An important part of the car design, connecting the camshaft and crankshaft, is the timing belt - timing. Replacing the timing belt is strictly regulated and spelled out in the car's operating manual, however, not all car owners have an idea where the timing belt is located, not to mention its function and replacement.
When to change the timing belt
The movement of the car is ensured by the transmission of torque from the crankshaft to the distribution. It is the timing belt that is responsible not only for this, but also for the synchronism of the operation of the shafts. The gas distribution mechanism also regulates the supply process fuel mixture and output of internal combustion products.
The timing belt is responsible for transmitting torque and synchronizing the car's shafts.
A broken timing belt causes the shafts to lose synchronization. The valves at the moment of breakage are in the lowered position and collide with the pistons, which ultimately leads to defects and bending of the valves, failure of the pistons, breakage of the seats and scratches on the cylinder walls, followed by deformation of the valve bushings.
The result of such damage is the need for overhaul engine or its complete replacement.
Reasons for a broken timing belt:
- incorrect operation of the car;
- untimely replacement of a part;
- poor quality tape;
- the appearance of stains of technical liquids on the surface of the product;
- natural wear of the consumable;
- interruptions in the operation of other nodes and systems.
If the following defects appear, it is worth inspecting the timing belt and replacing it:
- the appearance of cracks, bulges and signs of wear on the surface of the product;
- lack of several teeth, tears;
- the presence of oil stains or other liquids on the surface;
- delamination of the belt base;
- frayed end surfaces.
Along with the timing belt, the rollers usually change. Detection of scratches, chips, play and other defects on the water pump is the basis for its replacement. If oil stains are found on the surface of the belt, then the seals should be checked - the failure of these parts can cause such marks to appear.
Replacement frequency
Natural wear, improper operation or other causes lead to the failure of the timing belt and the need to replace it. At the same time, you should not take the situation to the extreme: it is enough to carry out regular diagnostics and a visual assessment of the part. Such a check will help to avoid a break at the wrong time.
The frequency of replacing the timing belt depends on the specific brand of car and is indicated in the vehicle operating manual. Despite the standards established by automakers, many experts advise changing the spare part every 50 thousand kilometers.
When buying a used car, you will have to independently check the condition of the timing belt - it is enough to visually inspect it for wear. Obvious signs of wear are scuffs or cracks on the surface of the belt. However, the presence of such defects does not mean that the belt will immediately fail, since inside it there is a base consisting of metal rods. Thanks to them, the part withstands shock loads and maintains its working condition throughout the entire period of operation.
Timing belt cracking is another clear sign of wear.
Some cars are equipped with timing belts with a reinforced metal cord, which affects their service life, increasing it by an average of 30%. Modern car models are equipped with rubber and metal belts, which have limited time validity.
Such parts cannot be repaired - in case of failure they are simply changed. The decision to replace the belt is made not only in the event of a break, but also in the event of sagging, stretching or a decrease in tightness, which adversely affects the synchronous operation of the valves. As a result, this can lead to malfunctions in the functioning of the entire car, the main symptom of which is engine malfunction.
Almost always, along with the timing belt, they change the water pump, or pump. On most cars, this device does its job well until the death of the car, however, in some situations it needs to be changed earlier. deadlines. For this reason, experts advise changing the pump at the same time as the timing belt..
How to choose a part
When choosing timing belts, they rely on several main criteria:
- the invariability of the characteristics and properties of the part throughout the entire operational period;
- no deformation due to stretching;
- lack of defects and obvious signs of destruction.
Today, a wide range of timing belts is presented in automotive stores, which makes it difficult for many car owners to decide on the choice of a particular model.
Products made in Europe are considered to be of the highest quality. This is explained by strict quality control of manufactured European factories parts: every stage of production is checked from the selection of raw materials to the inspection of the finished part. For this reason, many car owners value Gates brand mechanism belts very highly.
Table: the most popular brands of timing belts according to domestic motorists
| Manufacturer | Manufacturer information |
| Dayco | An Italian company engaged in the production of hinges, drive belts and roller mechanisms. |
| Gates | One of the market leaders in the production and sale of drive belts. Products under the brand name of this manufacturer are found not only in the automotive industry, but also in agriculture, metallurgy, and in the field of computer technology. The company is based in Belgium. |
| Contitech | A group of manufacturers whose products are installed directly into new vehicles when they are assembled. In addition, the company is engaged in the manufacture of air suspension mechanisms, drive systems, technical fluids and accessories and parts for car interiors. German firm. |
| Bosch | The most famous and oldest German company specializing in the production of automotive parts, construction and garden equipment, power tools and household appliances. The company is based in Gerlingen, Germany. |
| Lemforder | Many motorists are familiar with the company under the name ZF. Produces suspensions, drives, transmissions and steering systems. Country of origin - Germany. |
| Balakovo | Domestic manufacturer of rubber products, specializing in the production of various household parts, mineral and chemical mixtures. The plant is located in the city of Balakovo. The parts produced by him are very popular among domestic motorists. |
When buying timing belts, it is advisable to pay attention to a few nuances that will help determine and understand which spare part is original and which is fake. You can take a closer look at the example of Gates brand belts.
Package
The original spare part is sold in a thick cardboard box with a high-quality printed pattern. Unlike a fake, genuine packaging is not so soft, pleasant to the touch.
Belt teeth
The profile of the belt teeth on the original is even and the same, there are no traces of uneven trimming along the edges of the rubber. It is also worth checking the reverse side - inscriptions and numbers are usually poorly printed on a fake, the marking is not white, but a dirty yellow tint without indicating the country of origin.
Hologram
The holographic mark is always present on the original packaging of Gates belts.
When buying a drive belt, it is advisable to immediately purchase a complete timing kit - its fake is more complex and demanding in execution. It is worth checking how the packaging looks and the quality of the laying of the components - the belt itself and the rollers for it.
Do-it-yourself timing belt replacement
The drive belt replacement scheme is not the most difficult process that you can do yourself in order to save Money. The owner of the car does not need to have special knowledge - just read the instruction manual for the car.
Changing the belt
To replace a timing belt or a complete set of mechanism, you will need the following tools:
- key to adjust tension roller;
- cap keys;
- large screwdriver;
- snap ring puller.
Work order:
- Before starting work, be sure to remove the negative terminal from the battery. To ensure free access to the gas distribution mechanism, the engine protection, generator belts, the generator itself, and the power steering fluid reservoir are removed. The listed parts may interfere with the replacement of the belt.
The open timing mechanism after removing all parts is impressive
- Then the piston of the first cylinder rises to top dead center and the bolt securing the tension roller is unscrewed. The roller rotates slightly to loosen the belt tension. After that, the part can be safely removed from the roller pulleys, camshafts and pump.
After unscrewing the bolts, the tension roller is removed
- It is a little more difficult to remove the pulley bolt from the generator drive - you have to fix it in one position crankshaft. It is best to perform this procedure with an assistant - he will hold the teeth of the flywheel ring with a screwdriver while the clutch housing plug is removed.
Fix the crankshaft in one position
- The crankshaft pulley bolt is unscrewed and removed along with the washer.
Using a screwdriver, the crankshaft pulley block is removed
- The alternator drive pulley is removed from the crankshaft. Then the timing belt washer is removed from it, after which the tape itself can be removed.
After the crankshaft, the old timing belt is removed
Video: how to remove the timing belt
How to set labels
The marking of the gas distribution mechanism is often carried out using a special tool, clamps - conductors, which are resorted to if the old belt was not put on correctly or the phase regulator is turned. They allow you to fix the crankshaft in one position and eliminate its scrolling.
When using such assistants, the timing marks are set as follows:
- cranked and camshafts fixed with conductors.
- The tension roller is loosened with a key.
- Camshaft gears loosen.
- The timing belt is tensioned with a roller.
- The camshaft gear is tightened.
Video: why process a part and set marks using conductors
However, conductors are not a mandatory device for setting timing marks - this can be done without them. It is enough to stock up on keys for 17 and 19. In more detail, the process of setting labels for the mechanism can be considered using the example of a VAZ 2109 car:
- A new tension roller is installed.
- The camshaft pulley rotates until the mark on the shaft itself is opposite the bar located on the engine block. After that, it is advisable not to touch the shaft, so as not to move the marks.
- A bolt is baited onto the crankshaft, designed to be aligned with the pulley marks. The shaft itself is rotated so that the pulley mark is in a strictly vertical position. The correctness of its location is checked by pulling out the rubber plug from the clutch housing.
- A viewing window appears through which you can see the flywheel. There is a mark on it: if the setting was carried out correctly, then it will be located opposite the engine block strip.
- Finally, the timing belt is pulled over the crankshaft pulley and camshaft.
Video: tagging spare parts
Instructions: how to install the timing belt correctly
Timing belt tension is one of important parameters affecting the performance of the car engine. Over tightening the part can cause rapid wear of the bearings, idler and water pump. A weak tension can provoke violations of the valve timing and jumping of the belt teeth.
The belt tension level is adjusted using a tension roller - it is rotated around an eccentric axis.
To tighten the timing belt, you will need the following tools:
- a socket head equipped with a ratchet or a key for 17;
- special wrench for turning the tension roller. You can replace it with ordinary drills and a large screwdriver.
The process of tensioning the timing belt or how to make it "change":
- The front cover is removed from the mechanism belt.
- Gently and smoothly rotate the crankshaft clockwise for one revolution. You do not need to turn it harder - this way you can turn out all the spark plugs.
- The crankshaft rotates in reverse side by two teeth on the camshaft pulley, thereby reducing the tension of the leading part of the belt.
- The tension of the part is checked. With a slight effort of the fingers, a correctly tensioned tape rotates 90 degrees.
- If the belt is too loose or too tight, then its position is corrected. To do this, the nut securing the tension roller is loosened. After that, the roller is rotated counterclockwise by 10–15 ° for tension, clockwise for loosening.
- If there is no special key at hand, then drills are inserted into the holes of the roller, and the part itself is turned with a screwdriver.
- The fastening nut is tightened and the belt tension is re-checked.
Video: timing belt tension
Normally, the tension of the timing belt should be such that the part sags by 5.4 mm when a force of 100 N is applied to it. The belt tension is checked only on a cold engine.
How to replace and tighten the timing without special tools
The timing belt is tensioned using special tools. However, if they are not at hand, you can use a screwdriver and two nails or drills, between which the screwdriver is placed. Similarly, you can use a table fork - it breaks off two prongs in the center, and the rest are bent at the desired angle.
There are several ways to check the belt tension without a special tool:
- Use a regular ruler and a 10 kg weight. The ruler is placed on the belt between the pulleys, and a weight is placed on it. The belt should be retracted from the plane by no more than 5 mm.
- Use the scales - the steelyard. A weight hook is attached between the pulleys to the central part of the belt, after which the steelyard is pulled up until it shows 10 kg. After that, the distance at which the belt was pulled is measured - it should not exceed 5.4 mm.
A tightened belt of the mechanism during the operation of the car will squeal unpleasantly, while the life of the part itself, tension rollers and pump bearings will be significantly reduced.
Video: checking the tension of the installed timing
How to install a new pump, change the tension rollers and seals
The water pump has a longer life than the timing belt, so experts advise changing it at the same time as every second belt. It is not advisable to change the pump separately, since the path to it is similar to the path to the timing belt, and once again sort out half engine compartment I do not want.
The situation is similar with oil seals: they change as they wear and fail - for example, if engine oil leaks appear.
But with tension rollers, the situation is diametrically opposite: you can change them without fail simultaneously with the timing belt.
Treat the rollers and belt after installation with special lubricants to eliminate wear. Litol is considered a good composition, however, experts recommend using special silicone lubricants.
Signs of improper removal and replacement
After installing a new timing belt, car owners often record the appearance of unpleasant noise and whistle while driving. There can be two reasons for this:
- Get on tape technical fluids. If whistling and noise appear after a cold start of the engine, then it is likely that either the coolant or engine oil has leaked.
- Poor quality installed part. In this case, only a second replacement of the belt will help.
Whistling and noise are eliminated after replacing the timing belt simply - just lubricate it. For this, special aerosols are used, which can be purchased at automotive stores.
If the lubrication does not help and the whistle persists, then you will have to check all the nodes for leaks. When they are found, they are eliminated, parts are replaced if necessary, after which third-party noises should disappear.
Often, after replacing the tension rollers and the timing belt, an unpleasant hum and vibration of the engine appears. The main reasons for this are incorrectly set labels or errors when installing a balancing belt that rotates 180 degrees in the wrong direction. Vibration is eliminated by checking the marks and re-installing them, as well as adjusting the position of the balancers.
The timing belt is a consumable part that plays a huge role in the operation of a car engine. It may well break and fail, but this problem is solvable. Regular replacement and correct tension ensure the normal functioning of all machine systems and guarantee driving safety.
According to the instructions, the alternator belt on the Ford Focus 2 is not removed by loosening the tensioner or alternator, but is cut off, but to install it Requires a special tool kit which are used depending on which pulley (generator, power steering or air conditioner) the drive belt is put on. On engines 1.4 and 1.6 liters. FF2 there are no tension rollers on the drive belts of mounted units, but on 1.8 and 2.0, although there is a tension roller on the alternator belt, but according to the technology, the belts are still disposable and simply cut off, and new ones are also installed with a special tool. Since many do not have such equipment, and it is a pity to buy money, they come up with other ways as possible or an FF2 generator without devices. We will talk about some of them, and also show them clearly in the video. As a temporary measure, you can use special remedy- with which you can eliminate the creak of the drive belt and slightly increase the coupling characteristic.
Officials self-replacement Focus alternator belt on a 1.6 liter engine is not recommended, because it is rough and improper handling may damage the belt during installation, but on engines 1.8, 2.0 you can do it yourself, it will be easier there.
To replace the drive belt Ford Focus 2 1.6 with A/C need a set of belts - 1708273 , its composition:
- generator belt;
- air conditioning belt;
- installation tools (3 pieces).
If you take not the original, then you can buy CONTITECH 6PK1059ELASTT2, it will cost 15 dollars cheaper.
Set of accessories: 1 - for drive auxiliary units(generator, power steering, pump); 2 - air conditioning compressor belts
Replacing hinged belts on Focus 2 1.6
To change the alternator belt, a two-piece fixture is installed on the pump wheel (we install the fixture until it clicks when it becomes as needed). The pump pulley is rotated by a special bolt (turnkey to "19") on the fixture. The belt should be wound in the following sequence: first we put it on the power steering pump pulley, while the belt is wound under the device on the pump, then we put the belt on the generator.
And to replace the air conditioning compressor belt, we take another device and put it on the crankshaft pulley, throwing the drive belt over the compressor and putting it on the fixture from below. Then we turn the KV bolt with the key (to “18”), turn the pulley clockwise, and hold the belt with our hand so that it does not come off.
Visual video instruction on how to put on the straps on the Focus 2 adapt
Replacement of alternator belts, air conditioner, pump FF2 1.6 l without adaptation
Replacing the alternator and air conditioning belt with FF2 1.8 and 2.0
Now consider the independent replacement of the air conditioning belt and generator with Focus 2 with 1.8 and 2.0 liter engines, where can be done without frills, saving on the purchase of a set, and taking Gates belts:
- 6PK1305 - FF2 alternator belt;
- 5PK705SF - air conditioning belt.
To get to the belts, as in the previous case, you will need to remove the decorative cover of the motor, the front right wheel, followed by the mudguard and fender liner (key T25), and then you can proceed in several ways:
Option number 1 to replace the air conditioning belt
- unscrew the five bolts securing the air conditioning compressor;
- fix the air conditioner so as not to disturb the hoses;
- remove / install the drive belt;
- we screw the compressor back, but there is one thing. When the old belt is put back, the compressor can be screwed into place without problems, but if the new, not stretched, strap, then it may not work so smoothly.
Option number 2 how to change the compressor drive belt
- without unscrewing the compressor, remove its pulley;
- unscrew the head on “10” and remove the pulley pressure plate;
- remove the pulley retaining ring, and then the pulley together with the belt;
- we will put a new hinged belt on the pulleys of the KV and the compressor;
- we will select a pipe that is suitable in diameter (so that the diameter is larger than the compressor shaft, but smaller than the hole in the pulley);
- we pass the tube through the pulley and put it on the compressor shaft by about 5 mm and press down a little, the pulley jumps onto the shaft under the action of the resistance of the belt;
- collecting everything back.
At the top of the engine, in order to change the alternator rivulet belt, unscrew the 2 tensioner bolts and leave it on the stud, take it to right side cars, remove the strap!
Assembly in reverse order. Thus, it will take about an hour to replace the FF2 hinged belts without stray.
Replacing the alternator drive belt Ford Focus 2 1.8 TDCi
Alternator belt replacement for Ford Focus 2 1.8 Flexifuel
In most cases, an extraneous whistle or creak under the hood indicates that it's time to change. Moreover, the sooner this is done, the less likely it is for ultra-rapid wear of other functional elements with which it is associated. Let's try to see how to change this part outside the workshop. Although it is worth noting that servicing cars in the appropriate places has more guarantees for the long-term operation of the car than with independent and not always qualified actions.
Work order
So, before installing a new belt, you need to check the condition of the roller, it may also need to be replaced. Next, perform the following tasks:
- Delete expansion tank. To do this, slightly pull it up.
- Put a special wrench on the tensioner bolt.
- After removing the fasteners, dismantle the belt (by throwing it off the roller).
- Check couplings and rollers for extraneous noise and play. This requires mechanical movement of them.
- Put the belt on (you need to put it on from the bottom up, holding it in tension).
- Align the belt.
However, it may not always be necessary to replace the drive belt. Sometimes in the generator it is enough to tighten it. This procedure is simpler and consists of the following steps:
- loosen the fasteners slightly;
- turn the adjustment bolt clockwise in the direction of travel, remove the generator from the engine block;
- depending on the level of tension, tighten the nuts of the fasteners.
Attention! The stretching process can be individual depending on the make and modification of the car. In some cases, even such a procedure will require qualified assistance.
The service life of most belts is more than 100 thousand kilometers. However, much depends on the intensity of use of the car.
Speaking of professional replacement parts in a service or technical center, it should be noted that the procedure takes no more than a few hours.
Features of belt replacement also depend on its type. Several types can be used in the units of the unit:
- Serrated. It is based on a polymer composite. The device has many teeth, which gave the belt its name.
- Wedge. This type has one large wedge on the entire surface of the belt.
- Polyclinic. Consists of many wedges.
Each of them is used in different engine systems and, accordingly, will have different replacement features. If you have any questions about how to change or choose a drive belt, in Barnaul you can always contact the RTI-Promeksport company and get professional advice.
- How often do you need to change the V-/V-ribbed belt and how to choose the right replacement?
- Modern technologies belts and advantages of Bosch components
- Recommendations from Bosch Auto Network Experts Belt Replacement Service
What is the function of the accessory drive belt?
Despite its name, the accessory drive belt plays important role in the operation of the car - without it it is impossible to reliably provide the car with electrical energy. In addition, the power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, water pump or engine cooling fan.
During operation, the drive belt is subject to wear. Over time, it loses its original properties, requiring timely replacement. And if you could still put up with the lack of air conditioning in the event of a belt break, then with a sudden failure of the power steering, an emergency situation may arise! Therefore, the condition of the V-ribbed or V-belt must be monitored. Don't wait for it to break.
How often should the accessory drive belt be changed?
The accessory drive belt usually does not have a fixed life span. The regulation defines only the interval for periodic inspection of the belt. After all, the drive system of auxiliary units can be in different operating conditions, therefore, components are replaced if defects are detected during the inspection process - extraneous noise, kinks or cracks in the belt, its contamination or damage, malfunctions of rollers and tensioners. Condition monitoring is usually carried out every 30 or 60 thousand kilometers of the car.
How to choose a new belt?
For the correct selection of products, Bosch recommends using the single online parts catalog Bosch Automotive Catalog, where suitable components can be selected by make, model, year of manufacture and modification of the vehicle.
Modern production technologies and advantages of Bosch components
The use of high-quality synthetic materials in the production of Bosch belts allows for reliable operation of the drive system and a long service life. In research centers, scientists and developers use the most advanced polymer bases, as well as develop methods for connecting various structures in a single external form. Bosch produces both V-ribbed and V-ribbed belts, which provide a high coefficient of friction and transmission of the required torque. Engines modern cars become more and more compact. Reflecting this trend, manufacturers are increasingly moving away from tensioners in their accessory drive systems in favor of high-tech ribbed V-belts with an elastic backing. They have become a suitable technical solution and are used in many modern car models.
As a company in direct contact with engine developers and car manufacturers, Bosch has the most up-to-date data on the technical requirements for drive systems. That is why the characteristics of Bosch belts clearly correspond to factory parameters.
Taking into account the specifics of car operation, the temperature and chemical resistance of materials used in the manufacture of belts is taken into account. Bosch components perform just as reliably in the hottest equatorial climates as they do in polar latitudes. In the latter, maintaining the energy balance of the car is a paramount task for service station repairmen. Long years of operation around the world drive belts Bosch confirm their best qualities. In addition, Bosch belts meet the highest wear resistance requirements. This ensures uninterrupted operation of the accessory drive system for a long time.
V-belt or V-ribbed belt and alternator are the most important components of a single system
Speaking of the accessory drive belt, one cannot fail to note one more component of the drive system - the generator. Modern generators are devices that work in close cooperation with all electronic systems. Today, when you open the hood of many cars, you will see a Bosch generator there. Depending on the application model, these devices are adapted to operate on 12 or 24 volt networks. This makes it possible to expand the market and coverage of products not only for cars, but also trucks and special equipment. Designers also pay much attention to the unification of generators in relation to various engine lines. As a system supplier, Bosch also provides the widest range of spare parts for generator repair shops.
The production of alternators allows Bosch to offer consumers belts that best meet the requirements of the drive system - whether a car or trucks.
Recommendations from Bosch Auto network specialists Service for checking and replacing the belt
When inspecting the accessory drive system, first of all, attention should be paid to the weakening of friction forces - sagging of the belt, grease on the pulleys and belt, abrasive, etc. You should pay attention to the components of the drive system if there is increased noise or whistling of the belts, often manifested after starting the engine in the cold season.
Bosch has released a special poster illustrating the types of belt damage that require replacement, indicating possible causes faults and how to solve them.
When replacing a belt, carefully review the drive system configuration. Just in case, it will be useful to take a picture or, for example, sketch a diagram of the correct location of the belt.
To remove the old belt, it is necessary to loosen its tension. Modern drive systems typically use an automatic tensioner to keep the belt tensioned correctly. But there are also systems in which it is regulated manually. Tensionless systems using elastic V-ribbed belts are also increasingly being used. It should be noted that if an elastic belt is installed in the original configuration, then it cannot be replaced with a regular one, and vice versa. In addition, the installation of such belts must be carried out using special tools, such as Bosch Elastic Tool Kit 1.0 and Elastic Tool Kit 2.0.
Before installing a new belt, it is recommended to compare it with the dismantled one to make sure that it fits correctly and is fully compatible with other drive components. It is also necessary to pay attention to checking the condition of the rollers, tensioners and other drive components. If any of them are faulty, it can affect the operation of the entire system. For example, if the bearings of the alternator, A/C compressor, or idler rollers are worn or not working properly, this can lead to accelerated wear and a quick failure of the new belt. If necessary, replace defective components.
When installing a new belt, it is necessary to ensure that it is correctly installed and tensioned. In this case, it is very important not to allow the use of an unsuitable tool so as not to damage the pulleys of the drive system units. Deformation or distortion of the pulleys will lead to rapid wear of the belt, increased vibrations and the appearance of extraneous noise. The belt tension should be adjusted according to the type of tensioner and the manufacturer's instructions.
Correct selection components and a qualified belt replacement will be carried out at the nearest station of the Bosch Auto Service network. All the necessary information on belt replacement is available to service specialists in the Bosch ESI software, which is used in conjunction with Bosch diagnostic equipment.
Every driver has experienced the unpleasant moment of a broken belt in the engine. Consider the possible points of replacement, what is needed for this and what are the consequences if you overlook the replacement of the belt in time.
The content of the article:
The transmission belt is not an unimportant part in the car engine, since it transmits revolutions from one working mechanism to another mechanism. An example of such a mechanism can be a generator, power steering, most often they remember the belt that is in the gas distribution mechanism, otherwise it is called timing.
The belt is often made from a special rubber-fabric composition. This is done so that it is elastic during operation, and strong due to the fibers. But not everything is eternal in our life, therefore, such mechanisms also tend to break. If the belt breaks in any of the mechanisms, then it is felt very strongly, the car either stalls immediately or the traction disappears.
alternator belt how to change
Let's take the alternator belt for a start, even a novice motorist can replace it, and this is the best moment to study the engine device and try yourself as a mechanic. Before you start taking it off, you need to make sure that it has definitely become unusable, the main signs are a characteristic whistle under load or when starting a cold one. In some cars, an indicator may signal that the alternator belt has failed, but this is often thought out in foreign cars.
If the alternator belt is loose and you tighten it, then this is not for long, after a while the situation will repeat itself, so it is recommended to replace it with a new one as soon as possible. And so, the belt replacement itself begins with the fact that the tension should be loosened. To do this, unscrew the nut of the tensioner bolt. Often it is located near the generator and allows the generator to move freely in the direction of the belt. After the belt has loosened, we remove it and change it to a new belt, we tighten it, but we don’t need much either, since it will wear out much faster than expected.
I recommend that you make a note in advance near the alternator tensioner, in what position it was originally, so it will be easier to determine and tighten the belt to the desired position. To understand what the wear was, you can compare the new and old belt from the inside. This completes the replacement of the alternator belt.
How to change the power steering belt
In some models, the power steering belt and the generator are joined on the same pulley, and it is inconvenient to change the first belt if it is interfered with by the generator. If you are not so lucky, if such a situation still hits, then we will first remove the alternator belt, the procedure is described a little higher in this article. Then, in the same way, we release the tension bolt on the power steering pump, loosening the belt, remove it.
In such a situation, it is better to look at both belts, since both one and the other can let you down on a long journey at the most inopportune moment. Now we put a new one for the power steering, pull it up to a pre-made mark, and similarly carry it out with the generator belt. After such a replacement, it’s worth starting the engine and giving it a little load to listen if the power steering and generator belts are whistling.
For safety reasons, as in any other case, it is advisable to carry out everything on cold engine, since you will directly work with parts that quickly heat up from the operation of the engine.
Changing the timing belt (timing)
The timing belt, or more precisely the timing belt, is considered the most important link in the engine and it needs to be monitored most often, since the consequences of its breakage can be very, very sad. Why so, we will try to tell and show. Often, the car’s manual strongly recommends changing it after a certain mileage, but not all motorists adhere to this rule, or even better, when they don’t understand what is at stake. Finding it under the hood is not difficult. Like other belts, it is made of rubber material, toothed from nutria, but unlike others, it has a longer length, as it wraps around several pulleys.
It cannot be said that it covers only the camshaft and crankshaft, it also passes through auxiliary units, but this already depends on the brand of the car. Alas, such universal work does not lead to good, wear occurs much faster. Often a belt breaks simply because the driver ignored it in time to replace it. Replacing the belt itself is not a difficult process, but you won’t do it in 5 minutes either. Before proceeding with the replacement, preparatory work should be done.
In advance, buy a belt specifically for your make and model of a car, they often also say for your size, each belt has dimensions, these are the width and length of a full turn. Then you need to put the crankshaft in the so-called top dead center position, when the first cylinder is at the very top. You can set it by turning the crankshaft with the starting handle, or by scrolling by the old belt, in rare cases it can be turned manually, without auxiliary means.
We set the marking on the belt, the mark on the crankshaft and the pulley, as soon as they match, you can safely change the old timing belt to a new one. It will not be superfluous when replacing the timing belt, also look at the seals of the crankshaft, camshaft, tension roller and water pump. Since they can also affect belt wear.
Cost of a new belt and labor
The cost of the belt will depend primarily on the brand of your car, and the destination, for example, for a generator domestic car it can cost $ 3-4, for a hydraulic booster it’s about $ 3-4, but the timing belt will always be more expensive, since it is the main one in the engine, it will cost about $ 7.
Replacing the timing belt will cost from 3500 rubles, the belt of the generator, air conditioner or hydraulic booster will cost from 350 rubles. The price does not include the cost of the belt itself.
Most modern cars have very high engine torque. This is especially evident in gasoline engines. Therefore, any break in such a belt will lead to engine failure in a split second.
Some car manufacturers provide for possible cases of timing belt breakage at any time, therefore, special protective mechanisms are used in such engines, they protect the engine from mechanical damage when the belt breaks. In personal practice, I can say that in engines Opel car with a volume of 1.8 liters, when the belt breaks, the valves immediately bend, therefore they are not in great demand among experienced drivers, but with a volume of 2.0 liters they already have protection from such a breakdown.
Thus, you yourself can draw conclusions, even without knowing what and how it works. It is better to change the timing belt on time than to repair the engine floor later. As a result, I would like to say that everything must be done on time, otherwise the consequences will take both twice as long and two more funds, for repair.
Timing belt replacement video: