Disadvantages of belt drive
- Belt drive is not suitable for small distances. - Loss of performance due to high degree of slip and creep. - A constant speed ratio cannot be achieved between the drive and the drive pulley. - It makes high noise.
Why Belt Drives Fail. Put simply, belt drives fail because they weren't tensioned properly – the belt is either too loose or too tight. Too loose, and the pulley slips.
The most common failure mode of belts is a broken belt caused by improper tensioning. There is a tension at which the belt experiences optimum service life. Above this tension belt fatigue translates into a decrease in belt life; below this tension belt slip results in reduced belt life.
Although the engine drive belts are made out of tough, sturdy rubber material, it will eventually become subject to wear and perishing. A worn drive belt is more prone to tearing and snapping, which can result in none of its associated parts working. You can expect a drive belt to last up to 80,000 km to 100,000.
If you notice cracks, fraying, or signs of wear on the belt's surface, it's a clear indication that it needs replacement. Over time, exposure to heat, friction, and contaminants can degrade the belt's rubber material, compromising its effectiveness.
Despite the long list of cons for a belt drive above, belt drives are a compelling alternative to chain-driven bikes, and are among the best bikes for commuting and city riding. The low maintenance, no grease design is ideal for a bike which you might want to ride in civilian clothing.
Another, less apparent reason to choose a belt is lifespan. Although a good well-maintained chain should last 5000 kilometres and some will say up to 12000 kilometres (but let's face it, that is really unusual); a well-adjusted belt should last between 30.000 and 50.000 kilometres.
Operational speed: Belts are designed to run faster than chain drives, so you may prefer them when throughput is important to you. Space constraints: Belts can be advantageous in situations where space is limited, as they are more flexible in terms of layout and can be used in smaller spaces.
Diligent Monticello drivers are smart to ask themselves, “How long does a serpentine belt last?” Serpentine belts, also called drive belts or accessory drive belts, are constructed of tough rubber, but that doesn't mean they're invincible. Typically, serpentine belts last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles.
#1 Low noise
The characteristics of a belt-drive make driving almost noiseless.
Misalignment can also create belt routing problems, excessive wear, noise and belt stability problems which can all cause your customer to come back to the workshop thinking the belt you installed failed.
If the belt is too tight or too loose, it can wear out prematurely. This is critical to its proper functioning: If it's too loose, it will slip, leading to the underperformance of engine accessories and causing all sorts of problems. If it is too tight can put unnecessary stress causing them to wear out faster.
However, belt drives are less efficient than chain drives at standard or low power outputs, which is most likely what you will be using if you are doing city riding. Belts are less efficient at low power inputs: If you're cycling casually, you'll burn more energy while riding a belt-drive bike vs. a chain drive.
Belt drives are designed to be a low-maintenance drivetrain solution, provide a much longer lifespan than regular chain drives, and never require lubrication.
Replacing a Harley-Davidson Drive Belt
The belt usually costs between $150 and $200, and the actual replacement takes roughly four hours. If the shop charges $150 per hour for labor, the total cost would be around $700 or $800.
Replacing the serpentine belt is as simple as threading it into position, cranking the tensioner and slipping the belt over the tensioner pulley, or nearest pulley up top. Belt tensioners are mostly spring tension. Once installed, the spring retains pressure to the belt.
Low Maintenance and Durability
One of the major advantages of a belt drive bike is its low maintenance. Unlike traditional chain-driven bikes, belt drives don't require lubrication, adjustments, or regular cleaning.
How much does a bike chain cost to replace? Entry level chains can start off around $15.00 with more expensive and higher performance chains ranging from $25.00 to $60.00 or more. More expensive chains increase shift quality and are generally more durable as they wear.
Expect belts and hoses to have a reliable life of around 6-8 years. Anything more than 10 years is begging for trouble. Tire are considered aged out at 10 years, even if you haven't put a lot of miles on them. When it comes to mileage, some tires might last 10K miles, while others last 50K.
If you choose to have a professional replace your car's serpentine belt, you can usually expect to pay somewhere between $150 and $250 to get the job done.
Improper Belt Tension
Over-tensioned or under-tensioned V-belts can lead to failure, as both conditions lead to increased strain on the belt and its components. It's vital to regularly check belt tension and adjust if necessary. Using a tension gauge is the most accurate method of assessing the tension.