Bosch has recently updated its Service and Repair Tips poster for Ribbed V-Belts. 

This is a useful visual resource that provides information on certain damage patterns on Ribbed V-Belts and suggests the likely cause of the damage and an effective solution. 

For example: 

• Uneven rib profile wear, can be caused by misalignment or roller bearing damage, or belt vibration. The best solution is to replace the belt, tensioner and idler and if necessary, the water pump, ensuring proper fitting and correct tensioning. 
• If the belt is exhibiting signs of cracking or rupturing of the base material it is possible that the temperature too high due to insufficient tension or defective bearing. Otherwise the belt may be worn, or there are foreign particles present. Here the technician should ensure proper fitting and set the correct tension, any particles should be eliminate. If issues persist the belt should replaced. ly
• If a belt cracking after a short usage, then it is possible that excessive tension has been applied. The technician should also check that the belt has not kinked prior to or during fitting and for drive components or rollers that are stiff or blocked. Here Bosch recommends checking the fitment and belt tension is correct. If the problem cannot be rectified then replacement of the belt, tensioner, idler, and if necessary, water pump is recommended. 
• If a new belt seems excessively noisy once fitted, the technician should check for insufficient or excessive tension, possible drive overloaded, misalignment, or spillage of operating fluids. In this instance Bosch recommends, checking of fitment, tension, rollers, drive components and bearing clearance, replacing as required. The fitter should also check the axial position and axial parallelism of drive and bearing clearance of rollers and replace if necessary. 

To view and download the full information poster please click here.