Preparing the published article.
Belt and Timing Drive Maintenance
Belts give warning; most people just do not look.
What to inspect
| Item | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Tension | Correct deflection for the drive type |
| Wear | Cracking, glazing and missing teeth |
| Alignment | Pulley alignment and run-out |
| Debris | Material trapped in the drive |
| Noise | Squealing or slapping under load |
Replacement practice
- Replace belts as a set where they run in parallel.
- Re-tension to the specification, not by feel.
- Check the driven components for the cause of uneven wear.
Tension specifications come from the equipment manual. Over-tensioning shortens bearing life.