Fiat Bravo Quiz
Engine

Replace/tension the drive belt

In this manual: Engine
Dear Reader — 1Engine — 35Engine lubrication — 3Engine cooling — 10Ignition/spark plugs — 14Fuel system — 10Petrol fuel injection — 13Diesel injection system — 13Exhaust system — 7Clutch — 7Transmission / Gearshift / Automatic Transmission — 5Front Axle — 11Rear axle — 4Steering — 9Wheel alignment — 1Brake system — 22Wheels and tyres — 10Body — 34Heating — 6Electrical system — 39Lighting system — 14Instruments — 7Windscreen wiper system — 8Vehicle care / tools — 6Jump Starting / Towing the Vehicle — 3Jacking up the vehicle — 1Fiat Bravo / Brava Maintenance Schedule — 1Maintenance — 38Wiring diagrams — 5
~1min read

Ancillary units such as the coolant pump, alternator, power steering pump and air conditioning compressor are driven by a common wide V-ribbed belt. Only on the 1.6 L engine are separate, in some cases narrow V-belts used to drive the power steering pump and the air conditioning compressor (where fitted).

The V-ribbed belt is wider than a conventional V-belt and has ribs on its running surface. Belt tension only needs to be adjusted on the 1.6 L engine. On the other engines, an automatic tensioner pulley keeps the belt tension constant. The V-ribbed belt has a long service life and only needs to be checked every 40,000 km and replaced if necessary. When installing, make sure the belt sits flush and not offset on the pulleys.

A V-ribbed belt must be replaced if:

  • It is brittle and cracked, or has smooth, shiny areas.

  • It is noisy (for example, due to oil contamination).

  • It is damaged, for example: transverse cracks in the ribs, broken-out ribs, dirt or small stones embedded between the ribs, frayed edges, or flank wear on the rubber ribs.

Warning: if the V-ribbed belt is to be reinstalled, mark the direction of rotation with chalk. The direction of rotation must not be changed. If the V-belt is replaced, install only a belt of the same size.

Removal is described in detail for the 1.6 L engine. For the other engines, observe the notes.

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