Using too short of a span could yield false tension readings that may be much higher than the actual belt tension, due to effects of belt stiffness. If the top surface of the belt is not easily reachable, beaming the sensor against the edge of the belt functions equally as well… Tap the belt, using the handle of a small tool or something similar, to make it vibrate for a reading. Banded belts are to be treated as a single unit with the belt mass constant calculated as a multiple of the single belt value.
The effects of low tension on a synchronous belt are equally bad. Low tension allows the belt teeth to ride up on the sprocket teeth. V-belt drives are inherently more forgiving of misalignment than synchronous belt drives. Frequency tension testers claim to be especially suited for tensioning synchronous belt drives.
It is possible for belt tension adjustments to alter pulley alignment, and for pulley alignment adjustments to alter belt tension levels. The Gates Sonic Tension Meter measures belt span tension easily and accurately. Belt tension is adjusted until the belt span frequency, or measured tension level is within manufacturer’s recommendations.
If not, the engine accessory that the belt operates must be loosened from the engine to tension the belt. Step 5 Check the tension of the belt by pushing inward on the belt with your hands. Step 7 Check the tension of the belt by pushing inward on the belt with your hand.
how to tension belt Related Question:
How do you properly tension a belt?
Whack the belt with a karate chop, and if it feels firm, the drive is properly tensioned.” “Press the belt with your thumb until it deflects about 1/2 in.” “Tension the drive until you get a slight bow in the slack side when it is running.”
Can you adjust the belt tension?
Locate the adjuster bolt on the belt tensioner used to secure the serpentine belt, and adjust the tension by loosening or tightening the adjuster bolt with a racthet and socket while you simultaneously move the belt back and forth gently to find the proper tension.