DON’T FORGET

The auxiliary belt system is notorious for being ignored, with little advice available apart from ‘check the condition’ on recommended service intervals –but Schaeffler suggests technicians take a different approach.

INA engineers recommend reminding customers that the front end auxiliary drive (FEAD) system powers engine and safety critical components such as PAS or vacuum pumps, and that the tensioner and pulleys will have done the same mileage as the timing belt system that is routinely changed as a kit. Also, the FEAD system is usually subjected to worse conditions than the timing belt system, as it is often uncovered and exposed, and the failure of any component could lead to complete engine failure, especially if the belt wraps around the crank pulley and enters the timing system. But by far the most compelling reason not to ignore FEAD is that in many applications the auxiliary belt must be removed to access the timing belt, so renewing it will incur a minimum cost to the vehicle owner.