Uses of a Pulley & Belt

Alternator

• The alternator in your vehicle uses a belt and pulley system to operate. The alternator pulley turns round to supply energy to run the engine and other electrical components in a car. The headlights, interior lights, dash lights, taillights, stop lights and blinkers all work off the energy that the alternator produces. This also includes the windshield wipers, radio and all electrical windows and door locks in a vehicle.

A/C Compressor

• The air conditioner (A/C) compressor uses a pulley and belt system to work your A/C system. The belt turns on the pulley on the compressor so that return air is compressed and passed through the condenser along with the refrigerant to cool the incoming air into your car. The air in the car is then recirculated back through the system to cool it again.

Power Steering Pump

• The power steering pump in a vehicle uses a belt and pulley system to circulate power steering fluid to the steering mechanism. The power steering pump draws the fluid out of the reservoir and through the power steering feed hose. The power steering pump circulates the fluid back to the reservoir through the return feed hose and this process repeats continuously. The power steering pump assists you in turning your steering wheel with ease.

Water Pump

• The engine in a vehicle uses water and antifreeze to cool itself properly. The water and antifreeze are in the radiator when a vehicle is not running. When you start the engine the belt turns on the water pump pulley and circulates the water and antifreeze through a hose into the water pump so that it can enter the engine to cool it. The water recirculates through the water pump back into a return water hose and to the radiator where the cooling fan between the water pump and radiator cools the liquid inside the radiator. This process is continuous as long as the engine is running.