Cooling System Components Belts And Hoses And Beyond

It seems that the combination of the temperature control market and the belts and hoses market are among the most easily forgotten by the consumer–until something goes wrong, that is.

From the relatively harmless squeal of a slipping belt to the silent but far more dramatic bursting of a radiator hose, underhood rubber products are among the most misunderstood of automotive components.

And what your customers don’t know can hurt them.

The simple fact is that in today’s world, the technology of the rubber products you will find under the hood make it nearly impossible to rely on visual inspection alone. And, in those cases where visual inspection might be helpful, on a timing belt for example, the technician has to get to work on sometimes hard-to-reach cover bolts with a ratchet just to get a glimpse.

Which is as good a place as any to start talking specifics, as there are in fact two basic types of belts: those you can see, and those you can’t.

Tip #1

Most technicians and counterpeople know the different types of drivebelts–v-belt, poly-v, etc.–and timing belts, but the consumer may not be so familiar with their function or what goes into their construction. Everyone involved in communicating to the consumer should take the time to explain the maintenance each belt requires.

Car owners should be reminded how important it is to have their belts inspected regularly. A broken drive belt can leave your customers stranded. A broken timing belt can seriously damage their car’s engine. A worn belt can also signal problems with engine accessories. Customers truly appreciate the time you take to partner with them in the care of their vehicle.

Tip #2

For decades technicians have spotted problems with belts based on a visual inspection. However, with the newer technologies coming out of the OE channel, certain types of belts may appear fine on the surface, but up close may not be performing up to snuff. Ensure that your technician customers know and communicate to consumers that this wear is hardly noticeable unless the belt is removed and examined closely, to prevent unnecessary belt failures.

Tip #3

Hoses, like belts, no longer manifest their true condition: a hose can be close to failure but still appear to be almost like new. Hoses fail from the inside out, and while the “squeeze test” may be able to reveal a hose that is ready to fail, this is not a reliable test. Internal inspection, and the four-year replacement interval, are still the best strategies to ensure continued proper function.

Tip #4

Explain that drive belts don’t just drive the fan as in the old days. A consumer who knows what serpentine belts do, and how they differ from the V-belt (whose functions were much more restricted), will be much more understanding of the importance of proper replacement intervals, and the added parts that may be required in their replacement.

Tip #5

Consider stocking and promoting the use of kits, which in addition to providing a higher average dollar sale on the belt-related transaction, provide the more important benefit of preventing additional comebacks by ensuring that related components, such as tensioners and in some cases water pumps, are replaced at the same time as the belts that drive them.

Tip #6

Notwithstanding the use of kits, the belt tensioner continues to be overlooked in serpentine belt maintenance. What is not always appreciated is that the wear or progressive failure of a belt tensioner can be an important factor in the failure of a belt. Accordingly, technicians should be acutely aware of the symptoms of tensioner failure (see sidebar).

Tip #7

A standard but often overlooked item on any cooling system service is the coolant itself. The proliferation of colours and chemistries can cause some technicians and consumers to give up and opt for the standard ethyl glycol chemistry, whether or not that is the proper option for the engine.

It is important that you understand the options, the colours, and the important aspects of the Dex-Cool, OAT, HOAT, ethylene glycol, and propylene glycol options.

One of the most important aspects to consider in the cooling system is that it is part of a system that touches on a variety of other systems. Emissions systems don’t function properly without proper engine heat management, coolant levels, and coolant temperature sensor function; and a failed engine cooling system can strand a driver, or at least leave him uncomfortably chilly on a long winter’s drive home.

———

Belt Failure and Wear Causes

Symptom: Noisy Drive Causes:

• Tension too high or too low

• Defective bearings

• Pulley, tensioner, or idler misalignment

Symptom: Shining Belt Causes:

• Back idler or tensioner misalignment

• Tooth top–tension is too high

• Tooth flank–mismeshing, tension too high or too low

• Belt edge–misalignment

Symptom: Cracks Causes:

• Backside temperature cooling problem

• Tooth root–pulley polluted or misaligned

• Incorrect tension

Symptom: Dirty Drive Cause:

• Defective cover–oil, water, or dust intrusion

Symptom: Wobbling Belt Causes:

• Misalignment

• Defective bearings

Source: Goodyear Engineered Products