Exposure to heat, vibration and contamination makes belts and hoses wear out faster than any other components in the car.
While some accessories in the car are electrically powered by the charging system, others use the engine itself as their power source. The power for these accessories is delivered by a system of pulleys and belts. Examples of these accessories are:
- Alternator
- Water Pump for engine cooling
- Power Steering Pump
- Air Conditioning Compressor
- Radiator Cooling Fan
- Many late model cars use a single serpentine belt in place of individual belts to drive these accessories.
Belts
Drive Belt or Fan Belt
A drive belt’s primary function is to connect the engine to front-mounted accessories. Belts come in two different types: The traditional V-belt and the serpentine belt (also called Poly-V, Poly-Rib, Multi-Rib, and Micro-V belt). Drive belts provide power to engine-mounted accessories like the power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, mechanical cooling fan and air injection pump. Serpentine belts are now used on almost all vehicles.
Timing Belt
Many of today’s engines also use timing belts (but not all). Some engines still use a timing chain and sprocket arrangement. The timing belt maintains crankshaft-to-camshaft synchronization, keeping valve operation matched to piston position. On some engines, the belt also drives other components. These include the oil pump, water pump and balance shafts.
Belts (inspect and/or replace)
- Drive belts
- V Belt
- Serpentine Belt
- Timing Belts
- Belt Tensioner
- Belt Pulley
Hoses
The hoses that convey your car’s fluids are made of two rubber layers with a layer of fabric in between. Typical hoses include:
- Radiator and Heater Hoses-These hoses convey coolant to the engine and heater core.
- Fuel Hose- As the name implies, this hose transports gasoline from the tank to the engine.
- Power Steering Hose-It connects the power steering pump to the steering gear.
Hoses (inspect and/or replace)
- Upper Radiator Hose
- Lower Radiator Hose
- Heater Hose
- Bypass Hose
- Hose Clamps
