Eric, New belts will loosen in the first few thousand miles unless they are installed pretty darn tight. The old rule of thumb is about 1/2" max deflection in the center of a belt with a pretty firm push. If it's been squealing for some time, it's probably glazed. If it doesn't stop when tightened, replace the belt. Stuart -----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Eric Caron Sent: Friday, July 08, 2016 9:46 AM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Belt advice Hi folks, Not the advice that my belt is getting a bit tight around my middle. I need advice on my waterpump belt. I got my van back from a check up and was told the belt was fine and needed just a bit of belt dressing. Still the belt squeaks at cold start up every time and stops after a few minutes. Doesn’t make noise once warmed up. At least one fellow VW owner looked and said it seemed a bit loose. At the check up I was told if it was tightened it would damage bearings.
So, do I get the belt changed and tightened or just put on belt dressing? The belt was put on in 2013 about 9,000 miles ago. I think it has chirped a bit most of this time certainly the last year. Friend says my belt shows some wear and small cracks. Shop didn’t recommend any work on it though I specifically asked about it. thanks. Eric Caron 85 GL Auto Westfalia |
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