Bosch Auto Service network specialists recommendations for the operation and replacement of the drive belt of auxiliary units

• How often the V-belt / ribbed V-belt need to be changed and how to choose a suitable replacement.
• Modern technology of belts and the benefits of Bosch components.
• Bosch Auto Service network specialists recommendations for the belts replacement.

What is the function of belts?

Despite its name, the drive belt of auxiliary units plays important role in the operation of a car - without it, it is impossible to reliably supply a car with electrical energy. In addition, a power steering pump, an air conditioning compressor, a water pump, or an engine cooling fan can be driven from the V-belt / ribbed V-belt.

During operation, the drive belt is subject to wear. Over time, it loses its original properties, requiring timely replacement. And if with the lack of air conditioning in the event of a broken belt could still be reconciled, then in case of a sudden failure of the power steering, an emergency situation may arise! Therefore, the condition of the V-belt or ribbed V-belt must be monitored. Do not wait for it to break.

How often the drive belt of auxiliary units need to be changed?

The drive belt of auxiliary units usually does not have a fixed service life. The regulations defines only the interval for periodic belt checking. After all, the drive system of auxiliary units can be in different operating conditions, therefore, components are replaced when defects are detected during the inspection process - extraneous noise, breaks or cracks in the belt, its pollution or damage, malfunctions of rollers and tensioners. Condition monitoring is usually made every 30 or 60 thousand kilometers of the car.

How to choose a new belt?

For the correct selection of products, Bosch recommends using a single online catalog of spare parts Bosch Automotive Catalog   where you can select the appropriate components by make, model, year of manufacture and vehicle modification. 

Modern production technologies and benefits of Bosch components

The use of high-quality synthetic materials in the manufacture of Bosch belts ensures reliable operation of the drive system and a long service life. In research centers, scientists and developers use the most advanced polymer bases, as well as develop methods for combining various structures in a single external form. Bosch produces poly V-rims and bevel-toothed belts, which provide a high friction coefficient and the transmission of the required torque. The engines of modern cars are becoming more and more compact. Reflecting this trend, manufacturers are increasingly rejecting tensioners in drive systems for auxiliary motor units, preferring to use high-tech ribbed belts with an elastic base. They have become a suitable technical solution and are used in many modern car models.

As a company that has direct contact with engine developers and automakers, Bosch has the most up-to-date information about the technical requirements for drive systems. That is why the characteristics of Bosch belts clearly correspond to the factory settings.

Taking into account the specifics of car operation, the temperature and chemical resistance of materials used in the manufacture of belts is taken into account. Bosch components operate in the hottest climatic conditions of the equator as reliably as in polar latitudes. In the latter, maintaining the energy balance of the car is the primary task for repairmen of service stations. For many years of operation around the world, Bosch drive belts confirm their best qualities. In addition, Bosch belts meet the highest requirements for durability. This ensures uninterrupted operation of the auxiliary drive system for a long time.

V-belt or v-ribbed belt and generator are the most important components od a single system

Speaking of the accessory drive belt, it is necessary to mention one more component of the drive system - the generator. Modern generators are devices that work closely with all electronic systems. Today, opening the hood of many cars, you will see a Bosch generator there. Depending on the application model, these devices are adapted to work in networks of 12 or 24 volts. This makes it possible to expand the market and product coverage not only for cars, but also trucks and special vehicles. Designers also pay great attention to the unification of generators in relation to different engine ranges. As a system supplier, Bosch also provides the widest range of spare parts for workshops that repair generators.

Generator production allows Bosch to offer consumers belts that best meet the requirements of the drive system - whether it is a car or trucks.

Recommendations of Bosch Auto Service network specialists for checking and replacing the belt

When inspecting the drive system of auxiliary units, first of all, attention should be paid to the weakening of friction forces - belt sagging, lubricant on pulleys and belt, abrasive hit, etc. One should pay attention to the components of the drive system if there is an increased noise or whistling belts, often manifested after starting the engine in the cold season.

Bosch has released a special poster that clearly demonstrates the types of belt damage for which it needs replacing, indicating the possible causes of faults and how to solve them.

When replacing the belt, carefully read the drive system configuration. It would be useful, just in case, to photograph or, for example, draw a diagram of the correct location of the belt.

To remove the old belt, it is necessary to loosen its tension. In modern drive systems, an automatic tensioner is typically used, which ensures correct belt tension. But there are also systems in which it is regulated manually. Also increasingly used systems without tensioner, which use elastic poly V-belts. It should be noted that if an elastic belt is installed in the original configuration, it cannot be replaced with a regular one, and vice versa. In addition, the installation of such belts should be done using special tools, such as Bosch Elastic Tool Kit 1.0 and Elastic Tool Kit 2.0.

Before installing the new belt, it is recommended to compare it with the one that has been removed to make sure that the selection and complete compatibility with other drive components is accurate. Attention must also be paid to checking the condition of the rollers, tensioners and other drive components. If any of them are faulty, it can affect the operation of the entire system. For example, if the bearings of the generator, air conditioner compressor, or bypass rollers are worn or not working properly, this can lead to accelerated wear and rapid failure of the new belt. If necessary, replace faulty components.

During the installation of the new belt, it is necessary to ensure its proper installation and tension. It is very important not to use the wrong tool in order not to damage the pulleys of the drive system units. Deformation or misalignment of the pulleys will lead to rapid belt wear, increased vibration and the appearance of extraneous noise. The belt tension should be adjusted according to the type of tensioner and the manufacturer's instructions.

Proper selection of components and a qualified belt replacement will help you at the nearest Bosch Auto Service network station. All the necessary information on the replacement of the belt is available to service specialists in the Bosch ESI [tronic] software, which is used in conjunction with Bosch diagnostic equipment.