Setting belt tension
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 195
From: Englewood FL
Setting belt tension
Very basic question but could use help:
How do you determine the correct belt tension without any special tools?
Specifically, tension for the AC compressor belt and the alternator
belt on a 1979? Seems like the tension for longer belts needs
to be tighter to get the same flex in the center as shorter belts,
but don't want to overtighten and damage bearings.
How do you determine the correct belt tension without any special tools?
Specifically, tension for the AC compressor belt and the alternator
belt on a 1979? Seems like the tension for longer belts needs
to be tighter to get the same flex in the center as shorter belts,
but don't want to overtighten and damage bearings.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
For a belt with a long 'free' span between pulleys, there should be about 1/2" deflection when you depress that belt in the center of a long span with the end of your finger. That deflection should be with moderate pressure applied...no wincing and no pain allowed. 
If it is any tighter than that, you run the risk of overloading the bearings in the accessory it is driving.
If it is any tighter than that, you run the risk of overloading the bearings in the accessory it is driving.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
Krikit gauge is a cheap tool unless you have a 'calibrated thumb.'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z11wfc-0-hY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z11wfc-0-hY
