Mopar B0013454 Belt Drive

Located at the front part of the engine, it is known as drivebelts or V-belts, and are instrumental to the vehicle and its working parts. These belts because of their operation and construction material are known to wear out over some time and should regularly be checked and adjusted so as not to cause major damages to the engine. The number of belts depends on the accessories that are installed; they are used to attach the power generator/alternator, smog pump, power steering pump, water pump, fan, or air conditioning compressor where one belt can serve many parts due to the type of pulley design adopted. Throw the hood switch off and open the hood to check the belts for crack, worn or separated or glazed or frayed, using hands touching the belts and moving round to look at the other side, twist the belts. Looseness of the belt is determined by pressing down on the belt midway between two pulleys; by reference, a belt length of 7 to 11 inches should deflect 3/4 inch and that of 12 to 16 inches should deflect 1/2inch. To change the belt tension it is necessary to shift the belt-driven accessory on its bracket, in doing so one has to unlock the adjustment or strap bolt and the pivot bolt. after loosening, the component can be pulled away from the engine to tighten the belt or towards the engine to loosen it with breaker bar sometimes offering extra torque. After positioning of the accessory and correct belt tension, the nuts and bolts should be tightened in a little force and finally when the tension is rechecked. Sometimes the accessory may need to be shifted slightly and for this a pry bar may be needed but great care ought to be taken not to damage the component or the surface it is applied on.