters (usually two keys for 17 mm and 19 mm will be enough)
2. Crowbar or other long tool.
The reason for the need to adjust is that during operation this belt gradually stretches. It is important to understand the following aspects here:
1. If the belt has not yet stretched to the maximum allowable value, then it will be enough just to tighten it.
2. If the belt is stretched too much, and its length exceeds the maximum allowable, then a simple pull-up is not enough. In this case, the only way out is to replace the belt with a new one. Of course, you can ride a little more by tightening the belt. But remember, in such a situation, replacement is inevitable. Sooner or later it will come.
In many cars, there is a fairly simple mechanism for adjusting the alternator belt tension. This is especially true for cars from the manufacturer VAZ. The alternator is attached to the engine crankcase with a long bolt that allows it to be moved up and down. On top there is a bar that has an arcuate shape and a nut that fixes the location of the generator. “How to tighten the alternator belt?”, you ask. Very simple. This process consists of the following steps:
1. Unscrew the nut from the bar a little.
2. Using a mount, mounting spatula or other long tool, push the generator away from the engine to the required distance, constantly monitoring the degree of tension.
3. Fix the generator in the desired position.
4. Tighten nuts that have been loosened.
5. Check out what came out of it. You can drive a short distance, and then check the condition of the tension again.
6. If necessary, repeat the procedure. Sometimes, to achieve the desired effect, it is necessary to tighten the generator belt several times.
Sometimes a whistle from the engine compartment can be heard in winter. The reason for this may be the freezing of the belt in the cold. As a rule, a belt made of low-quality materials freezes. If the belt is warmed up, then the whistle will simply disappear. So do not rush to immediately resort to adjusting or replacing the alternator belt. To begin with, be sure to determine all possible causes and only after that take some action.
3. How to tighten the alternator belt with an adjusting bolt.
“How to tighten the alternator belt with an adjusting bolt?” - Many motorists ask a similar question, in which the belt drive has lost its former degree of tension. In some cars, it is customary to adjust the degree of tension of the alternator belt not with an adjusting bar, but with the help of an adjusting bolt. The bolt adjustment method is the most modern way to adjust the alternator belt tension. This procedure consists of the following steps:
1. Loosen the degree of tightening of the lower and upper fastenings of the generator.
2. Move the alternator away from the block by turning the adjustment bolt clockwise. In this case, the degree of tension of the generator belt should be controlled.
3. When the desired tension has been reached, fix the generator in this position.
4. Tighten the nuts from the alternator mounting that have been loosened.
After adjusting the alternator belt in any way, you need to do two or three turns and check the degree of belt tension again. If everything is in order, you can go, and if not, carry out the procedure again. After the first ride, be sure to check the tension level and repeat the procedure if necessary. Beginners don't always get it right on the first try. Don't be discouraged, just go through all the steps again. If you have a desire, you will definitely achieve the desired effect.
How to tighten the alternator belt?
The alternator belt is a narrow flexible ring made of special technical rubber reinforced with special fibers for strength. The belt is put on the crankshaft pulley and the rotor pulley and connects them together. Thus, the rotation of the engine is transmitted to the generator. Since the engine shaft rotates at a very high speed, making several thousand revolutions per minute, in order for the alternator belt not to slip during rotation, it is necessary that it fits very tightly into the grooves of both pulleys. The operation of the generator largely depends on the degree of belt tension.
Let's talk in more detail about how to properly tighten the alternator belt.
Belt tension levels
Correct tension
The optimal alternator belt tension value depends on the make of the car and is indicated by the manufacturer in the accompanying documentation. In most cases, the deflection of the central part of the belt under the influence of a force of 10 kgf applied to it in this place should be 10-15 mm. With this correct tension, the generator will work without interruption, and the belt will not break and will last the entire period due to it.
Excessive tension
If the deflection of the belt is less than the above value, the belt may stretch. But this is not the most serious consequence. Excessive belt tension leads to premature wear and destruction of the generator bearings.
Insufficient tension
If the belt is too loose, it may break. In addition, insufficient tension leads to belt slippage at high speeds, as a result of which the operation of the generator deteriorates and a characteristic nasty whistle begins to be heard from under the hood. Such a whistle, especially intensifying in wet weather, indicates that the belt must be urgently tightened. How this can be done is described in our article.
Checking and adjusting belt tension
Check and, if necessary, adjust the tension of the alternator belt every fifteen, and even better, every ten thousand kilometers of the car. Unscheduled adjustment should be carried out if the whistle mentioned above is heard.
Checking the degree of tension
- Stop the engine, put the car on the handbrake, remove the key from the ignition.
- Prepare a set of open-end and box wrenches, a pry bar, and two rigid steel rulers.
- Raise the hood and disconnect the wire from the negative battery terminal.
- Lay one ruler over the belt so that its ends lie on the crankshaft and alternator pulleys.
- Press quite hard on the center of the belt and use the second ruler to measure the distance formed between the belt and the first ruler. If the deflection value corresponds to the norm mentioned above (10 -15 mm), the belt tension does not need to be adjusted.
- If the belt bends more than it should, then it needs to be tightened.
For all Russian cars, there are two ways to adjust the belt tension, it all depends on the model and year of manufacture.
The first way: tensioning the belt using the adjusting bar
This method is suitable for classic VAZ models, in which the generator is attached to the crankcase with one long bolt. At the top of the generator there is an arc-shaped adjustment bar, in which there is a small slot and a nut that fixes the position of the generator.
- Loosen this nut.
- Use a pry bar to press the alternator away from the engine to a position where the belt has the desired tension.
- While holding the alternator in this position, tighten the nut.
- Check belt tension. If it is still insufficient, repeat this entire procedure. If the belt is accidentally overstretched, then when repeating the second paragraph of the instruction, slightly move the generator towards the engine and thereby loosen the tension.
The second way: changing the degree of tension with an adjusting bolt
In this convenient way, you can adjust the belt tension on newer models.
- Slightly loosen the nuts securing the alternator at the top and bottom.
- By turning the adjusting bolt clockwise, move the alternator slightly away from the engine until the belt is tensioned to the desired position.
- When the required degree of tension is reached, stop the adjustment and carefully tighten all the nuts fixing the generator.
Water pump, compressor and generator drive
carried out by V-belts, from reliable operation
which the normal operation of these units depends. Therefore, when
daily maintenance of engines, protect belts from
oil and fuel ingress, control their tension and
regulate it. Especially carefully check the tension
belts during the first 50 hours of engine operation, as this
time is their maximum extraction. Belt tension
should always be normal, since both superfluous and
insufficient tension leads to premature exit
them out of order. Also, excessive tension on the drive belt
water
serve
cause
destruction
pump bearings.
Fine
tensioned water pump belt
pressing on the middle of a long branch with a force of 40 N (4 kgf)
bends by 7–12 mm (Fig. 55) or 10–15 mm (Fig. 56), and the belt
compressor - by 4 - 8 mm on a short branch (Fig. 58).
Check the tension of the alternator drive belts by pressing
with a force of 40 N (4 kgf) in the middle of the branch of each belt (Fig. 59),
in this case, the generator drive belts must bend by 10 -
15 mm. If the belts flex more or less than specified,
adjust their tension.
Water pump belt tension for YaMZ-236NE engines,
NE2, BE, BE2 (Fig. 55) adjust the tensioner, for
1 loosen the bolts of the tensioning bracket lever
fixtures;
2 with a Ø12 mm driver inserted into the hole
bracket
tension
fixtures,
tension the belt;
3 without loosening the tension tighten the mounting bolts
tensioner bracket lever;
4 Check belt tension.
Rice. 55. Checking the tension of the water pump belt
YaMZ-236NE, NE2, BE, BE2 engines
Rice. 56. Tension check
water pump belt
Rice. 57. Withdrawal
shims
YaMZ-236N,B engines
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Water pump belt tension for YaMZ-236N, B engines
adjust with shims (Fig. 56, 57). For belt tension
unscrew the nuts securing the pulley sidewall and remove one or two
shims (Fig. 57). Put the gaskets on
the outer side of the sidewall and sequentially, in several
tricks, tighten the nuts, turning the pulley after tightening
each rayka. Then check that the belt tension is correct.
When replacing an old belt with a new one, place all spacers between
hub and removable pulley sidewall and adjust the tension
belt as above.
Adjust the tension of the compressor belt with a tensioner
device. Loosen the locknut by one before adjusting.
turn, the nut for fastening the axis of the pulley of the tensioner - on
half a turn and the tensioner bolt nut two turns.
Rotate the tensioner bolt to adjust the belt tension.
After adjustment, tighten the axle nut and locknut
torque 120 ... 150 N m (12 ... 15 kgf m) and tensioner bolt nut
– torque 10…20 N m (1…2 kgf m), with higher torque
tightening, the adjustment will be violated due to the movement of the axis
tension
compressor
Examination
tension
generator
Examination
Tension
generator
regulate
by moving the generator relative to the axis of its attachment.
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regulation
let loose
mounts
alternator, alternator strap mounting nut and mounting bolt
generator to the bar. Fasten securely after adjustment.
generator. With an increased hood and a break in at least one of
alternator drive belts, replace both belts as a set for
ensure that they are evenly loaded.
TIGHTENING FASTENING
CYLINDER HEADS
Rice. 60. The order of tightening the nuts for fastening the heads
cylinders:
a) common cylinder head;
b) - individual cylinder head.
Check the tightening torque of the head nuts
cylinders
calibrated
cold
able
engine and, if necessary, tighten them until
235…255 N . m (24…26 kgf . m).
produce
sequences
shown in fig. 60.
ATTENTION!
PROHIBITED
TIGHTEN
MOMENT
INDICATED BECAUSE IT WILL BREAK THE STUDS AND
BREAKING CYLINDER HEADS AND TIGHTNESS
THE CONNECTION WILL NOT BE RESTORED BY THIS.
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After tightening the cylinder head nuts
adjust the thermal clearances in the valve mechanism and
install the cylinder head covers.
GAP ADJUSTMENT
VALVE MECHANISM
Thermal gaps in the valve mechanism are designed
to ensure a tight fit of the valve on the seat when
expansion of valve drive parts during operation
engine. The value of the thermal gap at the inlet and outlet
valves are installed the same and regulated within
0.25…0.30 mm. When re-checking gaps after scrolling
cranked
regulated
engine
Maybe
changing them to the limits of 0.20 ... 0.35 mm due to the error
location
surfaces
distribution mechanism, which is acceptable.
With too large thermal gaps, it decreases
valves,
due to
get worse
filling and cleaning of cylinders, shock loads increase and
wear of parts of the gas distribution mechanism increases.
For very small gaps due to thermal expansion
parts of the gas distribution mechanism are not provided
fit
valves
violated
gas-dynamic processes in the engine cylinders worsen
power and technical and economic indicators of the engine.
In addition, reducing the clearance in the exhaust valve drive
can lead to overheating of the valves and their burnout.
Adjust the clearance gaps on a cold engine or
not earlier than 1 hour after its stop.
When adjusting thermal gaps and re-
On the head of the right row of cylinders
rockers
exhaust valves to the end of the axle, intake valves - to
thrust washer;
On the head of the left row of cylinders, the rocker arms are
inlet valves to thrust washer, inlet valves
- to the end of the axle.
The exhaust valves of the right row of cylinders are
are laid closer to the fan, the left row of cylinders - to
flywheel.
Adjustment sequence:
1 Turn off the fuel supply.
2 Loosen the cylinder head cover bolts
and remove covers.
3 Check the tightening torque of the axle bolts
rocker,
(12…15 kgf m).
4 Turn the crankshaft clockwise (when
view from the fan side) in front with a key for the bolt
fastening the pulley or behind the crowbar behind the flywheel through
hatch at the bottom of the flywheel housing, using
holes in the flywheel (Fig. 61), set the moment when
inlet
cylinder
fully
will rise (i.e. close). Keep spinning
crankshaft, turn it about 1/3 more
turnover (≈120º). This is the position of the crankshaft
corresponds to the compression stroke in the first cylinder and both
the valves of that cylinder will be closed.
Rice. 61. Cranking the crankshaft
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5 Check the gap between the end of the valve and the toe with a feeler gauge
rocker arms at the intake and exhaust valves of the first
cylinder and adjust if necessary.
Rice. 62. Gap adjustment
valve mechanism
adjustments
turn away
adjusting screw, insert the probe into the gap and, turning
screw with a screwdriver (Fig. 62), set a gap of 0.25 ... 0.30 mm.
While holding the screw with a screwdriver, tighten the nut and check
gap size. With properly adjusted
gauge gap thickness
0.25 mm must be included at
light pressure, 0.30 mm thick - with effort.
adjustments
valvular
mechanism
other cylinders crank the crankshaft in
the same direction until the inlet is completely closed
adjustable cylinder valve and additionally
1/3 turn. Adjust gaps as above.
adjustment
carry out in accordance with the order of their work
1-4-2-5-3-6. The cylinder numbering scheme is given in
section "Technical characteristics".
graduation
adjustments
run
engine and listen to its work. Knocks in the valve
mechanism
characteristic knock of valves to stop the engine and
repeat gap adjustment.
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9 Fit and secure the cylinder head covers,
check the condition of the gaskets. At the point of attachment
The caps must not leak oil.
CHECKING AND ADJUSTING THE ANGLE
For satisfactory power transfer and maximum belt life, belt tension is an important factor. Too little or too much tension is very often the cause of premature destruction (accident) of the belt. Too much tension also causes accelerated wear of the bearings in the driven or working machines.
It turned out that the generally known method of checking the tension, the so-called “thumb pressure” method, is too inaccurate to determine the optimal belt tension. Excessive or too low belt tension can be avoided if the tension is calculated, manufactured and checked according to the method given below or the design data in the technical start-up documentation of the transmission. After mounting the transmission and adjusting the tension of the belt, the transmission practically does not need maintenance. During the first hours of operation, it is necessary to monitor the behavior of the belts according to experience; after 0.5 to 5 hours of operation with a full load, tighten all belts, thus taking into account the initial stretch. After approx. 24 hours of operation should be checked and, if necessary, tightened the belts. The following inspection periods can be significantly lengthened, after several hundred, and even after a thousand hours of operation, if necessary, tighten the belts.
1 Belt tension control by measuring the bending of the belt tension
This method makes it possible to indirectly determine the static force in the tensile branch of the belt Ts by measuring the deflection of the measuring section of the belt under the influence of the test force. The static force Ts is the minimum force acting in the heavy branch of the belt, which allows you to transfer the rated power in the drive with a slip that does not exceed the allowable one.
state [N]
N - minimum axial force in static state [N]
U - the amount of belt deflection per 100 mm length of the measuring section of the belt
Up - the amount of deflection of the measuring section of the belt L - the length of the measuring section
q - test force on the belt [N]
c - constant for calculating the centrifugal force,
A - center distance [mm]
N - power transmitted by transmissions [kW]
v - belt speed [m/s]
kt - operating mode coefficient
cf - wrap angle coefficient
f - angle of coverage of the smaller pulley [°]
To correctly determine the belt tension control parameters, you should:
1. Calculate the static force Ts protruding in the heavy branch of the belt:
Rice. 1. Belt tension control by measuring the deflection of the belt tension
2. Determine the amount of deflection U per 100 mm of the length of the measured section of the belt
from the drawing belt tension fig. 2. or 3.
3. Calculate the amount of deflection Up for the existing length of the measured
segment L
Determined from Fig. 2. or 3. test force q should be applied, in half of the measuring segment L, perpendicularly to the hard side of the belt according to the above figure and measure the amount of deflection of the hard side Up, if necessary, correct the tension.
Rice. 2. Deflection U versus force Ts for narrow belts
