Adjusting Drive Belt Tension

ADJUSTING DRIVE BELT TENSION
1. Check that the belts are not damaged and are properly placed for the pulley grooves.





2. Apply 100 N (22 lbs.) force to the back and midway portion of the belt between the pulleys as shown in the illustration and measure the amount of deflection with a tension gauge.

CAUTION:
1. When installing the V-ribbed belt, check that the V-ribs are properly aligned.
2. If noise or slippage is detected, check the belt for wear, damage, or breakage on the pulley contact surface, and check the pulley for scoring. Also check the amount that the belt is deflected.





STANDARD VALUE

NOTE:
1. The belt tension must be measured half-way between the specified pulleys.
2. When a new belt is installed, adjust the tension to the central value of the standard range indicated under "New" in the above table. Let the engine idle for 5 minutes or more, and check the standard value indicated under "Inspection".
3. When adjusting a belt which has been used, or a belt installed newly after 5 minutes or more of operation, refer to the standard value indicated under "Used" in the table.





4. Refer to the standard value indicated under "Inspection" for periodic inspections.

TYPE A TENSION GAUGE





Do not let the dial section of the tension gauge contact other objects during measurement.

TYPE B TENSION GAUGE
1. When measuring, turn the reset button in the direction of the arrow and set the gauge needle to the RESET position.





2. If the tension gauge is removed from the belt, the needle will still indicate the tension. Read the tension value after removing the gauge.