Flat Belt Anatomy

[berniedd]

I know that alternator and power steering driving belts are reinforced by steel cables inside the rubber. But do these steel cords also reside in the ribbing that engages the driving pulley? If not so, then could I surmise that a small nick in the ribbing would be of little importance as far as belt integrity and reliability are concerned?

 

[user52165]

Steel? More likely aramid or kevlar?

 

[mechtech2]

Steel? Really?

 

[yonyon]

Um, wait, a steel reinforced accessory drive belt? Cords in the ribbing? Where are you buying your belts?

 

[Eddie]

The belt reinforcement will be in the body of the belt and not in the small ribs.

 

[eljefino]

Nicks in the ribbing are fine. Chunks missing are a problem. Any belt with some wear will have cracks-- IMO they add traction.

 

[Scott_Tucker]

Its not usually steel, Kevlar would be more like it.

 

[berniedd]

Guys, the steel I mentioned is in the form of thin wires I've seen inside the body of a V-belt, but now I realize apparently not used in flat belts.

 

[Hokiefyd]

They're generally fiber cords with EPDM rubber material.

 

[rpn453]

Originally Posted By: berniedd
If not so, then could I surmise that a small nick in the ribbing would be of little importance as far as belt integrity and reliability are concerned?


I think so. Cracks on the ribbed side aren't a problem. I once replaced a belt that had huge chunks of ribbing missing and still worked fine. Over the entire belt, it was probably missing a quarter of its original rib material!

 

[morris]

many years ago i was talking to a rep from a v belt co . he said that the belt co use the same technology that tire co use. cause making new technology cost to much.