How to install V belts

How to install V belts
INSTALLING V-BELTS
PROPER INSTALLATION CAN PROLONG THE LIFE OF V-BELTS
While two V-belts may look similar, the design and engineering processes used to produce them can differ greatly, leading to big differences in belt life and performance. The first step in installing a new V-belt is to make sure you select the appropriate belt type for your application. TEXROPE® manufactures various types and sizes of V-belts for the widest range of applications.

V-belt drives run longer and perform better if they are given the proper care and attention during installation, and in particular, during the following 24-hour running-in period. This is a most critical time for V-belts.
Also ensure correct pulley mounting and pulley alignment. It is extremely important that pulleys be installed and aligned properly. Any pulley must be correctly assembled, and bolts or setscrews tightened to the correct torque.

The best practices provided here give you a standardised procedure for correctly installing a V-belt. This procedure provides general guidelines and is intended to support any technical literature that may have been supplied by the equipment manufacturer.

Step 1
After the power has been turned off, isolated (i.e. locked) and the guard removed, loosen the motor mounting bolts. Move the motor until the belt is slack and it can be removed without prising. Never prise off a belt!

Step 2
Remove the old belts. Check them for unusual wear. Excessive wear may indicate problems with the drive design or maintenance procedures.

Step 3
Select the correct replacement belt.

Step 4
You can clean belts and pulleys with a rag slightly dampened with a light, non-volatile solvent. Avoid soaking or brushing the solvent on the belt. Do not sand or scrape the belt with a sharp object to remove grease or debris. Belts must be dry before using on a drive.

Step 5
Inspect the pulleys for wear and damage. TEXROPE® pulley gauges make it easy to see if grooves are worn. If more than 0.4 mm of wear can be seen, the pulley should be replaced. Make sure the pulleys are properly aligned.

Step 6
Inspect the other drive components such as bearings and shafts for alignment, wear, lubrication,…

Step 7
Install the new belt or belt set. Replace all belts on multiple belt drives. Do not mix old and new belts. Older belts do not retain tension as well as new belts. If you mix belts, the load may be carried only by the new belts. This can result in premature failure. Also, never mix belts from different manufacturers. Belts with different origins may have different characteristics that can cause the belts to work against each other, resulting in unusual strain and short service life.

Step 8
Take up the centre distance on the drive, rotate the drive for a few revolutions until proper tension is obtained on the tension tester. Some long belts may appear to hang unevenly when installed. It is normal for belts within match tolerances to create noticeable differences in deflection. This "catenary effect" is a curve made by a cord of uniform weight suspended between two points. This appearance will change with proper run-in and tensioning.

Step 9
Secure the motor mounting bolts to the correct torque.

Step 10
Replace the guard.

Step 11
Let the belts run in for a while. This process consists of starting the drive, letting it run under full load, and then stopping, checking and re-tensioning to recommended values. Running the belts under full load allows them to seat themselves in the grooves. If possible, let the drive run for about 24 hours. Even letting them run overnight, or over a lunch break, is better than nothing. This run-in period will reduce the future need for re-tensioning.

Step 12
During start-up, look and listen for unusual noise or vibration. It is a good idea to shut down the machine and check the bearings and motor. Use an infra-red thermometer to measure their temperature. If they are hot, the belt tension may be too high. Or the bearing may be misaligned or improperly lubricated.