Air Compressor Belt Maintenance: 5 Useful Tips
When it comes to air compressors, the efficiency lies in keeping the air compressor fully-functional and well-maintained.
If you neglect your air compressor maintenance, it can lead to operational inefficiencies and can even lead to a sudden halt.
If you neglect your air compressor, over time, the motor belt can wear out, reducing the efficiency of your equipment and potentially bringing your operation to a screeching halt if it breaks. If your compressor belt is past its prime, the guide below will help you replace the component and get your machinery running again.
Importance & Role of Air Compressor Belt
An important component of the air compressor is its drive belt that must be fully-functional at all times.
Previously, maintaining the air compressor belt was easier as it was out in the open. However, now the belt is located behind the belt guards, so chances are that you might forget replacing or maintaining it. Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your air compressor working at all times.
The following tips will help you identify a worn out air compressor belt, replace it with a new one and maintain it for efficient functionality.
Five Steps to Maintain Air Compressor Belt
Let’s talk about maintaining your air compressor belt and ensuring that you do not face any problems when operating your air compressor belt.
Tip 1: Remove Belt Guard
The belt guard is for safety and it is important that the belt guard is always functional so that the compressor is safely fastened. It is kept in place by screws and snaps, so carefully remove the belt guard by twisting and separating pressure snaps.
Store the screws safely, so that it can be reattached once the cleaning is done.
Tip 2: Inspect Belt
You are supposed to visually check for any breaks or fraying for the belt. If you see any signs of breakage or fraying, take immediate action.
If the belt is damaged, replace it and if not, move to step 4.
Tip 3: Remove & Replace Belt
Loosen the four bolts and hold the motor in place and then shift the motor towards the pump. It should be loose enough so that it can be easily removed.
Now move the motor back to its position so that proper belt tension is created and then tighten the motor bolts. Finally, replace the belts.
Tip 4: Align the Belt
Start by laying the straightedge against flywheel touching and adjust the motor pulley so that the belt is parallel to the straightedge.
Now use a gear puller so that the pulley is on the motor shaft, tightening the setscrew after positioning the pulley.
Adjust the motor distance by adjusting motor position. Repeat if needed by testing tension.
Tip 5: Reattach the Belt Guard
Place the belt guard back on the unit. Either snap pressure will snap back or replace the screws and tighten.
Please note that air compressors produce tons of vibration which can result in the screws loosening up.
These are some of the easy steps to ensure that your belt guard is operational at all times. Since the belt is covered, there is a high chance that you will miss out on the maintenance part.
We hope that this article was helpful in maintaining your air compressor. Feel free to get in touch with our team for more queries. We’d love to resolve your queries.