4 Terms You Need To Understand If Your Drive Belt Is Being Worked On

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Understanding Auto Service Tasks

Hello, my name is Davey Jerome. Welcome to my site about auto service. When I was a young boy, the first task I learned to perform on my dad’s truck was an oil change. I delighted in letting the old oil flow out into the drain pan and removing the old filter. Adding the new filter and oil seemed to rejuvenate that old truck and ready it for another day of work on the farm. I will use this site to explore the process of performing automotive services on your own. I hope you can use the information on my site to learn about this important task.

4 Terms You Need To Understand If Your Drive Belt Is Being Worked On

6 June 2016
 Categories: , Blog

If your vehicle starts squealing when you are driving, there is a good chance that the drive belt needs to be replaced. This sound may start out gradually and increase in loudness and how frequently you hear it over time. Here are four terms that will help you understand what your mechanic is talking about when you take your vehicle in to get your drive belt inspected and replaced.

Drive Belt

The drive belt on your vehicle is located at the front of your engine. It is connected to your engine and loops around the pulleys that are located on the front of your engine. Most new cars only have a single belt that goes through all of your vehicle's different systems that depend on its power; this type of drive belt is often referred to as a serpentine belt instead of a drive belt.

If you drive an older vehicle, you may have multiple belts for the different accessories on your vehicle that depend on this tool. There is not special name when your vehicle has multiple belts; it is still called the drive belt.

Your drive belt helps operator and control multiple accessories or systems in your vehicle, such as the power steering, cooling system, windshield wipers and battery.

When this part starts to fail, you generally hear a loud squealing sound as you drive.

Pulleys

In order to work properly, your drive or serpentine belt is attached to a system of pulleys. These pulleys are essentially small wheels that have grooves in them that allow the belt to wrap around them.

When the belt moves, these pulleys or wheels move and help provide the systems that are attached to with the power they need to operate.

Tensioner Pulley

Over time, the belt on your vehicle tends to get stretched out the more it is used. That is why it is smart to have a tensioner pulley in place. This tool allows your mechanic to tighten the belt in order to keep it in place and helps keep your belt tight through normal use.

Accessory Mounting Bracket

The final part you need to know about is an accessory mounting bracket; this helps keep your belt in place. This part can also get bent over time; it is generally best to replace the accessory mounting bracket when you replace the belt to ensure that the belt is properly mounted to your engine. 

For more information on auto repair services, check out companies like Mid-Atlantic Muffler & Brake.