How long can I drive with a loose belt?
Under ideal conditions, a belt should stick with you for an average of 60,000 to 100,000 miles. This is all because many cars have one serpentine belt that drives the water pump, the power steering pump, the alternator and the air conditioning compressor, and the fan. Some cars have an electric fan.
Can a loose belt cause alternator not to charge?
A: Not necessarily. The next step is to verify that the drive belt that turns the alternator is properly tensioned. A belt that is “too tight” or “too loose” will cause charging issues that, in turn, will cause the problems your customer describes.
Is my alternator belt too loose?
2) Vehicle Stalls If your alternator belt gets too loose as you’re driving, it may cause your engine to stall. If this symptom is consistent with the flickering lights issue, then a loose alternator belt is more likely the cause.
Is serpentine belt same as alternator belt?
1 Answer. Technically, it’s known as a FEAD belt (Front Engine Accessory Drive belt). People call it a serpentine because it can make turns between pulleys and use both sides of the belt. Yes, it’s just another name for an Alternator belt.
How tight should alternator belt?
Check your car’s manual to make sure you have looped the belt around all the necessary pulleys. Pull the alternator away from the engine until the belt is tight. You want to be able to press down on the belt at a mid point between two pulleys and only be able to move it downward about 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
How tight should belts be?
The required measure of tension in the serpentine belt is that it should not deflect more than ½ inch when twisted either way from the middle. If twisted more, the belt is loose, and if twisted less, the belt is too tight. Either of the positions does not work for the vehicle.
Can a bad alternator cause belt squeal?
An alternator’s bearings can become worn and create noises, including a squeal. To test for worn bearings, remove the belt and turn the pulley by hand. If noises are heard or the pulley does not turn smoothly, the bearings are worn and the alternator should be replaced.