Re: v-belts

["Fred Munro" <munrof@isys.ca>]

Huw;

    Check the section size and shape on the v-belts you are using. The Audi
alternator belt has a peculiar thin section which is not easily matched by
typical North American belts. The belt should sit well down in the pulley
with just a bit of the belt section above the pulley rim. If the belt sits
too high, you won't have enough surface contact to handle the load and the
belt will squeal. If the belt sits too low, it can bottom out in the pulley
and will also squeal.
    I have toothed belts on my 200q and have no problems. I made sure the
alternator belt fit properly, though - I had to return the one initially
supplied and get one with a thinner section.
    I have seen belts with the teeth on the outside and smooth on the
inside, but cannot recall who makes them.

HTH

Fred Munro
'91 200q  257k km  (currently O/S for it's 250k refurb - I'm already
suffering withdrawal)


-----Original Message-----
From: Huw Powell <human@nh.ultranet.com>
To: quattro group <quattro@coimbra.ans.net>
Date: Tuesday, August 25, 1998 3:25 AM
Subject: v-belts


>I seem to be chewing through alternator belts like there's no tomorrow.
>Put  anew one on a few months ago, it squealed a lot and broke 3 weeks
>ago.  Put another new one on, starting squealing in a few days, went to
>tighten it the other night, 1/3 of its "teeth" are torn out.
>
>So I put in an old one with no "teeth".  No squeal.  I have ordered one
>through Audi (about $9), just to see how it lasts.  Do they make the
>untoothed ones any more?  What might be destroying these belts?
>
>The pulleys line up properly, checked with a straight edge, and from
>what I can see while the engine is spinning them, neither is out of
>round or off center.
>
>Thanks!
>--
>Huw Powell
>
>"This is the place where death rejoices to teach those who live."