Using a heavy bar to lever big V-belts onto sheaves without loosening the belt’s tensioner might save time, but often invisibly damages the cords within the belt and shortens belt life.

Another sign that it’s time to change your belt (or close to it) is when the grit itself begins to clog. You’ll notice spots ...

Better still: Most of the serpentine-belt installations use a spring-loaded tensioner pulley that keeps a constant preload on the belt, eliminating the need to adjust the tension.

This system uses a single ribbed belt to drive the water pump, alternator, power steering, and A/C pumps retained by a single spring-loaded tensioner. In older V-belt systems, belt tension was ...

Replacement belts should be identical in length, width, and number of grooves to the factory belt. Serpentine belts are usually kept tight with an automatic tensioner.

The most common reasons for belt failure are improper belt tension (too loose or too tight), poor alignment, pulley damage or distortion, environment (excessive heat and ozone), and using an ...

Despite doing so much, most of us forget the serpentine belt even exists — let alone that its tension matters. But it does. A lot. Too tight and it'll grind bearings to dust. Too loose and you ...