Facility engineers who must maintain or oversee installation of V-belts throughout an HVAC system: take these dozen tips for proper tensioning, followed by more on how to identify and troubleshoot the consequences of improper tension.
Over-tensioning shortens not only the life of V-belts but also that of the sheaves, electric motor, and driven equipment bearings. In extreme cases, it can even bend or break a motor shaft. Unfortunately, premature failures due to the excessive radial load of over-tensioned belts often prompt users to replace drive end ball bearings with roller bearings, rather than to set the belt tension to the correct value. To assure long, reliable operation of all drive system components, follow these procedures when installing, tensioning, and troubleshooting V-belts.