Recognising V-belt wear is key to preventing potential problems and failures in the drive system.
Kdy je třeba vyměnit klínový řemen?
Recognising V-belt wear is key to preventing potential problems and failures in the drive system.
The most common cause of drive belt damage is simply material aging. The rubber wears out and loses its elasticity, while the fibres lose their strength. Therefore, in the case of sensitive drive systems, it is advisable not to wait for visible signs of wear and to replace the belt after a period of use, even if it still seems to be performing its function.
The belt wears out even when the machine is not in operation. Even a functional belt can degrade over time on an unused machine. After replacing the belt with a new one, it is necessary to pre-set the tension and start the machine to get the mechanism working. After switching off, the tension should be checked again.
Here are some signs that your timing belt may be worn:
- Visual inspection:
- Cracks and Crazing: Visually inspect the belt for cracks or crazing. These signs indicate that the rubber material of the belt may be worn.
- Protrusions or surface damage: Visible wear or irregularities on the belt surface may be a sign of problems.
- Noise:
- Whistling or clicking: Audible signals, especially whistling or clicking, may indicate that the belt is worn or improperly tensioned.
- Irregular operation of the equipment:
- Shuddering or shaking: If the equipment that drives the V-belt begins to shudder or shake irregularly, it may be an indication of belt wear or improper belt tension.
- Non-standard sound when turning:
- Squeaking or snorting sound: An unnatural sound may be heard when turning, which may be a sign of wear on the V-belt.
- Incorrect operation on shutdown:
- Vibration or shaking on shutdown: If you observe vibration or shaking when the equipment or vehicle is turned off, it may indicate a problem with the V-belt.
- Loss of power:
- Reduced Power: A worn V-belt can lead to a loss of power, which can be especially noticeable when the power of the driven equipment drops.
If you observe any of the above signs, it is advisable to carry out a more thorough inspection of the V-belt and replace it if necessary. Regular maintenance and inspection are key to the longevity and reliable operation of V-belts.
How do I know if the belt is properly tensioned?
Different types of belts, including V-belts, toothed belts and groove belts, require the correct tension according to the values specified in the relevant
belt calculation.
The frequencies of the free branch of the belt are crucial for accurate preload adjustment, and this can be checked by measuring the frequency or deflection of the free branch.
Measurement of deflection using a belt tension meter can be made by pressing in the middle of the free branch and then comparing it with the values in tables or calculations. Although this check is less accurate than frequency measurement, it is still a better alternative than guessing or neglecting this check.
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