Adjusting the tension of the camshaft drive belt (VAZ-1111)

The tension of the toothed belt is an important adjustment indicator that ensures high belt durability, no slippage of the pulley teeth and quiet operation. The tension of the toothed belt is checked and adjusted on a cold engine (engine and ambient temperature 15-30°C).

To tension the belt, move the gearshift lever to neutral, open the hood and remove the spare wheel and front toothed belt cover. Turn the crankshaft 1.5-2 turns clockwise by the generator drive pulley mounting bolt until the flywheel mark aligns with the middle mark on the clutch housing scale (see figure 67). In this case, the marks on the camshaft pulley and the rear protective belt cover should be aligned (see figure 7).

The crankshaft should be turned only in the direction of tightening the bolt (clockwise). When tensioning the belt, do not turn the crankshaft by rotating the camshaft pulley or its mounting bolt.

The belt tension is checked. It is considered normal if in the middle part of the branch between the pulleys of the camshaft and crankshaft the belt is twisted along by 90° with a finger force of 15-20 N. If the force is below the norm, the tension roller axle mounting nut is loosened, the axle is turned by the hex head by 10-15° counterclockwise and the axle mounting nut is slightly tightened.

Turn the crankshaft clockwise two times again and check the belt tension. If the tension is insufficient, repeat the belt tensioning operation. If the tension is normal, finally tighten the tension roller axle mounting nut to 39.2 N·m, install the front toothed belt cover and spare wheel.

When adjusting, do not allow the belt to be over-tensioned, as this will significantly reduce its service life.