How to tighten the alternator belt - tension the belt with an adjusting bar or adjusting bolt. How to properly tighten the alternator belt

Hello dear motorists! Those of you who really care about your car try to tirelessly monitor its technical condition.

Considering that modern car is a rather complex complex of all kinds of mechanisms and parts, it is not so easy to keep all its elements under control, but you still don't want to bring the car to a breakdown.

It is for this reason that a special ritual is performed before each departure - technical inspection most important nodes... Checking the level and condition of the oil in the engine crankcase, determining the condition of the coolant, and diagnosing the chassis parts have become commonplace.

One more parameter should not be neglected - this is tension.

The generator must always be in good working order and generate enough current to power the vehicle's electrical system. However, the efficiency of work does not always depend on its technical condition.

Considering that the operation of the generator is dependent on rotation crankshaft, the belt drive must also be serviceable. The very fact of having a generator belt is not enough to ensure the operability of the electrical system. The alternator belt must be tensioned to required level... Only in this state can you be calm about energy supply.

How important is alternator belt adjustment

The only way to transmit the rotational motion of the crankshaft to the generator shaft is through a belt drive. The belt, made of special reinforced elastic rubber, connects two pulleys, which rotate at speeds of up to several thousand revolutions per minute.

At this speed, the belt must fit very tightly against the pulley groove in order to prevent slippage. Insufficient tension on the alternator belt can be recalled from engine compartment characteristic whistle.

In terms of the degree of tension, there can be three options, but only the last one can be acceptable:

insufficient tension;
excessive tension;
normal tension.

In the first case, when the belt is loose, the crankshaft pulley performs a large amount idle speed, the generator is inefficient. In addition, the slipping of the pulley will heat the belt and damage it.

An overly tensioned belt leads to another negative result - premature failure of the generator bearings. To check the correct adjustment of the tension of the alternator belt, it is necessary to press on its middle between the two pulleys. Each car brand has its own limit for the permissible deviation of the belt from its natural position.

How to tension the alternator belt using the adjusting bar

Some cars, especially VAZ classics, have a very simple mechanism for adjusting the alternator belt. The generator itself is attached to the engine crankcase with a long bolt that allows it to be moved up and down.

In the upper part there is an arcuate bar with a slot and a nut that fixes the position of the generator. In order to set the required tension on the alternator belt, follow these steps:

unscrew the nut on the bar;
using a mounting blade or other long tool to squeeze the generator from the engine;
tighten the nut on the bar;
check the tension of the alternator belt and repeat the procedure if necessary.

How to tighten the alternator belt with the adjusting bolt

Bolt tension adjustment of the alternator belt is more progressive and easy to maintain. In order to perform this procedure, you must follow the following algorithm of actions:

weaken the tightening of the nuts of the upper and lower mounting of the generator;
by turning the adjusting bolt clockwise, we take the generator away from the block, while checking at the same time the degree of belt tension;
tighten the generator mounting nuts.

Regardless of which system is used to adjust the alternator belt, after carrying out the procedure, use a wrench to make 2-3 turns of the crankshaft and check the tension again. A control measurement must also be carried out after a short trip.

The alternator belt performs a very important mission - it transfers the rotation of the crankshaft to the alternator pulley, which charges the battery while driving, and from it the current goes to all consumers of electricity in your car.

All drivers are advised to check the alternator belt tension from time to time. A correctly tensioned belt should not bend by more than one centimeter if you press on it with an effort of three to four kilograms. You can also use a dynamometer to check (an ordinary steelyard is suitable) - if you hook its hook on the belt and pull it to the side, it will shift by a maximum of 10-15 millimeters with an effort of 10 kg / cm.

If you have neither a ruler nor a dynamometer at hand, then you can check it by eye - if you try to twist the belt, then it should turn a maximum of 90 degrees, no more.

When, over time, the degree of belt tension decreases and it stretches, a characteristic creak is heard - the belt slips onto the pulley and begins to warm up. This is fraught with the fact that over time it can break. In addition, the crankshaft pulley makes more idle turns, that is, it works ineffectively and the generator does not fully generate current - the entire electrical system of the car suffers.

Tensioning the alternator belt is not the most difficult task, especially on domestic vases and Ladakh. In more modern models, in the same Priore, for example, there is tension roller with an offset center that adjusts the degree of belt tension.

Belt tensioning work can be difficult due to the inconvenient location of the generator and the crankshaft pulley. Some models need to be driven on inspection pit, in others, it is enough just to open the hood, for example, for the VAZ 2114. On the classic VAZ models, everything is done simply: the generator is attached to the crankcase with a long bolt, thanks to which you can move the generator in the vertical plane, and on top there is a bar with a slot for one bolt to fix the position of the generator in the horizontal plane.

All that is needed is to loosen the generator fastening, unscrew the nut on the bar, fix this position when the belt is sufficiently tensioned, tighten the nut and the generator fastener.

In no case should the belt be pulled too tight, because this will lead to the fact that the bearing of the alternator pulley will be produced too great pressure and over time, it will simply crumble, which will notify you with a characteristic whistle, grinding and insufficient battery charge.

On Lada Kalina, the alternator belt is tensioned using a tensioner rod. It is enough just to unscrew the counter-nut, slightly unscrew the tensioner rod itself, and then tighten the nut into place. In the same way, you can loosen the belt tension, and if you need to completely change it, then the tensioner rod is unscrewed and a new belt is installed.

It is worth noting that when tensioning the alternator belt, do not forget to check its condition - it should not have cracks or scuffs. If there are any, then it is better to buy a new belt, since it is not so expensive.

If we are talking about Lada Priora, where the generator belt describes a much larger trajectory - it also rotates the pulleys of the air conditioner and power steering, then the roller is responsible for the tension there.

If you do not have experience in tensioning such belts, then it is better to do all this at a service station, although the procedure itself is not complicated - you need to loosen the roller mounting nut, then rotate the eccentric clip with a special tension wrench until the belt is tensioned, tighten the fastening nut back. But the fact is that it is very difficult to guess the correct belt tension, since the area of \u200b\u200bits contact with the pulleys decreases due to the trajectory. You can try to act at random.

The alternator belt is tightened in about the same way on other more modern models, however, in order to get to it, you need to remove the wheels, unscrew the engine mud flaps or plastic protection, remove the timing cover, which, of course, takes a lot of time.

Video of tensioning the alternator belt on a VAZ 2114 car

Another video on the correct belt tension

The generator device is a unit required to power all electrical equipment of the machine. Him correct work depends on many factors, including correct tension. There are three ways to tension the alternator belt.

[Hide]

How do I check the tension?

Before adjusting and tightening the drive belt in a car, it is necessary to check the tension value. This parameter is unique for each individual car, as well as the type and model generator set.

You can find out more about the tension value from the information given in the service documentation for the machine. These data can be specified in technical guidance to the generator device or drive strap.

The amount of tension will be affected by the use of additional electrical equipment that is in the car. In particular, we are talking about the air conditioning system and the hydraulic power steering system. In general, we can say that when 10 kg is applied to the strap, its deviation should be about 1 cm. It is necessary to press on the product in the longest section, directly between the pulleys, while the pressing force should be about 10 kg. But this value is only approximate, since in many VAZ models this parameter is 6-10 or 15-15 mm.

Belt tensioning instructions

Tensioner adjustment can be done in garage conditions... There are several ways to stretch, we will analyze each of them in detail.

Alternator belt tension diagram

Strap tension diagram

Using the adjusting bar

In many machines, the generator set is fixed to the crankcase of the power unit with a special elongated bolt. This element provides the ability to move the device in different directions. On top is a special strip made in the form of an arc. There is a slot on it, as well as a nut that fixes the location of the unit relative to the engine.

To tighten the drive strap, do the following:

Using a wrench, the nut is unscrewed on the bar.
Using a spudger, pry bar, or other similar tool, the generator set is pushed away from the motor.
The nut is tightened on the bar.
The device strap tension is diagnosed. If required, the tensioning procedure is repeated.

With the adjusting bolt

The bolt-on adjustment of the drive strap is considered to be more maintenance-friendly and modified.

The adjustment procedure is performed as follows:

The nuts are loosened. They are located above and below the generator set, on the mountings.
By turning the adjusting screw clockwise, the unit is moved away from the block. When performing this task, it is necessary to simultaneously diagnose the degree of tension of the product.
When the desired result is achieved, the nuts are tightened back.

Dromtest talked about adjusting the tension of the drive strap using a bolt using the example of the Honda Civic 7.

With a roller

Regardless of the method used for stretching, after completing the task crankshaft the motor must be cranked a few turns.

After that, the tension level is re-diagnosed. A post-trip check is allowed, but should be short-lived. The adjustment procedure with the roller may differ depending on the car model and have its own characteristics.

To complete the task, you will need a set of wrenches and a tool designed to turn the adjusting bearing. The tool is a key made in the form of two metal rods with a diameter of 4 mm.

In the absence of a key, you can use curved pliers, the tension adjustment process is considered using the example of a Lada Priora machine:

The hood of the vehicle is opened and the generator set is located.
There is a fixing screw on it, with which the roller is attached. It must be loosened, but not completely unscrewed. To loosen, use a 17 wrench.
Then, using the adjustment key, the roller is rotated. Depending on the need (increase or decrease in the tension), the roller scrolls in one direction or the other.
After adjustment, the roller is locked with a wrench. When adjusting, it is important to choose the right tension.
When the procedure is completed, diagnostics of the correct operation is performed. Starts to check power unit and all electrical equipment is activated. It is necessary to turn on the optics, radio tape recorder, stove or air conditioning system, wipers, glass heating system, etc. If all devices function correctly and the drive strap does not whistle, then the stretching procedure is correct.

Channel A little bit of everything presented detailed instructions about the tension of the drive strap in the Lada Priora car.

Consequences of improper tension

If the drive strap is not tightened in time and it looses, this will lead to a decrease in the battery charging current parameter. If the charge strength is low, then the battery consumes its own resource, as a result of which the service life of the device decreases. As a result, the inner plates are destroyed or short-circuited. If the battery is maintenance-free, then it will have to be replaced; it cannot be repaired.

Too little tension will cause power surges in on-board network cars. For older cars, this problem is not critical. But in new models equipped with many electronic devices and systems, electrical equipment will fail. In particular, the engine ECU will break down, and repairs will be expensive. An insufficiently tensioned drive strap will come off the shaft when rotated by high speedand sometimes it can punch the hood.

With a strong tension, a high load is imposed on the rubbing units and components of additional units. An uncharacteristic hum for the operation of the motor can report the constriction, usually the noise is emitted by a tension roller. Sometimes the hum is emitted by the bearing devices of the generator set, the compressor of the air conditioning system or the hydraulic power steering system. The noise source can be the bushing of the water pumping device.

Replacing a worn out belt

Brief algorithm of actions when replacing a product:

The battery is disconnected in the car.
The car owner loosens the nuts that secure the fasteners.
The tensioning screw is unscrewed. When performing the task, you must simultaneously press the generator device against the power unit.
The worn-out product is replaced with a new one. The installed belt is tensioned.
The nuts are fixed. A test drive is performed and the correct tension is checked. If necessary, adjust the product.

Video "An example of a stretch on a VAZ 2110"

Channel In the garage presented detailed instructions on how to tighten the drive belt of the generator using the example of "tens".

The alternator belt on the VAZ 2114 is installed in order to transfer the rotational motion from the engine crankshaft to the generator drive, which, when the engine is running, charges battery and power supply of electricity consumers included in the car electrical circuit.

Since the installation of the engine on the VAZ 2114 is transverse, the VAZ 2114 generator belt is respectively located on the right side of the car or on the left side of the engine, if you look at it with the hood lid open from the side of the cooling radiator.

At the end of the crankshaft opposite from the flywheel, there is a timing belt drive pulley, which spins the camshaft and oil pump shafts with a pump, as well as an electric generator drive pulley. The timing drive is closed with a plastic cover, and the belt drive runs outside, over this cover and connects the generator drive pulley to the crankshaft with the generator pulley. On the VAZ 2114, there is no belt tensioner roller, as on the VAZ 2110. The alternator belt is tensioned in a different way.

The belt drive is marked 21082-3701720 and when choosing, you need to look for a belt with a length of 698 mm. During the operation of the machine, this drive is exposed to serious loads, not only mechanical, but also thermal and chemical. Therefore, high demands must be made on the quality of the belt drive. Many experts and car enthusiasts recommend using belts of the BOSCH or GATES brand. And although they cost about 500 - 550 rubles, against 200 - 300 rubles for products russian manufacturer, but the quality of these drives is much higher.

Possible malfunctions in the generator drive and ways to eliminate them

Malfunctions in the belt drive of an electric generator during operation can manifest themselves in different ways:

it can be a whistle from the side of the drive;
this is a weak generator voltage, due to the weak tension and periodic slippage of the belt drive. Slipping can also occur at normal, standard belt tension due to the ingress of water, coolant or oil on the working elements of the drive;
no less dangerous for the engine and too strong tension in the drive. Excessively heavy loads can destroy bearings (?), Gears or damage shafts, and belt breaks can also occur. In this case further movement it will be impossible until it is replaced with a new, working one. The worst situation is when a rush occurs on the track, in deserted place... Chauffeur practice suggests that this happens not so rarely.

Attention! Specialists and experienced car owners it is recommended to have a new belt in the trunk in the trunk, while the driver can learn how to properly tighten the alternator belt on the VAZ 2114 within 10 minutes. And it is also advised to read about the generator, in order to be "savvy" for all occasions.

Since the condition of the alternator belt drive is a vital issue, it is the responsibility of the driver to monitor it. Checking the belt is quite simple - you just need to check the deflection by simply pressing it with an effort of 10 kg. For the 9402.3701 electric generator, it should be within 0.6 - 0.9 cm, for 37.3701 - 1.0 - 1.5 cm. In addition, it is necessary to check the cleanliness of all drive elements.

If the driver hears that the generator belt is whistling, then without fail, immediately check the condition of the belt drive. The fact is that if the belt is really weakened, then it can twist and break at high speeds.

In the event that during the control it is established that there is a loosening, then you need to tighten the alternator belt. To do this, you need to perform a number of simple actions and keys to "10" and "13".

Park the vehicle on level ground and set it to speed and handbrake.
Open the hood and before tightening the alternator belt on the VAZ 2114, using a key "13", loosen the nut securing the alternator body to the adjusting rail.

Using the “10” key, tighten the tensioner mechanism adjusting screw, while the generator housing should move along the rail towards the front of the machine.

During the rotation of the tensioner screw, it is necessary to control the belt deflection. After it is within the normal range for the type of electric generator installed on the machine, it is required to tighten the nut on the adjusting rail with a key "13".
As soon as the fastening nut is tightened, turn the crankshaft twice by hand and check the deflection again. If it turns out to be within the normal range, then by starting the engine, it is necessary to check the operation of the belt drive in operating mode. During this check, there should be no extraneous noise, the belt should rotate without bending or shifting to the side.

The described practice of eliminating weak belt tension is characteristic of the VAZ 2114 for a 1.5 liter engine. with.

There is also experience in how the alternator belt should be tensioned on a 1.6 liter engine. with. Before the tensioning process itself, it is necessary to prepare, in addition to the key on "13", also a crowbar or assembly.

Having installed the machine and gaining access to the generator, it is necessary to loosen the generator mounting nut on the adjusting rail. Then install the mounting plate between the engine housing and the generator. Using the resulting lever, move the generator housing along the rail towards the front of the machine and check the tension. If the tension is within acceptable limits, it is required to tighten the fastening nut on the rail, thereby fixing the generator body in a new position. In this case, the correct installation of the belt drive is checked in the same sequence as when adjusting the belt drive on an engine with a capacity of 1.5 liters. with.

When a tension is detected on an electric generator belt, the procedure for the driver is basically the same as for a large deflection. Only when the nut on the adjusting rail is loosened, it will be necessary to move the generator body along the rail away from you in order to loosen the tension and achieve an acceptable deflection.

If contamination or oiling of the generator drive elements is found, then in this case it is necessary to loosen the belt on a cold engine and, carefully moving it, rinse and dry it. Then stretch according to the instructions or video:

Improper tension on the alternator belt can cause no charging. The ability to determine the correct tension force will be useful both when repairing with your own hands, and in case of sunburn on dashboard.

What does the degree of tension affect

Excessive force will lead to early failure of the generator bearings. Breakdown in the initial stage manifests itself as a hum from the generator. When replacing the belt, it is advisable to check the condition of the bearing. To do this, unscrew the pulley by hand. The rotation should be smooth and quiet. If the hum at iCE operation nevertheless appeared, you can remove the belt, and then for 10-15 seconds. start the engine. So you can tell if the noise comes from the generator bearing or the timing rollers.

Insufficient tension leads to belt slippage and accelerated wear. The first sign of such a malfunction manifests itself as a cold squeak or when it gets wet. Excessive stretching will result in no charging. That is why it is important to know how to check the tension of the alternator belt.

Types of construction

The drive is of two types:

How to determine the correct tension:

Tension

How to properly install a car alternator belt, consider the example of two types of construction:

loosen the tensioner bolt by loosening the lock nut. Rotating the bolt itself will tighten and loosen the belt. After setting the tension, fix the tensioner bolt with a wrench and tighten the lock nut;
loosen the bolts securing the generator to the brackets. Place a pin between the generator housing and the engine. Pull the belt with the effort of the lever, after which you can tighten the generator mounts;
in systems with a single service belt drive, tensioning can be carried out automatically. There is a special tensioner in the structure, to loosen it it is necessary to slightly unscrew the roller bolt, and then remove the tensioner with a wrench.

For a ribbed belt, wind up and stop the engine before making a final check of the tension. So you make sure the strap has taken correct position in the grooves of the pulleys.