10 replies to this topic

[joe56]

hi had a new fan belt fitted about 500 miles ago september when it starts squeaking i tighten it but about a 3 weeks- month down the line it starts again. could this be because they fitted the wrong belt or is it something else? its not the nuts not being tight enough or loosening off because iv used lock tight. worst comes to worst im going to fit a new 1 Saturday but would rather not if i don't have to

[Gulfclubby]

It could be the alternator and the water pump/fan pulley being misaligned, causing premature wear and slackening of the belt. Are the three pulleys in a straight line or not?

[KernowCooper]

Have you checked the water pump and alternator bearings for play ? and how tight are you doing the belt up? it should have no more than 1/2inch (12mm) movement on its longest side, and are you using a branded belt or another make.Don't be tempted to fit a new belt and overtighten it otherwise it will most likely take the water pump bearing out first.

If all of those check out how tight are the adjustment bolts I have seen the lower slider bracket move and detension the belt before

[joe56]

ill check for play in the water pump and alternator they look in line if they are out it would only be a degree or two, i dont no what make the belt is got it changed at the london mini centre. think im going to put a new 1 on saturday just for the sake of it and so i know whats going on in there. cheers

[tiger99]

I once had a belt that kept becoming slack, because the crankshaft pulley was cracking around the centre, at the rivet holes,and gradually splitting, so the V was getting wider. It is not very likely, but worth a check if you can't find anything else wrong. I took mine off and welded it with a primitive arc welder, and it ran for another 50k miles or so, until the car was scrap. (That was about 1980 when rusty Minis were worthless.) It would have been better to change it, but I could not immediately get a replacement.

But first, check that it is not something trivial like the adjuster slipping. Mark the position of the bolt in the slotted arm with paint and see if it moves.

[joe56]

it was just a really crap fan belt its was like a postmans elastic band. put a new decent one on saturday problem solved. thanks for all ur reply's though

[tiger99]

Chinese belt, perhaps?

[joe56]

dont no got the done at the london mini centre.

[tiger99]

That is the problem. I doubt if even your supplier can tell where it came from or if it is genuine. There are massive amounts of counterfeit parts in circulation, usually made in China, and it is very hard to tell the difference sometimes.

I see from the BBC web site that we now need to be aware of the problems with Chinese rice, which apparently has a high lead content....

[joe56]

ill keep that in mind on the food shop.

[bmcecosse]

And buy a spare new belt and carry it in the car - tucks inside the spare wheel quite nicely....