stretch belt installation tool

[123hotchef]

never seen these before any one used them?

Google Search

 

[Kram]

Nope but Ive done it without the tool. Belts do not stretch, so either its a bit loose to start with or has a sprung tensioner.

My motor instructions warned that this will soon ruin the motor bearings if it is them against a belt trying to stretch.

 

[m_c]

never seen these before any one used them?

Google Search

Got a couple in my toolbox. They do make fitting stretch belts easier, but a screwdriver works as well.

@Kram some automotive belts are stretchy. Does away with the need to have a tensioner.

 

[Ashley Burton]

Nope but Ive done it without the tool. Belts do not stretch, so either its a bit loose to start with or has a sprung tensioner.

My motor instructions warned that this will soon ruin the motor bearings if it is them against a belt trying to stretch.

You are aware stretch belts exist right?

 

[Kram]

a screwdriver works as well.

When I did it I got a very painful trapped finger, but no damage was done.

Nope I was not aware of stretch belts none of my cars had them.

 

[123hotchef]

Got a couple in my toolbox. They do make fitting stretch belts easier, but a screwdriver works as well.

@Kram some automotive belts are stretchy. Does away with the need to have a tensioner.

I normally use a pry bar!

 

[Ashley Burton]

When I did it I got a very painful trapped finger, but no damage was done.

Nope I was not aware of stretch belts none of my cars had them.

Only come on modern stuff *insert other words you feel appropriate

 

[Kram]

Cheaper to make, how long do they last?

 

[Ashley Burton]

Cheaper to make, how long do they last?

They're generally more expensive than normal belts tbh. I wouldn't say they last much longer either

 

[m_c]

Cheaper to make, how long do they last?

Long enough not to be a concern.
Ford have used them on FWD Transits since 2000, and I can't actually remember seeing one fail.
Tensioners/pulleys failing on conventional belts is a far more common failure.

 

[jimbo84]

Partner's car had one of these on it, removing one of the alternator bolts and swinging it on the other of its mountings and then a prybar to lever it out stretching the belt to get the bolt back in. The belt on it was a bit cracked so changed as a precaution, new one lasted for years and still looked like new when we sold the car.