Guide to Drive Belts:
In an automotive engine, a drive belt which also known as a serpentine belt is used to drive various engine components. These components might include a power steering pump, alternator, water pump, air conditioning compressor, etc. The belt is often placed on an idler pulley which serves as a guide or a belt tensioner. This is either spring-loaded hydraulic or manual.
A serpentine belt is positioned at the outer part of the engine which provides power and drives to the engine devices making the vehicle to work. The belt is alternatively called alternator belt, accessory drive belt, or fan belt. In this article, we will discuss the important role that fan belts play in keeping your engine performing at its best.
What is a Serpentine Belt?
A Serpentine or Fan belt is a single, continuous belt used automotive engines to rotate multiple peripheral devices in the engine. The Serpentine Belt is one of the essential car parts that need regular maintenance. It is a flexible rubber belt that puts together certain engine components. It connects the crankshaft pulley and the alternator to the engine
cooling fan. The belt is alternatively called alternator belt, accessory drive belt, or fan belt.
Belts are also essential in other power components, including the air conditioner compressor, the water pump and the power steering pump. The belt may also be guided by an idler pulley and/or a belt tensioner (which may be spring-loaded, hydraulic, or manual). A drive belt can last at least more than 10,000 miles. Cranks or breaks can easily be
detected as they can see on the side in front-wheel drive vehicles. In rear-wheel drive vehicles or cars with boxer engines, it’s visible from the front. In some rear-wheel cars and older cars, the drive belt also drives the front engine fan.
Some engine design uses two of them depending on the configuration and the device layout. Hopefully, Our friendly and knowledgeable service advisor at www.kamsiparts.com, have made a good case for replacing your vehicle’s serpentine belt when it’s worn out and Replacing your serpentine belt on schedule will save you from a dangerous breakdown and road embarrassment
Functions of a Drive Belt:
Below are some of the functions of a drive belt in an Automotive Engine:
– The primary purpose of a drive belt is to drive or power the engine accessories.
– Drive belt use one source of energy to power multiple components
– It increases the mechanical efficiency of the engine.
– Since the engine water pump is powered by a drive belt, it will stop running and cause overheating if it breaks.
Also, the hydraulic power steering is drive by the belt. So, steering assist will be lost as the power steering pump is disabled form the drive. The alternator that also supplies electrical power will stop working as the device is
disabled.
