Damaged and abnormally worn V-belts are an indication of another problem that needs to be identified and corrected. If the underlying fault that destroyed the V-Belt is not corrected, the replacement belt is likely to suffer the same fate, and it’s service life will be shortened. In this pictorial guide, Bosch shows some common damage patterns, their causes, and solutions.

Cracking of belt after short usage
Cause

• Excessive tension
• Belt kinked prior to or during fitting
• Drive components or rollers stiff or blocked

Solution

• Ensure proper fitting and set correct tension
• Ensure proper belt handling
• Replace belt, tensioner and idler, and if necessary, water pump

Damage to belt backing
Cause

• Surface of the tensioning or idler pulley damaged
• Foreign particles influence
• Belt ageing

Solution

• Replace belt, tensioner and idler, and if necessary, water pump
• Eliminate foreign particles, check cover and install correctly
• Replace belt

Contamination
Cause
Influence of operating fluids, for instance oil, anti-freeze or brake fluid

Solution

• Eliminate cause, for instance leakage at engine
• Replace belt

 Abnormal rib profile wear
Cause

• Insufficient tension
• Influence from foreign particles or operating fluids
• Misalignment
• Belt pulley defective

Solution

• Ensure proper fitting and set correct tension
• Identify and eliminate cause
• Check axial position and axial parallelism of drive and bearing clearance of rollers and replace if necessary
• Check belt pulleys and replace if necessary

Uneven rib profile wear
Cause

• Misalignment or roller bearing damage
• Severe belt vibration

Solution

• Replace belt, tensioner and idler, and if necessary, water pump
• Ensure proper fitting and set correct tension

Cracking/rupturing of base material
Cause

• Temperature too high due to insufficient tension or defective bearing
• Belt worn
• Foreign particles influence

Solution

• Ensure proper fitting and set correct tension
• Replace belt
• Eliminate foreign particles, check cover and install correctly

Noise
Cause
Influence of operating fluids, for instance oil, anti-freeze or brake fluid

Solution

• Eliminate cause, for instance leakage at engine
• Replace belt

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