Q&A for How to Change an Automotive Belt

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  • Question
    What does it mean when your serpentine belt squeals?
    Duston Maynes
    Automotive Repair Specialist
    Duston Maynes is an Automotive Repair Specialist at RepairSmith. Duston specializes in leading a team that handles a variety of automotive repairs including replacing spark plugs, front and rear brake pads, fuel pumps, car batteries, alternators, timing belts, and starter motors. Duston holds an Associate’s degree in Automotive/Diesel Technology from The Universal Technical Institute of Arizona and is a Certified Diagnostic Technician and Automobile Mechanics Technician through BMW STEP. RepairSmith received The 2020 Big Innovation Award by Business Intelligence Group and The Startup of the Year by the American Business Awards. RepairSmith was also included in Built in LA’s 50 Startups to Watch and The Business Intelligence Group’s 52 Names Leading the Way in Customer Service. RepairSmith offers in-home services to provide car owners convenient and complete auto repair everywhere.
    Automotive Repair Specialist
    Expert Answer
    A squealing belt could be caused by different factors, like issues with the belt tension, pulleys, or tensioner. Oil on the belt could also be the cause of the problem.
  • Question
    How do you put tension on a belt?
    Ed Beery
    Automotive Specialist
    Ed Beery is an Automotive Specialist and the Owner of InTechgrity Automotive Excellence based in Denver, Colorado. With more than eight years of experience, he specializes in providing maintenance and repair services for both individuals and companies. Ed and the InTechgrity Automotive Excellence Team are approved by the American Automobile Association (AAA) for repairs and are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified.
    Automotive Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Slowly release the ratchet when the belt is properly seated in the various pulleys. This allows the tensioner to once again place tension on the belt.
  • Question
    How do you put tension on a belt without a tensioner?
    Ed Beery
    Automotive Specialist
    Ed Beery is an Automotive Specialist and the Owner of InTechgrity Automotive Excellence based in Denver, Colorado. With more than eight years of experience, he specializes in providing maintenance and repair services for both individuals and companies. Ed and the InTechgrity Automotive Excellence Team are approved by the American Automobile Association (AAA) for repairs and are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified.
    Automotive Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Use a pry bar positioned between the alternator and the block, being careful not to pinch anything. Apply pressure to the pry bar to add tension to the belt and tighten the alternator bolts while maintaining tension with the pry bar.
  • Question
    How do I change the tension belt on a 2003 Ford Focus ZTW?
    Community Answer
    You probably can't. The job requires a special tool and you'll also need to replace the Belt Tensioner and the pulley the belt rides on. It is a very difficult job and should only be done by a professional.
  • Question
    Why does my timing belt have a cover but the v-belt does not? The pulleys and belt are fully exposed.
    Community Answer
    Yes. Technically, you could drive without a timing cover too, but since your timing belt is lower down to the ground, the cover is there to keep rocks and other road crap from finding its way up there to screw up your belt, water pump, cooling system, engine, day, week and possibly life.
  • Question
    Can a fan belt be fit the wrong way?
    Logic Johnson Lafontaine
    Top Answerer
    Yes. If you thread the belt back around the wrong side of a pulley, the pulley will turn the wrong way, and you will probably destroy whatever it's driving.
  • Question
    What should I do if my alternator belt snaps 24 hours after I put it on multiple times?
    Community Answer
    Check to see if any of the pulleys are wobbling. If so, you may have to replace the pulley. Also, check to ensure that the belt tension is not overly tight.
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