Spray for alternator belt. Will it save you from the creak?
Why is the drive belt slipping?
The characteristic squeak of the attachment belt when it slips is well known to almost all motorists. This phenomenon is caused by the following factors.
- Weak pull. In this case, it is usually sufficient to simply tighten the belt. If there are no other problems, then this procedure will eliminate the squeak. The method for checking the tension is usually described in the operating instructions for the car.
- Wear of the belt itself with a change in the geometry of the wedge profile. This reduces the contact area of the belt with the drive pulley, which reduces the traction force.
- Drying. The rubber of the attachment drive belt loses its elasticity over time and adheres worse to the pulley. At the same time, the grip force is reduced.
For an express solution to the problem of a slipping drive belt, special tools have been developed: sprays for generator belts.
How does alternator belt spray work?
Today, several manufacturers produce tools for processing drive belts. One of the most popular and common is Liqui Moly's Keilriemen Spray. Products from other manufacturers have approximately the same composition and principle of operation.
Spray for v-belts has several actions at the same time.
- Softens the hardened surface layer of rubber, which allows the wedge profile to contact the pulley grooves over a larger area. The belt spray has the effect of a rubber conditioner. And that increases grip.
- Creates a layer with a good coefficient of friction on the surface of the belt and drive pulleys. Motorists mistakenly perceive this layer as a side effect from the action of the agent or rubber decomposition products. In fact, it is this black and sticky coating that allows the belt to sit securely on the pulley and not slip.
- Reduces wear rate. Friction during slippage abrades and heats the belt to burning temperature. In addition to softening the belt, which prevents the formation of microcracks, the spray significantly reduces the likelihood of slippage.
Thus, these products eliminate slippage of belts and prolong their service life. But sprays can only be used for V-belts. Toothed timing belts cannot be processed with the means in question.
Reviews
Motorists overwhelmingly respond well to V-belt sprays. Most often, the following points are noted in the reviews:
- these tools really eliminate the squeak, even if the belt was already heavily worn and slipped at minimal loads on the generator;
- some belts soften after processing, while others remain the same texture, but a sticky layer with a high coefficient of friction is formed on their surface;
- as an express solution, the tool is the best option when it is not possible to quickly change the belt.
Among the negative reviews, contamination of the pulleys, the belt itself and attachments with a black sticky substance, which is washed only with solvent or gasoline, is most often noted. Therefore, the spray should be applied carefully and directly on the belt. You should also check the belt tension first. Applying the product to a loose belt will give only a short-term effect and will not be able to eliminate slippage for a long time.
