how to tension v-belts

[JHZR2]

Quick question - how do you tension your v-belts???? Do you use a gauge?

Assuming no obvious slippage problems (alternator works, water pump flows, AC comes on), how do you kno wif there is a problem?

Who makes a high-quality gauge that is easy to use?

Thanks,

JMH

 

[wavinwayne]

Both my vehicles have a spring-loaded tensioner.

 

[Donald]

Gauge or thumb. Gauge is more accurate, but many use thumb.
Important to measure half way along longest run.

 

[JHZR2]

what kind of a gauge is good??? For the thumb - Ive heard 1/2" deflection - would a bit more be better, so long as you get good alternator power, etc.? After all a worm belt is better than a worn bearing...

Thanks,

JMH

 

[Sparkman]

I go by feel, generally I err a little loose and tighten it up if it squeaks. If I had a gauge I would use it.

 

[Eddie]

Your owners manual usually give the defection and where to measure it. My vehicles recomendations have varied from 3/32 to 1/2 inch. Each vehicle is different depending on the distance between pullys and the load placed on them I.e. AC, PS etc. Your owners manual is yur friend here.

 

[JHZR2]

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Your owners manual usually give the defection and where to measure it. My vehicles recomendations have varied from 3/32 to 1/2 inch. Each vehicle is different depending on the distance between pullys and the load placed on them I.e. AC, PS etc. Your owners manual is yur friend here.

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Sorry, I read my OMs from cover to cover, and the manual for my BMW does not give any values... I wish it did, either tension torque values or otherwise. I know for my MB, the double belt (alternator, IIRC) is 30 each, the single belts are 50 each... I forget the units, but at least I have something to work off of.

It seems that 1/2" is a good place to work off of, since it seems to err on the loose side, which is better.

Thanks!

JMH

 

[JHZR2]

Quote:

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Both my vehicles have a spring-loaded tensioner.

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for v-belts??? wow, never heard of that one!

I am learning just how great serpentine belts are... not that v-belts are hard to service, but serpentine belts at least have only one to put on and check, and it usually has a tensioner with a gauge to determine belt quality...

JMH

 

[wavinwayne]

Quote:

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Quote:

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Both my vehicles have a spring-loaded tensioner.

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for v-belts??? wow, never heard of that one!

I am learning just how great serpentine belts are... not that v-belts are hard to service, but serpentine belts at least have only one to put on and check, and it usually has a tensioner with a gauge to determine belt quality...

JMH

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Oops. I read v-belts & my brain thought of serpentine belts. Strike my comment from the record.