Does the generator belt need to be replaced if it has slight cracks?
4 Answers
Generator belt with slight cracks needs replacement. The function of the car generator belt is power transmission. If the belt breaks, it can cause the engine to lose power and stop, and in severe cases, it may even damage the engine. Maintenance precautions for car generator belts: 1. Tightness: After driving a certain mileage, adjust the tightness of the generator belt appropriately, then fix the calibration screws as needed. The bracket screws of the generator should maintain a certain tightness. 2. Bearing wear: Pay attention to the wear level of the bearings. If insufficient lubrication is found, a few drops of oil can be added from the oil cup opening, but be careful not to let it seep into the rectifier, as this could affect power transmission efficiency. 3. Brushes: If the contact surface of the brush is uneven, it can be smoothed with fine sandpaper. If the spring lacks elasticity or the brush is excessively worn, new parts must be replaced. If the brush is too short but not damaged, a gasket can be inserted into the bracket to ensure it fits tightly with the rectifier.
I've been in the auto repair business for over 20 years and have seen too many troubles caused by neglecting small cracks. A generator belt with minor cracks might seem insignificant, but it's actually a warning sign—aged rubber loses elasticity, making the belt prone to slipping or snapping completely. If it breaks, the car's generator will fail, the battery won't charge, the lights won't work, and worse, if the belt driving the water pump also fails, the engine can overheat and damage the cylinder head, costing thousands to repair. Don't underestimate that small crack—it will grow larger with heat and vibration. I recommend replacing the belt immediately; it usually costs around 200-300 yuan, much cheaper than calling a tow truck for a breakdown or paying for major repairs. Safety first—get it fixed at a reputable shop while the car is still drivable. Don't wait until something goes wrong to regret it.
Last year, my car also developed cracks in the belt. At the time, I thought it was no big deal and kept driving with it. But two months later, the belt suddenly snapped on the highway, causing the engine to stall and nearly leading to an accident. Since then, I've learned that small cracks should never be ignored—the alternator belt drives the generator and air conditioning compressor, among other things. Cracks indicate that the internal fibers are already damaged and can't withstand high-speed loads, making it highly prone to breaking while driving. Replacing it with a new belt isn't costly—for most regular models, the parts and labor only cost around 300 to 400 RMB. But if you don’t replace it, the risk is too high. Especially for families like ours who often travel with kids, getting stranded in a remote area due to a broken belt would mean calling for help, which is both troublesome and dangerous. Now, I make it a habit to regularly check the belt’s condition and replace it immediately if there are any cracks—prevention is always the best approach.
Listen up, fellow drivers. If your alternator belt has developed cracks, it's definitely time to consider a replacement. That thing is essentially a long rubber belt connected to the engine, helping to power the alternator, water pump, and other components. Over time, it ages and develops small cracks. Don't underestimate it - if it snaps while you're driving, your headlights could go out and the steering wheel might become stiff, which is downright terrifying. For a quick check, pop the hood and inspect it: if the cracks are deeper than 1mm or there are multiple cracks close together, don't hesitate - replace it immediately. While some handy folks might consider a DIY approach, I'd recommend visiting a repair shop where it can be done reliably for just a few dozen bucks. Never compromise safety to save a little money - safety always comes first.
