Drive Belts, Mounts, Brackets and Accessories: Description and Operation

Accessory Drive

Component Location

2.0L GTDI (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) Component Location










3.5L Ti-VCT (Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing) Component Location

REFER to Front End Accessory Drive (FEAD) - Exploded View .

Overview

The accessory drive system provides power to operate components which power other systems. These could include components such as the generator, power steering pump and A/C compressor. Each of these components is equipped with a pulley which is driven by the accessory drive belt. The accessory drive belt is driven by the engine crankshaft pulley.

The automatic belt tensioner maintains correct belt tension and compensates for component wear and changes in system load. System load changes can be caused by the A/C compressor clutch engaging or disengaging or demand changes on other systems powered by the accessory drive belt. Automatic belt tensioners are calibrated to provide the correct amount of tension to the belt for a given accessory drive system. Unless a spring or damping band within the tensioner assembly breaks or some other mechanical part of the tensioner fails, there is no need to check the tensioner for correct tension.

To maintain correct operation of this system, it is critical that the correct length drive belt be installed. The pulleys must also be correctly aligned and kept clean.