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Inspection And Verification

CAUTION: Under no circumstances should the accessory drive belt, tensioner or pulleys be lubricated as potential damage to the belt material and tensioner damping mechanism will occur. Do not apply any fluids or belt dressing to the accessory drive belt or pulleys.
  1. Verify the customer concern by operating the system.
  2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical damage.
    VISUAL INSPECTION CHART

    Mechanical
    Drive belt cracking/chunking/wear
    Belt/pulley contamination
    Incorrectly routed belt
    Pulley misalignment or excessive pulley runout
    Loose or mislocated hardware
    Incorrectly routed power steering tubes (rubbing)
  3. Eliminate all other non-belt related noises that could cause belt misdiagnosis, such as A/C compressor engagement chirp, power steering cavitations at low temperatures, variable camshaft timing (VCT) tick or generator whine.
  4. If a concern is found, correct the condition before proceeding to the next step.
    5. NOTE: Up to 15 cracks in a rib over a distance of 100 mm (4.0 in) can be considered acceptable. If damage exceeds the acceptable limit or any chunks are found to be missing from the ribs, a new belt must be installed.
    Fig 1: Identifying V-Ribbed Serpentine Drive Belt With Cracks Across Ribs
    G03243807Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Check the belt for cracks. Up to 15 cracks in a rib over a distance of 100 mm (4.0 in) can be considered acceptable. If cracks exceed this standard, install a new belt.
  6. The condition of the V-ribbed drive belt should be compared against Fig 2 and appropriate action taken.
    1. Small scattered deposits of rubber material. This is not a concern, therefore, installation of a new belt is not required.
    2. Longer deposit areas building up to 50 percent of the rib height. This is not considered a concern but it can result in excessive noise. If noise is apparent, install a new belt.
    3. Heavy deposits building up along the grooves resulting in a possible noise and belt stability concern. If heavy deposits are apparent, install a new belt.
    NOTE: Piling is an excessive buildup in the V-grooves of the belt.
    Fig 2: Identifying V-Ribbed Serpentine Belt With Piling
    G03243808Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. There should be no chunks missing from the belt ribs. If the belt shows any evidence of this, install a

    new accessory drive belt.

    Fig 3: Identifying V-Ribbed Serpentine Belt With Chunks Of Rib Missing
    G03243809Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  8. If the concern is not visually evident, verify the symptom and GO to SYMPTOM CHART .
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