Belt tension

[stevej62]

I have just brought my T1R, started building it and I thought that the front belt was a little tight. Is there a method for checking tension.

[Robfo]

Hi, i built an evo 2 last month and i thought the belt seemed a little tight untill i put the topdeck on, one'ce you've fully built the car then have a look at belt tension. Make sure you've put the plastic bearing holders into the right slots as per manual as this is the belt tensioner.

[Dan Reynolds]

the best way it to take it down your local track and compare it to other peoples cars, if you have built it the way the manual says you should have no problems :)

[ldebackker]

I too have the T1R and the belt per manual is way too tight. I race at the same club as Jilles Groskamp(in Holland) and asked him about it. now I have it on the loosest option. I have the plastic bearing holders as far turned forward/bakward (don't know out of my head) as they can.
When you turn them 1 slot further you hardly feel any difference so best is to set it up the loosest way and than you can put it tighter if you want (but I wouldn't do it).

[whoopass]

I have a Evo 2 FOC, and initially upon building the belts felt a little tight (built as per kit) but after running the car a couple of times found the belt to free/slacken quite alot after usage.

[university_dave]

I too have the T1R and the belt per manual is way too tight.


That's because the manual is wrong, it's got the tightness settings the wrong way round.

[Petermarkphillips]

I too have the T1R and the belt per manual is way too tight.


That's because the manual is wrong, it's got the tightness settings the wrong way round.


Its true. This is the one flaw with the Xray!!!

[Chris Thompson]

so which way is the right way?
and what setting should it be on?

thanks chris

[SMTCA Focal Point]

The best way to get the setting is to strip the front end down and rebuild it a few times, adjusting it each time.

IMHO The belt should have a little slack in it, i.e when there is no load on the belt it should sag slightly.
Not too much, just a little.

You will get this with a new belt with the diffs cups on the loosest settings.

If in doubt set it to the loosest setting and try the car. If you have a front diff or spool fitted and the belt doesnt skip on brakes then it is fine.
You can run a looser setting if you use a front one way.

I have about 3cm float on my belt, when pulled from about the middle, now that is an old belt on the new pulleys(more depth on the side guides) and I run a one way. I would tighten it for a diff or spool, but not much. If it only skips a little I wouldnt worry about it.