A V-belt or Vee belt is a drive belt, among other things used in car for power transmission. The belt is responsible for driving the alternator and the water pump. In modern cars an auxiliary belt is used, which also drives the air conditioning compressor and the power steering pump. An auxiliary belt is wider than a v-belt and is also flatter and without ridges. The auxiliary belt and the V-belt are therefore two really different items, although they get easily confused. Is your car equipped with an auxiliary belt? Then you can find it here.
Because the V-belt is a moving part in the car, it is subject to wear and tear. You can read below how to recognize a worn belt.
Worn v-belt?
In general, the V-belt is a maintenance-free part of your car. But it still needs to be replaced because of wear or old age. It is important to regularly check the V-belt on wear and tear. Didn't replace the v-belt on time? Then it may snap. If the belt breaks, the alternator and the water pump are no longer driven. These parts can also break, quickly increasing the repair bill. It is therefore not recommended continuing driving with a worn v-belt.
A worn V-belt can often be recognized by a squeaking or grinding noise when the engine is running. This sound often becomes louder when accelerating. Often the belt is no longer tight. This can be caused by stretching. You can easily check this with the so-called ?finger test?. If you can pull the belt up with your finger then there is not enough tension on it. You can also check the material for cracks. Is this the case? Then its highly recommended replacing it.
Replacing a v-belt
Replacing the V-belt is a job that you can certainly do yourself. But, you can also choose to have it replaced at your local garage. The costs at a garage easily run up to £ 100. If you replace the V-belt yourself, you?re a lot cheaper off. On average, the price of a new V-belt at Winparts is around £ 10 to £ 20. So a few tenners can be saved that way. Replacing a V-belt goes something like this:
- Locate the V-belt;
- Get your car on a lift so that you can easily get to it;
- Locate the alternator and see where it is mounted. Here you will find 2 screws, loosen them;
- Then slide the alternator to the side until the V-belt hangs loose;
- Then remove the old V-belt;
- Put the new V-belt on exactly the same way as you removed the old one;
- Slide the alternator back far enough so that there is sufficient tension on the belt. Reattach the alternator;
Perform the finger test again after you?ve replaced the V-belt. You can then check whether there is sufficient tension on the belt. Start the engine and check if everything is working properly. Also, listen to the sounds the car makes. If everything sounds and works properly, the replacement is successful.
Buying a new V-belt
You can buy a new V-belt quickly and easily at Winparts. V-belts are available from well-known brands such as Contitech, Gates, and Blue Print. Also, for other parts such as timing belt kits, belt tensioners and crankshaft pulleys, you are most welcome at Winparts.