What Causes Belt Drive Slippage?

[DelEmily]

Belt drive slippage is mainly caused by overload and other factors. Slippage is caused by overload: This occurs when the effective tension transmitted exceeds the maximum friction force between the belt and the pulley. The wrap angle of the smaller pulley is less than that of the larger pulley, meaning the contact area with the pulley is smaller, resulting in reduced friction. Belt drive failure: Slippage reduces transmission efficiency and happens when the belt is subjected to excessive tension beyond its limit. Slippage occurs on the smaller pulley due to the formula for minimum initial tension. From the formula, it can be seen that the smaller the wrap angle, the greater the required initial tension. Generally, the smaller pulley has a smaller wrap angle, so its minimum initial tension is higher. If the initial tension is less than this minimum, slippage will occur.

[DamianLee]

I encountered belt slippage several times when I first started driving, mainly due to insufficient belt tension. If the belt isn't properly tightened, it's prone to idling. When the belt is excessively worn or aged, with surface cracks or thinning, it can't effectively transmit power. Pulleys that are rusty or contaminated with oil will have reduced friction coefficients, naturally causing slippage. The belt is also more likely to slip under heavy loads, such as when climbing steep slopes. Misalignment issues are often overlooked—if the belt isn't parallel to the pulley, it's prone to skew and slip off. I recommend checking the belt tension monthly by hand to ensure it's neither too loose nor too tight. Replace the belt immediately if wear exceeds half its thickness to avoid sudden failures while driving, especially on wet or snowy roads where the risks are higher. This habit can save you a lot of repair troubles.

[ONathan]

Last time on the highway, my car's belt was slipping and squeaking, which was really annoying. The reason was either the belt being too loose without tension or worn out from prolonged use, losing its grip. Accumulated oil or dust on the pulleys can also easily lead to transmission failure. Overloading, such as carrying a full load uphill, increases the pressure and the likelihood of slipping. I think it's simple to pay attention to the belt's condition in daily use: visually inspect for cracks or missing teeth and replace if necessary, keeping the pulleys clean and rust-free. When adjusting the tension, get a helper to tighten the screws securely, ensuring safe driving without worries.

[AngeloAnn]

Belt slippage was a common confusion when I first started driving. Simply put, it's when the belt slides without transmitting power. The causes include loose belts leading to idling, worn belts with smooth surfaces that can't grip the pulley, or pulley damage and dirt contamination reducing friction. Try to avoid overloading and rapid acceleration. Regularly check belt tension and wear, and repair any issues promptly to ensure smooth driving.