How to Find a V Belt by Length & Width

A v-belt is the main component that operates certain engine accessories, including the alternator, power steering pump, water pump and the air conditioner compressor. The main reason for measuring the length and the width of a v-belt is so that the proper belt can be used to replace the old v-belt. The belt can be measured properly by using a basic nylon string and a permanent marker.

Instructions

Measuring a V-Belt Still on the Engine

1

Open the hood and lock it in place. Place one end of the the nylon string on the top area of the v-belt.

2

Wrap the string around the belt until the back string meets the front string. Pull the string another 4 inches past the end of the front string. Ensure that the string is tight.

3

Mark the area across the end of the back string and across the front string with a permanent marker. This mark will give you the measurement plus 4 inches for the proper amount of tension.

4

Pull the string off of the pulleys and lay it out on a flat surface. Use a measuring tape to measure from the end of the string to the measured mark. Write down this number on a notepad. This will be the total length of the v-belt.

5

Locate an area of the v-belt between two accessory pulleys. Measure the width of the v-belt by measuring across the top of the belt. Write down this number on the notepad. This will give you the total width of the belt.

Measuring a V-Belt Off of the Engine

6

Hold one end of the belt tight. Have a helper hold the other end of the belt tight.

7

Place the end of the nylon string across the top of the belt.

8

Wrap the string around the belt until the back end of the string meets the front string on top of the belt. Pull the back string another 2 inches. Mark the area across the end of the back string and across the front string. This will give you the exact length plus 2 inches for tension.

9

Remove the string from the belt on lay it out on a flat surface. Measure from the end of the string to the marked area on the other end of the string. Write this number down on a notepad.

10

Measure the width of the belt across the top flat surface of the belt. This will be the total width of the belt. Write down this number on the notepad. Visit a local auto parts store and give the exact measurements for the belt to the parts person. The parts person will then cross reference the length and width of the v-belt to find the proper part number for that exact belt.