Causes of Ribbed Belts Failure and the Solution
This unique troubleshoot guide makes it easier for you to identify possible causes of your ribbed belt (poly-V belt) transmission failure.
You can find main potential causes of drive belt failure that are possibly damaging your ribbed belt (poly-V belt), shortening its lifespan, etc. Simultaneously, presented here are instructions on how such problems may be solved.
Symptoms of a Ribbed Belt Failure
- Hardened, Polished Flanks
- Uneven Wear on Ribs
- Running Noises from Belt
- Cracks/Separations in Belt Ribs
- Crack in the Belt after a Short Running Time
- Dirt Accumulation on the Belt
- Damage to the Back of the Belt
- Unacceptable Wear of Belt Ribs
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Hardened, Polished Flanks
| Diagnosis | Solution |
|---|---|
| Incorrect tensioning | Change the belt, adjust tension correctly |
| Tension member of belt damaged by incorrect fitting | Change the belt, fit properly |
Uneven Wear on Ribs
| Diagnosis | Solution |
|---|---|
| Pulleys are not aligned | Examine the drive. Line up or, if necessary, replace any non-aligned pulleys, change the belt |
| Substantial belt vibrations | Check the tension. If necessary, tighten or change the belt |
Running Noises from Belt
| Diagnosis | Solution |
|---|---|
| Insufficient tension | Tighten or change the belt |
| Belt past its useful life | Change the belt |
Cracks/Separations in Belt Ribs
| Diagnosis | Solution |
|---|---|
| Belt tension is too high/low | Change the belt, adjust tension correctly |
| Belt past its useful life | Change the belt |
| Foreign matter | Change the belt |
Crack in the Belt after a Short Running Time
| Diagnosis | Solution |
|---|---|
| Tension members damaged as a result of incorrect fitting | Change the belt, fitting it correctly |
| Belt excessively tensioned | Change the belt, adjust tension correctly |
Dirt Accumulation on the Belt
| Diagnosis | Solution |
|---|---|
| Leaks in the engine or engine compartment (e.g. escape of oil, antifreeze etc.) | Repair leak(s), change the belt |
Damage to the Back of the Belt
| Diagnosis | Solution |
|---|---|
| Back idler pulley defective (sluggish, surface damaged, e.g. by foreign matter) | Change the belt, replace the back idler pulleys |
Unacceptable Wear of Belt Ribs
| Diagnosis | Solution |
|---|---|
| Pulleys/idlers/assemblies defective (sluggish) | Replace pulleys/idlers/assemblies, change the belt |
| Pulleys not aligned | Align or replace pulleys, change the belt |
Need a New Ribbed Belt and Do Not Know Exactly Which One?
We honestly understand you. Marking on a broken belt is sometimes not easily seen. Thus, we have prepared a guide for you to identify different sorts and types of belts.
Documents for Download
Causes of Failures - Problem - Diagnosis - Solution
ContiTech User Guide
Czech and English (pdf 463.81 kB)
