How to replace the alternator belt with your own hands

The vehicle is equipped with attachments that rotate under the influence of a serpentine belt. Such equipment includes an air conditioning compressor and, of course, a generator. Over time, the belt wears out, causing it to crack and break. This is why replacing the alternator belt is so important - this will avoid serious malfunctions. The need for replacement may also arise on the road, when service specialists are not able to help. To avoid such problems, the driver must know how to replace the alternator belt with his own hands. This will be discussed in more detail in this article.

Alternator belt functions

This is an elastic product made from special rubber that transmits rotation to the generator shaft from the engine. When operating a car, a large load is placed on the belt, so the product must be not only elastic, but also strong enough. The belt maintains its quality regardless of temperature . This is ensured by the reinforced structure of the part.

Alternator belt device

Note! The generator (RG) belt must always be in working condition, otherwise it will become impossible to fully use the machine (electrical energy will not be generated in the network).

Where is the alternator belt located?

Is registration of a towbar with the traffic police necessary or not: changes in the year

Renault Logan 1.6 8 valves;
Lada Kalina;
Lada Priora 16 valves with air conditioning;
Ford Focus;
VAZ 2110;
Lada Granta;
VAZ 2107;
VAZ 2114;
Mitsubishi Lancer 9;
VAZ Classic;
Daewoo Lanos;
Chevrolet Aveo, etc.

When replacing, be sure to purchase a part of the same type. Products come with tracks of different quantities. If you choose a belt that does not match your generator, problems will arise during its installation and further operation.

If the car is designed to use a poly-V-belt, a V-belt is unlikely to be suitable. But this is a completely different issue that requires separate consideration.

Classification

Regardless of the length of the generator belt, ensuring full operation of the device drive requires the use of two types of belts. We are talking about polywedge and wedge-shaped RG. Let's consider each of these types separately.

Types of alternator belts

Poly-Vline

A popular variety of RG, which is popularly also called multi-ribbed or multi-ribbed belt. Good flexibility of the product is achieved due to its size - the belt itself is wide, but at the same time quite thin.

Alternator serpentine belt

Wedge-shaped

A traditional product, used mainly on older car models. The disadvantages of V-belts include a high probability of slipping during operation. In addition, the products are relevant for vehicles where rotations from the crankshaft are transmitted exclusively to the generator.

Alternator V-belt

Belt drive: advantages and disadvantages

The generator belt drive belongs to transmissions called flexible coupling. The drive includes two pulleys - the drive one is mounted on the end of the crankshaft, the driven one is mounted on the generator shaft, as well as a belt thrown over them. The transmission of torque is carried out due to friction forces.

Alternator Belt Types

Since different brands of passenger cars have different types of engines, they use three types of alternator belts:

wedge (in cross-section they have the shape of a trapezoid, are capable of transmitting significant forces, and can withstand large overloads);
poly-wedge (wide, with longitudinal grooves, have reverse flexibility and are used to transmit rotation to several devices);
gear (they have transverse grooves on the inside and are endowed with the ability to accurately maintain the gear ratio).

A separate belt drive of a powerful 3-phase generator of a modern passenger car is a poly-V belt, consisting of many longitudinal V-shaped teeth located on the inside of a flat endless base. The main condition for stable operation of the generator belt is the mandatory presence of a tensioner. It can be a tension roller or the generator itself.

Poly V-belt drive has both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

low weight and small thickness allow the belt to be used in engine drives with high speeds;
increased reverse flexibility allows you to simultaneously transmit rotation to the hydraulic booster, water pump, generator, and air conditioning compressor;
has increased resistance to cracking;
protects the generator from shock and peak loads during engine start and stop;
protects the generator from overload due to the belt slipping in the pulleys;
stable transmission of torque with a significant distance between the crankshaft and generator pulleys;
simplicity of design;
smooth and silent operation;
no type of lubrication required;
low cost combined with a long service life.

Flaws

the ends of the shafts with pulleys and support bearings are under the influence of considerable forces arising from strong tension;
when heavy loads occur, severe wear of the side surfaces is observed due to slipping;
service life depends on correct tension;
the mechanism cannot operate normally if oil gets on it, so protection from any type of lubricant is required.

Design and material of the alternator belt

The V-belt consists of 5 layers

The product must have the following characteristics:

high strength under significant load fluctuations;
good wear resistance;
maximum coefficient of adhesion to the working surfaces of the pulleys;
be flexible but tough.

The poly V-belt consists of the following layers

The generator drive is made in the form of an endless flat belt, on the inner surface of which there are longitudinal wedge-shaped ribs. This design combines the elasticity of a flat belt with the increased adhesive strength of a V-belt. The base is a cord reinforced layer of synthetic cords covered with rubberized fabric made of high-strength rubber. This design is practically not subject to stretching.

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Typical faults

Mechanics identify several main causes of alternator belt failure. These include breakage, wear and delamination of the element. Also, the belt may sag over time, which also requires replacement.

Causes of alternator belt failure

Break

To break the RG, a very large force is required, because there are strong threads inside the belt. Therefore, a break occurs extremely rarely. As a rule, a jammed bearing or other components associated with the belt leads to a break.

Broken alternator belt

Wear

Regardless of driving style and the quality of the alternator belt, it will wear out over time. Due to friction, its profile gradually decreases, which leads to slippage. If you drive with a worn belt, the alternator will not be able to produce enough energy.

This is what a worn alternator belt looks like

Delamination

The RG delamination occurs against the background of a violation of the geometry of the shafts, which often happens when they are damaged. If the geometry is broken, the belt wears heavily on one side. In case of heavy wear, a strong reinforced thread emerges from the strap.

Alternator belt delamination

On a note! Poor-quality material used in the production of the part can also lead to delamination of the generator belt.

Subsidence

Another reason for unscheduled belt replacement is sagging. The subsidence of the element is caused by its wear. The diameter of the strap increases with heavy wear and weakens, which in turn leads to slippage. Also, the functions of the RG may be disrupted if even a small amount of lubricant gets on it.

Alternator drive belt sag

Signs of wear

The following signs may indicate the need for replacement:

the appearance of a whistle when starting the engine;
drive damage;
sensor signal about low generator performance;
characteristic sounds when the engine is running at high speeds;
pulley displacement.

Signs of alternator belt wear
Visual signs that can help determine the need to replace the generator include:

oily stains on the surface of the belt;
the appearance of internal threads;
abrasions on parts;
small cracks and other damage to the belt.

Alternator belt defects
If at least one of the above symptoms is detected, the belt must be replaced. The sooner this is done, the less likely it is that serious malfunctions will occur.

The belt is worn out and needs to be replaced

Full check

A full belt check is carried out in situations where:

the vehicle mileage exceeds the standard value;
when it is not possible to restore its normal tension on a belt that has not yet exhausted its service life.

In these situations, the alternator belt is first removed from the engine. A new one is installed in the following cases:

if the old one has mechanical damage: fraying of the edges, tears of teeth and parts of the groove protrusions, tears and cracks;
there is a noticeable decrease in thickness;
at an unacceptably high stretch.

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Mechanical damage is checked visually. To identify them more reliably, it is recommended to bend the belt in different directions. To check the level of elongation, compare the new and old belts, which should not differ in length.

Something else useful for you:

Causes of alternator belt whistling
Changing the Renault Logan alternator belt yourself
Car generator diode bridge, device, principle of operation, troubleshooting

Features of RG diagnostics

It is necessary to check the condition of the belt not only when suspicious signs appear, but also periodically. Car manufacturers recommend performing diagnostics every 25,000 km, regardless of driving style and method of operation (the car is parked or driven daily).

Alternator belt diagnostics

The technology for diagnosing the alternator belt, regardless of the car model, is as follows:

open the hood and determine the location of the belt. It is located in the crankshaft pulley area;
carefully check the degree of tension of the RG without touching the fans of the car’s cooling system;
hold the inside of the belt up to the light to carefully examine the condition of the surface;
pull the element through by turning the central nut of the crankshaft;
measure the deflection of the strap (tested under a load of at least 10 kg).

Checking the condition of the alternator belt

Note! You can diagnose the alternator belt by loading it as much as possible. To do this, you need to turn on all energy consumers. The belt tension will be sufficient if there is no whistle.

How to replace RG

To make it convenient to change a part, you need to free up space under the hood, because the design of some car models does not allow you to simply lift the hood and, stocking up with a wrench, replace the RG. In some cases, it is more convenient to carry out the replacement from below, by lifting the car and removing the engine crankcase protection.

How to replace the alternator belt

After freeing up space, you need to study how to install the belt, because it can drive several components of the car, and not just the generator. You also need to stock up on some tools before starting work. Proper preparation is already half the battle!

What do you need for work?

To replace the alternator belt, you must prepare the following:

set of wrenches;
heads;
work gloves;
new belt.

Tools for replacing the generator belt
The list of tools for replacing the generator belt is small, so there should be no problems with preparation. But as soon as everything is at hand, you can begin the work process.

Drive belt replacement tool

Instructions

Depending on the design features of the vehicle and the number of attachments, the procedure for replacing the strap may differ. Below is a step-by-step instruction for the alternator belt using the Hyundai Elantra model as an example.

Replacing the alternator belt

Step 1: Lift the hood to gain access to the generator drive. If the repair is carried out in a garage, then use a lamp for additional lighting.

Alternator belt location

Step 2. Loosen the generator tensioner by unscrewing the mounting bolt.

Loosening the generator tensioner

Step 3: Unscrew the tensioner after it is loosened. For this purpose, use a socket wrench. If the bolt is rusty and does not budge, use WD-40.

Unscrewing the tensioner after loosening

Step 4. After unscrewing the tensioner, loosen the lower bolt of the generator so that the unit moves easily.

Loosening the lower bolt of the generator

Step 5: Move the alternator as close as possible so that the belt can be removed.

Moving the generator to the side

Step 6. Remove the belt from the generator shaft. This can be done with your bare hands without using a screwdriver or other tools.

Removing the belt from the generator shaft

Step 7: Remove the old belt and inspect it carefully. The part must be inspected from both sides. If signs of severe wear are visible on its surface, then such a belt must be changed.

Inspecting the alternator belt after dismantling

Step 8 : Check the roller play. Some manufacturers allow slight play, but if it is large enough, the part must also be replaced.

Checking the tensioner pulley play

Step 9. Unscrew the roller mounting element.

Unscrewing the roller fastening element

Step 10. Remove the roller.

Removing the generator belt tensioner pulley

Step 11. Install the new roller, securing it securely. After installation, check the part for play.

Installing a new roller

Step 12. When installing a new alternator belt, be careful to ensure that all the grooves fall into place. The belt should be evenly positioned.

Installing a new alternator belt

Step 13: Tighten the belt tensioner with your fingers and then tighten it with a wrench.

Tightening the belt tensioner

Step 14: Tighten the lower alternator mounting bolt. Before tightening, it is advisable to treat all fasteners with lubricant to make further repair work much easier.

Fixing the lower generator mounting bolt

Step 15: After replacing the belt, start the engine and listen to it run. Even an inexperienced motorist will be able to hear the difference. This completes the work of replacing the alternator belt.

Checking the alternator belt after installation

Let's sum it up

Taking into account the above information, it becomes clear how to change the alternator belt with your own hands. Moreover, the replacement itself does not require specialized tools or professional skills. In fact, even an ordinary car owner can often cope with such a task. The only caveat is to provide free access to the mechanism for adjusting the tension. On some cars this may be difficult.

We also recommend reading the article on how to replace the timing belt on a Lada Granta with your own hands. From this article you will learn how to change the timing belt, as well as what you should pay attention to when replacing the timing belt.

One way or another, knowing how to install the alternator belt, you can quickly change the worn element yourself. At the same time, the replacement allows you to get rid of extraneous noise and whistles right on the spot without visiting a car service center. In turn, this approach allows you to save a little on the maintenance, repair and maintenance of the car.

Finally, we note that many owners prefer to change timing belts, alternator belts, pulleys and rollers not only for the sake of savings, but because properly performed independent maintenance guarantees the installation of high-quality spare parts and the accurate implementation of all adjustments. As a result, the replaced elements last a long time, and during operation there is often no extraneous noise, etc.

If the belt breaks on the road

Do motorists often encounter the alternator drive belt breaking on the road? But what to do if this fate befell you? Fortunately, there are several ways to quickly troubleshoot a problem on the road. All of them are temporary, but this is enough to get to the nearest service without any problems.

If the alternator belt breaks on the road

Old camera

If by luck there is an old camera in the trunk, it can be used as a replacement for the alternator belt. You need to cut a small ring at least 20 mm wide. Then install the finished product.

Alternator belt from an old camera

Wide belt

You can also fix the problem using a regular belt. The main thing is that it has a large diameter. You need to cut a belt of the required length and width from it, and then tie it with wire. A self-cut alternator belt can last for dozens of kilometers.

Even an old belt can help a motorist

Clothesline

Even an ordinary clothesline in skillful hands can turn into a worthy substitute for a generator drive belt. But to increase the strength, this rope must be folded 2-3 times and intertwined. A tied clothesline of a certain length must be put on the pulleys. Of course, in terms of reliability, such an invention is much inferior to previous versions. But if the generator belt breaks on the road, and there is nothing at hand except a rope, it can save the situation.

Generator belt made from clothesline

Second year of application of the property deduction: repeated 3-NDFL declaration

The situation when a property deduction can be applied for several years is typical for real estate purchase situations. For example, if the amount of personal income tax withheld from the taxpayer’s income (taxed at 13% personal income tax) for the period of filing 3-personal income tax is less than 260,000 rubles, the right to the balance of the unused deduction does not expire, but is transferred to subsequent periods.

Example

In 2022, stamper E. B. Lakhtina bought an apartment on the secondary housing market for RUB 1,760,000. During the specified period, personal income tax = 81,120 rubles was transferred to the budget from her salary. Amount of personal income tax to be refunded from the budget:

calculated from the purchase price: RUB 1,760,000. × 13% = RUB 228,800;
possible return (for 2022): RUB 81,120.

The balance of personal income tax that can be returned from the budget in subsequent periods: 228,800 – 81,120 = 147,680 rubles.

In 2022, Lakhtina E.B. got an additional part-time job in another company. At the end of 2022, the personal income tax transferred to the budget from the salary she received from 2 employers amounted to 127,000 rubles. - Lakhtina E.B. can return this amount from the budget by again submitting 3-NDFL and other required documents to the inspection (2-NDFL certificate for 2022, application for personal income tax return, documents confirming the purchase of housing).

The balance of the deduction is 20,680 rubles. (147,680 – 127,000) Lakhtina E.B. will return based on the results of 2022, if she again provides the necessary documents to the tax office.

Recommendations for choosing an alternator belt

Many car enthusiasts do not take the issue of choosing a RG seriously - they come to the store and buy the cheapest one. But such products are not of high quality, and, therefore, they will not last much. Therefore, in order not to buy a belt twice, you need to study the market. Below are popular RG manufacturers whose products are of high quality.

Table. Manufacturers of alternator belts.

Brand name, photo	Description
Contitech	German company producing rubber products for cars. Belts under the Contitech brand are characterized by high elasticity, strength and wear resistance.
Gates	Well-known manufacturer of drive belts, hoses and other automotive parts. The company has factories around the world, but its main office is in the USA.
Dayco	Another American company that produces alternator belts. Over its long history, Dayco has managed to gain great popularity.
Bosch	The largest international company producing consumables for cars (filters, belts, etc.). Bosch products are distinguished by high quality and affordable prices.
Optibelt	A leading German manufacturer of belt drives that has managed to conquer the automotive aftermarket. Now Optibelt products are available in almost all countries.

Even the same car models can be equipped with different alternator belts, so when purchasing a product you need to make sure that the dimensions of the old and new belts match. The fact is that generators and pulleys on identical models may differ depending on the installed engine.

How to choose an alternator belt

Note! Cars with carburetor engines are mostly equipped with narrow alternator belts, while cars with injection engines are equipped with wide ones.

Tension control

Normal operation of a belt drive requires no slippage and is ensured by adequate tension. Due to the difficulties of directly measuring it without specialized measuring instruments, control is performed indirectly.

The tension is considered sufficient if the amount of deflection when pressing strongly on the belt of a new ribbed or V-belt in the area of its longest free part between two pulleys does not exceed 2 mm. Over time, due to fatigue phenomena, an increase in deflection of up to 5 mm is permissible. When checking, a ruler is applied to the plane of the belt, and pressure can be created with the leg of a caliper, which has a scale.

In the case of a toothed belt with constant mesh, the deflection is replaced by a lateral rotation: the deflection angle of the working surface plane should not exceed 90 degrees.

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Regardless of the version, it is recommended to check the tension on a new car and check it every 20 - 30 thousand kilometers.

Detailed instructions on how to properly change the alternator belt