Squeeling alternator belt!

[krassegrand]

I have ever since we got the Roadsters had to re-tighten the alternator belt on the Wasp (in my opinion) way to often. As some off Yo might remember I made a tool to make it a lot easier but the reason remains.
I thought that since the alternator has run 250 000 km and made its way through 12 or 13 belts the wheel might be worn.
As I had an other alternator (unfortunately for a for-two) I could take the wheel from that and place on the one in the car.
Said and done. I changed the wheel today and will see if I can get to the next service without re-tightening the belt.

Jörgen

[tolsen]

Re: Squeeling alternator belt!

Some pulleys are aluminium and wear out like the lower one in below photo. Upper pulley is brand new.

450 Cdi aluminium pulleys.

[madDan]

Re: Squeeling alternator belt!

Erm I changed my belts on mine once because they were looking a bit tired - that's it.

Your Black Roady is fine I take it?

[krassegrand]

Re: Squeeling alternator belt!

Some pulleys are aluminium and wear out like the lower one in below photo. Upper pulley is brand new.

450 Cdi aluminium pulleys.

Am I missing something?
I can't see any photo!

Jörgen

[krassegrand]

Re: Squeeling alternator belt!

Erm I changed my belts on mine once because they were looking a bit tired - that's it.

Your Black Roady is fine I take it?

It is a lot better but then it has only run half as far!

Jörgen

[Kapt. Q]

Re: Squeeling alternator belt!

I have ever since we got the Roadsters had to re-tighten the alternator belt on the Wasp (in my opinion) way to often. As some off Yo might remember I made a tool to make it a lot easier but the reason remains.
I thought that since the alternator has run 250 000 km and made its way through 12 or 13 belts the wheel might be worn.
As I had an other alternator (unfortunately for a for-two) I could take the wheel from that and place on the one in the car.
Said and done. I changed the wheel today and will see if I can get to the next service without re-tightening the belt.

Jörgen

Excessive wear can also be caused by over tightening the belt, or the pulleys being out of line with each other.

A fortwo with a similar option spec will have an identical alternator.

Cheers!

[tolsen]

Re: Squeeling alternator belt!

My aux drive belt is 6 years old and has covered 100,000 km. Tensioned belt correctly when fitting. Belt tension is still within specification. Proof of the importance of getting it right first time.

[krassegrand]

Re: Squeeling alternator belt!

That is why I have been so interested in how to tension the belt!

Jörgen

[tolsen]

Re: Squeeling alternator belt!

Am I missing something?
I can't see any photo!

Jörgen

Fixed now.

[krassegrand]

Re: Squeeling alternator belt!

Mine was not that worn!
It was a bit difficult to measure but with my standard calliper i found that the worn one was about 1mm smaller on the diameter of the tops.

Jörgen

[krassegrand]

Re: Squeeling alternator belt!

Is this device possible to find closer to home?
http://www.autoatlanta.com/Porsche-B...s-PN-RKR1.html
I get a feeling that this is in USA.
And I might want one more adapted to Smart if that is needed.

Jörgen

[madDan]

Re: Squeeling alternator belt!

I wonder if your tensioner is jamming given you have to adjust so frequently maybe while sorting things fit a new adjuster?

Doh! Just remembered tensioner is for Aircon Belt.



http://www.gates.com/europe/brochure...cation_id=5172

as for closer tools

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_tr...at=0&_from=R40

try your local variant or a motor factor

[krassegrand]

Re: Squeeling alternator belt!

http://www.gates.com/europe/brochure...cation_id=5172

This is the tool I am looking for but it seems impossible to get in contact with the guys!

Jörgen

[tolsen]

Re: Squeeling alternator belt!

This is the tool I am looking for but it seems impossible to get in contact with the guys!

Jörgen

You could try your friendly Smart dealer. Part number for the Krikit tester is 450589002100. Cost about GBP 25. Better checking tension by measuring belt vibration. Use a microphone and free sound card oscilloscope software or install free ProTunerLite app on your iPod or iPhone. Instructions here including spread sheet to convert belt tension to vibration frequency.
A Belgian Smart owner has designed a special tool for tensioning belt. He prints them on a 3D printer. Available on eBay.

The car shown in video is a 451 Cdi. Alternator belt is same as 450 Cdi. Aircon belt is a stretch belt.

[krassegrand]

Re: Squeeling alternator belt!

I think the Krickit gauge will be quite fine.
I will make an enquiery at my local friendly spare part man.

Jörgen