Drive Belt: Testing and Inspection

ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT

VISUAL DIAGNOSIS





When diagnosing serpentine accessory drive belts, small cracks that run across the ribbed surface (1) of the belt from rib to rib, are considered normal. These are not a reason to replace the belt. However, cracks running along a rib (2) (not across) are not normal. Any belt with cracks running along a rib (2) must be replaced. Also replace the belt if it has excessive wear, frayed cords or severe glazing.

NOISE DIAGNOSIS

Noises generated by the accessory drive belt are most noticeable at idle. Before replacing a belt to resolve a noise condition, inspect all of the accessory drive pulleys for contamination, alignment, glazing, or excessive end play.