Maintaining proper functioning of the alternator is an important task to ensure smooth functioning of the electrical system in any vehicle. The generator provides constant recharging of the battery and ensures the operation of other energy consumers. Generating the necessary electricity is impossible without a working alternator belt and the correct degree of tension.
The alternator belt and belt tensioner (Kalina) ensure the transmission of torque from the car engine to the generator, resulting in the generation of electricity. Over time, situations arise when the tension weakens or disappears altogether, and as a result, the required level of electric current generation is not ensured. Often the causes of malfunctions lie in the generator belt tensioner (roller), which is what we will talk about.
Adjustment methods
Currently, there are three main methods of tensioning the alternator belt in cars:
- Using a special arc-shaped strip. In this case, the generator has two mounting points. One of them is an axis around which it can move within small limits. The other is the nut on the adjustment bar. If you release it, you can move the pulley to the required distance. This method is now considered obsolete. It is mainly used on VAZ classics.
- The generator is moved by rotating the adjusting bolt. This system has become widespread in cars of the tenth family.
- Using a tensioner. This is a special movable roller that rests on the belt between the generator and crankshaft pulleys. It is equipped with a screw mechanism. By rotating it, you can adjust the pressing force. This is exactly the kind of alternator belt tensioner on the Lada Kalina.
Types of drive belts for Lada Kalina
The engines of the Lada Kalina and its derivatives were constantly modernized and had different designs, as well as different lengths of the corresponding belts.
To make it easier to select spare parts, we decided to group all catalog numbers into a table:
| Belt number | Engine Description |
| 6PK823 | The earliest engine that was used on the VAZ 2108-2115. The design lacks a tensioner and air conditioning. |
| 6PK882 | A belt that is designed for engines with a tensioner, but without air conditioning. |
| 6PK1018 | Used in engines with belt tensioner and air conditioning. |
| 6PK995 | Alternator belt for 16-valve VAZ-21127 engine with air conditioning. |
The catalog number of the belt also contains its main parameters - 6-ribbed poly V-belt, and the last numbers - its length in millimeters, for example, 1018 mm.
It is advisable to change the belt together with the tension roller. Its article number is 21231041056.
Advantages of a tensioner
Why weren't designers happy with the previous adjustment methods? Why did they add an extra video? It's not just about convenience. The tensioner significantly increases the service life of the generator. Without a roller, the entire load falls on its bearings. If the belt is tensioned normally, then there is nothing to worry about. In this case, the generator will last many thousands of kilometers. However, very often car owners overtighten the belt, and this is bad.
The load on the bearings increases many times over, so they quickly fail. In itself, this is not so scary and expensive, although repairing a generator is quite labor-intensive. But the car owner does not always recognize the breakdown in time. The bearings gradually “break”, the rotor moves and begins to cling to the stator winding. The result is the need to purchase a new generator. Of course, the Kalina generator belt tensioner pulley can also fail, which happens quite regularly, but that’s only 400 rubles, not twelve thousand.
What design features does the tensioner have?
The design of the component we are considering is very simple. There are also simple procedures for its repair or installation. Even an inexperienced LADA Granta owner can install the alternator belt tensioner.
Manufacturers design tensioning devices according to individual projects, implying the subsequent integration of this unit into the overall design of a specific brand and model. But most of these products are equipped with similar components, namely:
- a bracket for the possibility of fixing on the motor block;
- belt tension roller;
- device traction;
- bolt securing the roller.
The bracket is secured to the motor using three or 4 studs.
The bearing is the most vulnerable component. It has been experimentally confirmed that this component is constantly in rotation mode and makes an incredible number of revolutions, prematurely wasting its own resource reserve.
Once the belt is removed, the bearing assembly is fairly easy to diagnose. A serviceable component should not be subject to play. The bracket can also cause a couple of disappointments.
Over time, this component is subject to slight bending, and therefore the roller moves away from the plane of rotation of the belt drive. This defect is typical not only for cars that already have an impressive mileage behind them.
Sometimes the alternator belt tensioner can be found in a bent state on new LADA Granta cars, which raises suspicions of a factory defect.
Note that the tension roller also suffers from frequent breakdowns. This circumstance implies a weakening of the belt tension, causing malfunctions in the functionality of the generator. Diagnosing such a defect is quite simple.
To do this, you will need to loosen the belt and rotate the roller idle. The rotation process should be accompanied by ease and absence of noise effect.
If other suspicious signs are present, then the designated element is replaced without any doubt.
Design
The main element of the tensioner is the pressure roller. It is made of plastic, and a sealed bearing is pressed inside. The roller is mounted on its own bracket, which, with the help of a threaded rod, can move in a vertical plane. This ensures the required moment of pressure on the belt. To prevent the bracket from moving spontaneously when the car is moving due to engine vibration, the pin is tightened on top with a locknut. The entire structure is placed on the generator bracket. There are two holes in it for attaching the Kalina generator belt tensioner.
Sequence of actions when modifying the generator bracket with your own hands on the Lada Granta
- We grind 2 - 3 cm on each side of the generator mount. It is better to do this in a stationary vice using drilling equipment. Due to the lack of equipment, we use a grinding machine, which is known as a “grinder”.
Sew 2-3cm on each side
- Using a drill with a metal drill (at “8”), we drill out the standard hole on the mount, making the stroke length for the bolt 1.5 - 2.0 cm.
Drill out the standard ring
- Using a grinder, we partially grind down the stiffening rib on the mount so that it does not interfere with the free movement of the converter.
- We cut out a corner of metal 40 mm long and 30 - 40 mm thick, and bend the edge. It turned out to be something like the letter “G”. One end is attached to the bracket, on the other we weld a nut to “10”.
Corner letter G
- We assemble the structural elements, screw in the bolt to tension the generator drive belt.
- We install the converter and the bracket without tensioner in its original place.
- We move the rocker to the third gear position, put on the drive belt, and turn the crankshaft pulley by hand.
- Check the degree of belt tension.
Belt tension level
Note to the driver!
At home, we check the tension level of the generator drive belt as follows. Using your finger, press on the section of the belt between the crankshaft pulley and the tensioner. The belt bends by 10 - 12 mm, no more. Tighten the fastening (tension) as necessary.
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Finally, we start the engine and check the functionality of the system.
Most common faults
During operation, the surface of the roller is constantly in contact with the generator belt. In addition, it is in continuous rotation, which places additional demands on the reliability of its bearings. The tensioner bracket is also subject to heavy load. Hence the main problems:
- Bearing wear. It simply runs out of service life or becomes unusable due to dust and dirt getting on it.
- Damage to the work surface. As already mentioned, the roller itself is made of plastic. Despite its high wear resistance, it often cannot withstand loads. This manifests itself in the form of scratches and chips, which quickly render the alternator belt unusable.
- Misalignment. This means that the belt and tensioner are at a certain angle to each other. Alignment can be disrupted in both the horizontal and vertical planes (due to the curvature of the bracket). This always causes rapid wear of the belt and the roller itself.
Diagnostics of the alternator belt on Lada Kalina
The generator belt has the same principle of operation: it takes torque from the engine and transmits it to the generator pulley. The latter spins up and supplies energy to the on-board network.
Signs of belt failure include:
- various noises or whistles, especially on a cold engine;
- whistling after driving through puddles;
- poor generator performance - the light dims from time to time;
- lack of charge from the generator;
In the latter case, most likely, the belt has already broken. But before that there will be the above signs. As the belt wears out, it cracks and loses its shape. From time to time, the belt slips and deprives the on-board network of electricity, which is why the light flickers.
It is when driving through puddles that the generator belt on Kalina receives a large portion of water, which reduces friction between the belt and pulley. This creates an unpleasant squeal.
Another reason to think about the condition of the belt is the noise of the tension roller, which is created by worn bearings. Like the belt, it shows itself more often when it’s hot.
The condition of the belt must be checked by external inspection. This procedure is performed once every 60 thousand km. The belt is checked for cracks or fraying.
Then you need to make a decision about replacing it or stretching it. Only tighten the belt without any visible signs of wear. The presence of at least one crack is a reason to replace the product.
Symptoms of a problem
Damage to the tensioner is usually easy to diagnose. It is often noticeable visually. Running the car for a short time without an alternator belt helps to identify the problem. This often allows the damage to be localized. You should think about replacing the Kalina generator belt tensioner in the following cases:
- Presence of traces of rust and corrosion on the roller axis.
- A characteristic whistle when the engine is running.
- Short service life of the alternator belt.
- Curvature of the roller relative to the belt.
If the cause of the malfunction is precisely established, you can proceed to its elimination.
Determination of malfunction and replacement time
Identifying a damaged alternator belt is quite simple. Let's look at the main indicators:
- Whistle in the space under the engine. Appears after increasing the speed of the gas pedal and increasing the current in the network.
- Tightening the strap did not work; the whistle remained.
- Cracked or elastic belt Bad alternator belt, bad belt - broken (torn) teeth
- Frame distortion, deviation. The crack in the alternator belt is clearly visible.
Bad alternator belt, bad alternator belt, broken teeth.
The crack in the alternator belt is clearly visible.
All these malfunctions indicate that it is time to replace the alternator belt on Kalina’s car. Otherwise, it may be torn apart at the most inopportune moment.
A torn stripe on one of the Kalinas
Replacing the tensioner
The device consists of several elements, each of which is removable. Therefore, the need to replace the Lada-Kalina alternator belt tensioner assembly does not arise so often. As a rule, it is associated with mechanical damage to the bracket and stud.
Replacement work must begin with preparing the tool. No special variety is required; keys 8, 13 and 19 are sufficient. Replacement is carried out in the following sequence:
- Use a 19mm wrench to loosen the tensioner locknut.
- Using a 8 key, rotate the pin clockwise. Here you need to be careful and not put in much effort. If rotation is difficult, it is better to loosen the locknut a little more.
- The pin is released until the roller no longer acts on the belt.
- By unscrewing two 13mm bolts, you can completely remove the tensioner.
Here you need to pay attention to one point. Bushings are inserted into the tensioner mounting holes. When removed, they often fall out and get lost, and they may not be present on the new tensioner. Bushings are necessarily included in the kit, but not everyone knows about their existence, so they don’t check it when purchasing. Installation of the Kalina generator belt tensioner is carried out in the reverse order. The pin is tightened with a force of 0.18 kgf/m.
When is it time to change?
On Lada Kalina cars, the manufacturer does not regulate the replacement of this part. However, its failure is a common problem. In particular, we are talking about Lada Kalina cars. This applies to both 16-cl and 8-cl engines.
This is what a deformed element of a Kalina generator with an 8-cyl internal combustion engine looks like
Therefore, let’s look at the signs that indicate that the belt may fail in the near future:
- Whistle when moving. As a rule, this whistle appears when the electrical appliances of the vehicle begin to load. For example, if you start the car, and when you press the gas, a loud whistle is heard from the engine compartment, this indicates that the belt is loose. In this case, it must be tightened using a tensioner or replaced.
- Cracks on the strap. If you open the hood, look at the belt and see cracks on it, then you know that it’s time to change the element. Neither tensioning nor adjusting the rollers will help here. The component can be tightened, but this will not be enough for a long time. The only option left is replacement.
- Deformation. As in the previous case, neither tightening the tensioner nor adjusting the rollers will give much effect. You just need to change the element.
- Noise when the engine is running. If the element has already served its service life, this can be understood by the noise that appears when the motor is running. For example, some Lad Kalin car owners report loud knocking and even impacts when the engine is running.
The assembly is disassembled: this is what the strap looks like on the shafts
If the vehicle is equipped with a generator sensor that determines its performance, then it will be easier to identify the malfunction. For example, if you heard a whistle from under the hood, and at this time the indicator on the sensor came on, then you need to pay attention to the strap. This indicates that the belt needs to be tightened, since it may be in a weak state or that its service life has been exhausted.
One way or another, if the slipping and whistling of the strap cannot be eliminated by adjusting the belt or rollers, it needs to be changed.
Forced tuning
Unfortunately, since 2011, designers have abolished the tensioner on Kalina. They were guided primarily by considerations of economy, but they did this without any modification to the generator. In practice, cases of its premature failure immediately became more frequent. Therefore, owners began to install the tensioner on their cars themselves.
It's not very difficult to do this. True, you will have to purchase not only the tensioner itself, but also the generator bracket. The only problem is removing the standard belt. It is very difficult to remove because it is very tight at the factory. You can simply cut it, as you will have to buy a new one. The fact is that the Kalina generator belt without a tensioner has a size of 820 mm, but 880 will be needed.
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A whistle appeared near the generator. Checking the belt tension is normal. Suspicion of the pressure roller. A more thorough inspection showed that the belt had jumped 1 groove to the right on the pulley. We loosen, rearrange, tighten - the whistle disappeared.
5000 thousand) At 38000 thousand. It started to whistle very loudly, the whistle did not disappear even after warming up. Upon inspection, it turned out that the belt had jumped one groove towards the engine on the camshaft pulley. We rearranged it, adjusted the tension, after 2000-3000 thousand. history repeats itself. The roller is also skewed. The whole dog is buried in the tension mechanism, or rather in its distortion. I'll try to level it with washers.
__________________ If in a dark alley you suddenly received a kick in the groin, a punch in the stomach and a baseball bat on the head, then the most important thing is not to get confused
When replacing the alternator belt or when repairing the engine, it is imperative to check the condition of the alternator tensioner roller.
The roller should rotate easily and silently, there should be no traces of grease from the roller
To replace the roller, you need to loosen the tension on the generator drive belt.
Use a screwdriver to pry off the roller cover (shown on the removed tensioner)
Using a spanner wrench or a 17mm socket, unscrew the bolt securing the roller to the lower bracket of the tensioner (the bolt thread is left-handed, so unscrew the bolt clockwise)
For clarity, we show it on a removed tension device.
We take out the tension roller with the bolt, support sleeve and washer
Install the tension roller in reverse order
To remove the tensioner completely, release the belt tension.
Using a 13mm head, unscrew the bolt securing the upper bracket of the tensioner to the generator bracket.
Remove the washer from the bolt (located on the inside of the tensioner bracket), remove the bolt and bushing.
Using a 13" socket, unscrew the bolt securing the lower bracket of the tensioner to the generator bracket (shown on a dismantled engine for clarity).
We take out the tensioning device assembly.
We remove the bolt securing the lower bracket of the tensioner by removing the spacer and two cup washers from it.
If necessary, disassemble the generator drive belt tensioner.
We assemble and install the tensioner in the reverse order
Source
Algorithm of actions
So, how is the procedure for replacing the RG on the domestic Lada Grante:
- First of all, open the hood - you need to get rid of the old worn out belt. Replacing the timing belt on a Chevrolet Lacetti by replacing the timing belt on a Chevrolet generator. If the strap is very stretched, you can simply remove it by removing it from the pulleys. If not, then use a knife and cut the RG, this option will be the most convenient.
- Next, you need to find the bolt that secures the lower mount of the generator device. Try to loosen it a little, you don't need to unscrew it completely. The bolt is unscrewed using a pre-prepared wrench.
- Using the same wrench, you need to unscrew the nut. After these steps, the screw of the upper clamp of the generator device is completely removed.
- After these steps, be especially careful. You need to try to rotate the generator device so that its upper eye can go beyond the surface of the protrusion, which is located directly on the bracket itself. Replacing the alternator drive belt on a Honda. Replacing the alternator belt for Peugeot 307 Partner video. When you manage to do this, the generator itself must be completely pressed against this bracket; using ordinary wire, the device must be fixed in this position. In practice, the best option would be to press the device against the cylinder head cover fixing nut.
- Then the new RG must be carefully placed on the generator pulley. The strap is also placed on the surface plane of the unit drive shaft. Do this carefully so as not to damage the belt. When the RG is in place, make sure that it is installed level; any bends in the end parts are not allowed.
- Now you need to turn on fifth speed again. Ask an assistant about this, since when you engage the gear, you need to simultaneously press the strap against the shaft itself. When this position is reached, the vehicle will need to be pushed back a little. The machine is pushed until the newly installed strap is completely in place.
- When you are sure that the generator is securely installed and fixed, you can remove the wire with which you pressed the generator to the head of the block. Peugeot/Peugeot 307 2.0 hdi alternator belt replacement alternator repair. How to remove the generator. Valeo 14v 150a. Using a screwdriver, the generator device is pressed away from the point of contact with the bracket. When all these steps are completed, all that remains is to replace the upper assembly fixing screw. Also, we must not forget about the lower bolt with the upper fastening nut - they need to be tightened.
As you can see, in general, the process of replacing the alternator strap on the Lada Grant is not particularly complicated, but this procedure requires a competent approach and certain skills. Therefore, the only requirement that must be observed is to be as careful and attentive as possible. And if possible, ask someone to help you - at one stage you will need an assistant.
Belt selection and price
If the generator design has a tensioner, then the belt length is 883 mm. In the vast majority of cases, Kalina has 8 valves. If the generator is like on Grant, the length is 823mm.
When choosing a manufacturer, you should take into account that the official supplier of these belts for AvtoVAZ is GATES, so preference should be given to its products. Belts are also produced by BTR (lots of bad reviews), Continental, Finwhale, and ANDYCAR. It is better to buy Dayco 825 (manufacturer GATES), elastic belts are marked Poly-V, if not, then the belt is rigid. The price of belts is approximately from 500 to 1000 rubles.
Prices for alternator belts vary on average from 300 to 400 rubles, depending on the manufacturer, which is not affordable.
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