Table of Contents
Advertisement
Belt Troubleshooting
When troubleshooting a belt drive problem, stand back
and watch the drive while the drive is in operation and
when drive is not. Is there a warm rubber smell? Is the
belt moving around the drive in a normal way? Are there
chirping, squealing, or grinding noises? Is there a deposit
of dust or debris under the drive which will cause
problems with the belts?
When the belt drive makes excessive noise, the belt is
frequently blamed. To find the problem spray the belt with
soapy water while the drive is running. If the noise goes
away, or decreases, the belt is part of the problem. If the
noise is still present, the problem can be caused by other
drive components.
NOTE: Do not use belt conditioner or dressing on the
belts.
Not correctly tightened belt drives can make noise.
Belt Problem and Wear Guide
The following charts show some of the more common
types of drive belt failures and possible causes for each
failure.
When problem solving a drive belt failure, determine
which problem or SYMPTOM / OBSERVATION shows
the failure that is occurring. Then find the POSSIBLE
CAUSES and take action as shown under the
CORRECTIONS / REMEDY column.
TABLE 1 Short Belt Life and Early Belt Failure
Symptom / Observation Possible Causes
Rapid belt failure, when
no reason can be seen.
4283528M1
Belt tensile member broken or
damaged from not correct
installation.
Worn driver or driven sheave
grooves (check with groove gauge).
Driver or driven sheave center
distances vary during operation.
General Information
Corrections / Remedy
Properly install a new original equipment belt
and adjust the belt tension and idler spring.
Replace the worn sheaves.
Properly install a new original equipment belt
and adjust the belt tension and idler spring.
Check for failed bearings and loose bearing
housing mounting hardware and repair as
required.
Properly install a new original equipment belt
and adjust the belt tension and idler spring.
01-27
Advertisement
Table of Contents
