For V-belts use this tool from amazon→ amzn.to/46a8sSg (decent, not too $) How to know if your belt is tight enough to not squeak, but not kill bearings either. Belt tension trick
When you over tighten a belt the accessory bearings are loaded up and squeak. If you have a squeak with this tension setting demonstrated you have 1. a belt alignment problem 2. worn belt 3. squeaky bearing etc on an accessory like the alternator, power steering pump, idler, or AC compressor clutch.
Thanks man. I replaced my water pump and was worried about the tension on my serpentine belt. I double checked it and it seems perfect. The squeaking must be coming from the excess gasket sealer on that pulley wheel. I'll have to see if it rubs off in a couple days or maybe take the belt back off and scrape all the gasket sealer off the outside. It's loud as heck.
Nice straight to it video, I just replaced my alternator for the first time and was wondering what tension the belt should be. Nice easy trick turn the belt and if it stops at a 90 degree angle it's 👍. thanks for this,I've been watching your videos for years and you have always helped me with my backyard mechanic projects lol
Great how to. Gonna do the twist test now. I think the tension is a bit low. Makes noise for about 5 min after cold start. Noise goes away and does not come back if I pour a little water on it at startup. Relatively new belt (like 15-20k mi, 3 yrs old). It is a serpenting belt from a 2006 Toyota Matrix XR AWD.
I remember someone growing up (nab), saying turn it 90 degrees to check if it's tight, "thanks man" just confirmed it, now I'll go put a Alt belt on today JOY :) good-luck everyone !!!!! save yourself the $$$ !!!
thanks for the vid I just installed a new alternator on my 1993 toyota camry and used this vid . the car still got a a parasite leak and the brake light turned on but im still going to keep diagnosing!!
The 90 trick is also true for timing belts. The long side of it, if it can twist 90 no more than the tension is normally OK. But the timing belt came with a auto tensioner so that controls the tension when the belt gets hot etc.
Cheers Brian, good advice. Got the motor wet today and that belt gave a nasty squeal before it settled down. I have Mitsuboshi belts also. I will probably replace them all with Gates at next upgrade as I will go to a Gates timing belt too. Mitsuboshi is made in Indonesia too nowadays.
Even if a serpentine belt doesn't have cracks in it, you may still need to replace it. The material most companies make those out of can withstand more miles and harsher conditions than older V-belts. However, the pulleys can cause wear in the belt grooves with time, which can cause the belt to fail. So you should also get a manufacturer's gauge (which, from some companies, like Gates, is free) and periodically check the width and depth of the grooves.
Thanks! This was the best answer ever after years of wrecking my brain, researching, asking and spraying wd40, silicone and still squeaking! Bro you are the man! Keep up the good work! 👍
Keep in mind we all live in different climates (hot/cold, wet/dry) & that's a pretty good factor in the life if the belt. I think of it this way, If the belt has 4 cracks in an inch & it hasn't gave way, especially in a hot/dry state, then it's a decent belt & most likely can take more wear than the usual belts can. But mostly use common sense, if you don't have mediocre mechanic skills and your not strapped for cash & the belt looks like mice have gotten at it, take it to get replaced to save you the headache later down the road (we all know breaking down far from home isn't fun).
Thanks for another good, simple video. I was concerned about a belt i put on for my alternator (sub impreza gx 2001) as it was pretty tight. It almost twists 90 and has about 8 to 9 mm give in it. So, looks like it's alright
So what's your method to determine if the belt is too tight? I put a belt on too tight, I have to admit. Soon after, the power steering pump bearings became stressed and began to squeak and wobble. Regardless, I'm sure the bearings were headed for failure sooner or later.
We pretty much just have gates belts here, being locally made and all. Just about every belt you want is a gates. Anyway, I've always tensioned mine by sight and feel. I take the longest section and press it in in the center, I have an eye sight look at about less than 10mm where it gets pretty hard to keep pushing of deflection is about right. :) I use either the other belt or structural parts as points of reference for distance.
This was an awesome tidbit of info. My 2005 Kia Sportage squeals very loudly during a cold start and if I try to drive right away when steering it feels like standard steering on a car from the seventies and not the power steering it's supposed to be. This corrects after a minute or so. Would this be a belt issue or maybe a pump issue? The alternator was just replaced a few months ago so maybe they put the belts on too tight/loose?
I was thinking of using a pocket scale to pull away the belt by the force specified in the manual and check the displacement of the belt. Do you think this is a good idea?
Quick into the point. What about a quick way to adjust the tension on the accessory belts because the serpentine one is flat it's easy to do the 90° trick but the others are more V-shaped so is it still the same?
I like that technique! Do you think that would work on a uni-belt/serpentine belt system? Seems like it might, and be a good indicator that the tensioner was going out...but needless to say man, good video, and awesome tip! Thank you!
thanks bud Im not too great on cars my car gets more attention than i do lol but I had a squeal that would make you run a way and it was my belt tensioner thanks
For the polyribbed belts gates makes a real cheap plastic tool that looks like a plastic toothpick you can stick in the groove. If it sinks down all the way in its time to change the belt. If you can see it sticking out over the belt youre good.
sometimes minute coolant leaks that vaporise without causing a drip can get on the belt. jeep 6 cyl engines can leak in hard to find but simply fixed places. a simple pressure leakdown test can lead the technician to the cause
If it twists 100 degrees and still squeals then go to 90 degrees on the longest run. If it still squeals make sure it isn't the bearings etc. and try replacing the belt.
Hello,that bottom part of the belt you are talking about on my civic,has tension but has a lot of vibrations/wobbling just that particular section is that okay? Thank you
my new belt is walking off the alternator pulley and tensioner I have the serpentine belt on my 2001 dodge intrepid really tight, could that be the problem, too tight?? I just eyeballed the fit and cranked it down, maybe too much. Any ideas?
This guy is awesome. Clear, concise, and does not drag out instruction and information. I'm a fan.
Just Smart'n Up you read my mind!
I don't know if it was your intention, but I'm laughing at a supposed pun in your comment.
UA-cam
Not like the poxy adverts
Ah yes, Mitsuboshi. Solid brand.
@1elAguila Things are going great- I'm excited for warmer weather and summer fun.
@605manuel You're most welcome. Thanks for stopping by.
Thank goodness! I've gotta replace a couple of belts and was worried that I'd make em too tight or too loose. This is excellent
You are first youtuber who is not talking shit for about 10 minutes before main subject. You are awesome!
Very helpfull Brian. Your tip allowed me to save the purchase of a belt tension gauge. Thanks a lot!!!
Thanks for keeping short and to the point. No nonsense talk.
This Guy Is Awesome ! Best Car/Truck Advise I ever got ! Clear / Concise NO TOOLS Inspection For Rubber Accessory Belts In Viechles !
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
I never knew about this twist trick to test the tension. That helps me a great deal.
Thank you Brian!!!
so much useful info in such a short amount of time Thank you!
@emadseksek Glad I could help ; )
Plain and simple. Not going off on tantrums about unrelated crap. I'm subscribing.
@Flaheat If you can only rotate the belt to ninety degrees on the longest run I'd look for bearings failing etc.
@pl2517 Sorry not sure I understand. There should be oil residue in the pcv valve. Is it in your air filter too?
A lot of times people adjust way too tight. Lug nuts, spark plugs, oil filters, and belts. About 3/4" works for belts. Great vid.
@1elAguila You bet. Great to hear from you. How are things?
Great video, had to leave a thumbsup because of it being simple and straight to the point.
When you over tighten a belt the accessory bearings are loaded up and squeak. If you have a squeak with this tension setting demonstrated you have 1. a belt alignment problem 2. worn belt 3. squeaky bearing etc on an accessory like the alternator, power steering pump, idler, or AC compressor clutch.
As a Canadian, I dig the hockey stick sideburns. The advice was good too.
brad gilker i
Thanks for the tip. I needed to hear and see that. 😁
Great tip on the tension, thanks!
8:45am Dec 9 ,23 you have helped me so much thank you you are wonderful! Diana thomas
Thanks man. I replaced my water pump and was worried about the tension on my serpentine belt. I double checked it and it seems perfect. The squeaking must be coming from the excess gasket sealer on that pulley wheel. I'll have to see if it rubs off in a couple days or maybe take the belt back off and scrape all the gasket sealer off the outside. It's loud as heck.
The gentleman is quick and to the point with an easy rule of thumb to remember and apply.
Thanks Shawn!
Thanks. This helped me out on my PT Cruiser.
Thanks! Got a daily and this is the first time I've had a car with manual belt tension. Replaced the alternator this morning and it was HOWLING.
Glad it helped. Welcome!
Nice straight to it video, I just replaced my alternator for the first time and was wondering what tension the belt should be. Nice easy trick turn the belt and if it stops at a 90 degree angle it's 👍. thanks for this,I've been watching your videos for years and you have always helped me with my backyard mechanic projects lol
Dear sir ,thankyou so much indeed for this absolutely superb information.
This had really helped me out loads,
Steve from the uk.
best illustration! Very educative and practical!
Great tips and great delivery
Absolutely great............thanks Brian
Good simple vid. Thanks buddy.
Finally somebody knows what we needed to see
Great how to. Gonna do the twist test now. I think the tension is a bit low. Makes noise for about 5 min after cold start. Noise goes away and does not come back if I pour a little water on it at startup. Relatively new belt (like 15-20k mi, 3 yrs old). It is a serpenting belt from a 2006 Toyota Matrix XR AWD.
Very useful video. Thank you!
Thanks man my belt has been chittering and squealin on start up
@prodriver1 Ha ha- thanks man. Good to be back! Got my taxes done and got caught up a bit so I can breathe again. Great to hear from ya!
Thank You Brian for this straight to the point and very informative video!!!
I remember someone growing up (nab), saying turn it 90 degrees to check if it's tight, "thanks man" just confirmed it, now I'll go put a Alt belt on today JOY :) good-luck everyone !!!!! save yourself the $$$ !!!
great tip amigo thanks
thanks for the vid I just installed a new alternator on my 1993 toyota camry and used this vid . the car still got a a parasite leak and the brake light turned on but im still going to keep diagnosing!!
That could be for reasons outside of just a matter of rubber fatigue- like road debris or a seized pulley.
Great tips. Thank you for sharing.
I bought new belts from Toyota and those cracked faster than the NAPA belts made by Gates. Good Tip on the belt tension
The 90 trick is also true for timing belts. The long side of it, if it can twist 90 no more than the tension is normally OK. But the timing belt came with a auto tensioner so that controls the tension when the belt gets hot etc.
Cheers Brian, good advice. Got the motor wet today and that belt gave a nasty squeal before it settled down. I have Mitsuboshi belts also. I will probably replace them all with Gates at next upgrade as I will go to a Gates timing belt too. Mitsuboshi is made in Indonesia too nowadays.
www.google.com/search?q=tenionizer&oq=tenionizer&aqs=chrome..69i57.2936311j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#q=Best+automotive+drive+belts
Thanks alot mate...got my belt tension tightened and it dsnt squeak anymore!
I'm watching ever more of your videos because of your cool beards.
Great video, thank you. What's the situation with V-belts running the alternator?
I just did the proper tension on my son driver and alternator belt. Run smooth before it squeal like a pig. Thanks for the video. Help alot.
Nice work! You're welcome!
Great Video. Clear and concise
Thanks David!
Thanks My man!
Belt alignment or component problems.
Even if a serpentine belt doesn't have cracks in it, you may still need to replace it. The material most companies make those out of can withstand more miles and harsher conditions than older V-belts. However, the pulleys can cause wear in the belt grooves with time, which can cause the belt to fail. So you should also get a manufacturer's gauge (which, from some companies, like Gates, is free) and periodically check the width and depth of the grooves.
Exactly what I needed 👍
@hp11208 Thanks
@HamsterRickProductio You betcha!
Thanks! This was the best answer ever after years of wrecking my brain, researching, asking and spraying wd40, silicone and still squeaking! Bro you are the man! Keep up the good work! 👍
Cheers mate ! Very helpful 👌
@LPWWE06 You're welcome buddy!
Just tweeted this. Hope you can get some more views on this useful vid! :D
Thank you....
My 03 Civic Mitsubishi stock belt is still doing great with 170000mi on....👍👍👍👍
I don't know John Malkovich had a son who's awesome mechanic
Good job!
Keep in mind we all live in different climates (hot/cold, wet/dry) & that's a pretty good factor in the life if the belt. I think of it this way, If the belt has 4 cracks in an inch & it hasn't gave way, especially in a hot/dry state, then it's a decent belt & most likely can take more wear than the usual belts can. But mostly use common sense, if you don't have mediocre mechanic skills and your not strapped for cash & the belt looks like mice have gotten at it, take it to get replaced to save you the headache later down the road (we all know breaking down far from home isn't fun).
Thanks for another good, simple video. I was concerned about a belt i put on for my alternator (sub impreza gx 2001) as it was pretty tight. It almost twists 90 and has about 8 to 9 mm give in it. So, looks like it's alright
Thanks, great video and explanation
So what's your method to determine if the belt is too tight? I put a belt on too tight, I have to admit. Soon after, the power steering pump bearings became stressed and began to squeak and wobble. Regardless, I'm sure the bearings were headed for failure sooner or later.
LOL! You noticed! I actually collect photos of them from other people and supplement and innovate designs of my own.
thank you for everything :)
We pretty much just have gates belts here, being locally made and all. Just about every belt you want is a gates. Anyway, I've always tensioned mine by sight and feel. I take the longest section and press it in in the center, I have an eye sight look at about less than 10mm where it gets pretty hard to keep pushing of deflection is about right. :) I use either the other belt or structural parts as points of reference for distance.
how do I tighten the alternator belt on my 2005 suzuki xl-7
This was an awesome tidbit of info. My 2005 Kia Sportage squeals very loudly during a cold start and if I try to drive right away when steering it feels like standard steering on a car from the seventies and not the power steering it's supposed to be. This corrects after a minute or so. Would this be a belt issue or maybe a pump issue? The alternator was just replaced a few months ago so maybe they put the belts on too tight/loose?
Awesome vid! Ty!!!
They made some good batteries for a while there too. ; )
Nice video , good trick , thank .
I was thinking of using a pocket scale to pull away the belt by the force specified in the manual and check the displacement of the belt. Do you think this is a good idea?
Quick into the point. What about a quick way to adjust the tension on the accessory belts because the serpentine one is flat it's easy to do the 90° trick but the others are more V-shaped so is it still the same?
easy as that 👍 thanks bro
Thank you, very helpful.
yep... mine flipped 180 hence squeal. Stretched after a few years...
I like that technique! Do you think that would work on a uni-belt/serpentine belt system? Seems like it might, and be a good indicator that the tensioner was going out...but needless to say man, good video, and awesome tip! Thank you!
Thank You very much, i subbed as well!
great advice ... thanks
thanks for your opinion, my buddy is ASE certified and I want to do it, and he needs to watch over me. cool thanks
Good job.
thanks bud Im not too great on cars my car gets more attention than i do lol but I had a squeal that would make you run a way and it was my belt tensioner thanks
For the polyribbed belts gates makes a real cheap plastic tool that looks like a plastic toothpick you can stick in the groove. If it sinks down all the way in its time to change the belt. If you can see it sticking out over the belt youre good.
Thank you!
sometimes minute coolant leaks that vaporise without causing a drip can get on the belt. jeep 6 cyl engines can leak in hard to find but simply fixed places. a simple pressure leakdown test can lead the technician to the cause
interesting... I have just felt it but never really thought of twisting it... so what do you think of the Goodyear Gator back belt? just curious...
Just 90 degrees or 1/4 turn twist on the longest run.
Any tips on checking a belt that's difficult to access? I have a Scion xD and the longest run of the belt is inconveniently under the motor mounts.
Great video
If it twists 100 degrees and still squeals then go to 90 degrees on the longest run. If it still squeals make sure it isn't the bearings etc. and try replacing the belt.
Hello,that bottom part of the belt you are talking about on my civic,has tension but has a lot of vibrations/wobbling just that particular section is that okay? Thank you
Good info but I was hoping for more shaky cam!
my new belt is walking off the alternator pulley and tensioner I have the serpentine belt on my 2001 dodge intrepid really tight, could that be the problem, too tight?? I just eyeballed the fit and cranked it down, maybe too much. Any ideas?
great tip.