What Are the Telltale Signs of Wear on a Poly Ribbed V-Belt?

When your machine has a poly rib V-belt, you’ll want to keep tabs on it and make sure it is still healthy. After years of use, this belt can wear out and cause some major issues if not inspected. Here are a few telltale signs that your IIIMP MOTO POWER poly v ribbed belt might need a little TLC, or even replacement. 

Wear appears in the form of cracks and splits in the ribs of the belt.  

There are other signs and cracks or shreds in the belt’s ribs could be one of the first ones you notice. These ribs are what the belt uses for traction and to transfer power efficiently. When that happens and the v-belting begins to crack, the v ribbed drive belt can’t grip as well, and that may cause your machine to run rougher or even slip. It would be as though you start noticing your shoes slipping on sleek floors because you wore them out — that’s a sign that you need new shoes, belt. 

If the ribs are unevenly worn or frayed at the edges, it’s a sure sign of a worn out poly rib V-belt. 

Another thing to look for is lumpy wear on the ribs or ragged edges. This occurs when the belt is not properly aligned or has been running against something it should not have. It’s like how one side of a sneaker wears out before the other because you walk a little lopsided. Like how you might need to reset your step or purchase insoles, you may also have to jigger your belt or scout for blockages. 

Operational noise or vibration can be an indicator of belt wear. 

If your machine becomes unusually loud or if you sense excessive vibration, the culprit may be the belt. When a ribbed belt is frayed, it doesn’t run smoothly and the whole machine may shake or make odd noises. It’s like trying to ride a bike with an un-oiled or rusty chain — the ride is going to be rough, and so will the sound. 

Grazing on the teeth is a sign of wear, as are shiny patches on the belt. 

Check for any shiny places, or where the belt seems glazed. This glazing occurs when the belt has been slipping and has been overheating. The heat causes the belt to become shiny on the surface and it becomes slick, so that the belt won’t grip as well. It’s as if the bottom of your sneakers have become too rubbery and polished, so you can’t get a solid grip while running. 

Any belt slipping or squealing is an indication of a worn poly V-belt. 

Finally, if you’re hearing squealing, or the belt looks to be slipping, it’s a big indication the belt is on its way out. Belt slippage might indicate that the belt has been stretched out and is no longer able to hold the appropriate amount of tension. A belt squeal is similar to a tire screech in your car: you're hearing a loud noise that means something is wrong; make sure to investigate. 

And don’t forget, paying attention to these signs may also help you care for your machine better. Routine maintenance and properly caring for your IIIMP MOTO POWER poly ribbed v-belts will save you from further expensive machine issues in the future.