How do u measure Tension on Belts???

[SLPJCooL]

Like what topic said. My alternator belt looks flappy and I wanna tighten it yet don't wanna over tighten.
Is there a special device to measure the tension of the belt? Or is there an easy way of doing it?

[Drew]

on the long stretch normally at the top

push down in the middle and it should have about 1cm of slack as a rule of thumb

[EG5[KRT]]

or you can try and twist the belt and it should only got 1/4-1/2 turn at max

[SLPJCooL]

Twisting? wow...sounds scary
so about 1cm...is that min or max length? And I presume that applies to all belts (Timing, Alt, PS, AC)?

[Drew]

I wouldn't twist a belt...

It would apply to most accessory belts but not a timing belt...

Around 1cm is what it should be... If its too loose it will slip, if its too tight it will snap...

What car have you got? Year/Model/Engine

[silver_screen]

not only can it snap, but it also places a huge amount of force on the bearings which will lead to premature failure of accessories

They tend to heat up the bearing and then they seize and snap the shafts ;)

1cm is about right without pressin on it too hard :)

[Slow96GSR]

You would use a Belt Tension Gauge.

http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000F5JMEU.01-ADG953YR6NRBF._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V42018557_.jpg

[SLPJCooL]

You would use a Belt Tension Gauge.

http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000F5JMEU.01-ADG953YR6NRBF._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V42018557_.jpg

That's exactly what I was looking for. Where can I get one of these? Autobarn?