Inspect belts and hoses

Tools & materials

Preparation

• Identify the accessory belt and accessible cooling hoses.

Step by step

1. 01With the engine off and cooled, visually inspect accessible, stationary belt ribs and edges for missing material, fraying, glazing, or contamination. Keep clear of fans and do not move the belt.
2. 02Leave running belt, pulley, or tensioner diagnosis to a qualified technician. Do not start the engine for this inspection.
3. 03With the engine cold and off, inspect hoses for cracks, bulges, oil damage, seepage, and soft or brittle areas.
4. 04Record findings and recheck any residue after cleaning the area.

What success looks like

Accessible, stationary belt surfaces and hoses show no visible damage, swelling, or leak residue; this check does not establish running belt alignment.

Common mistakes

• Touching a running belt
• Opening a hot cooling system
• Spraying belt dressing

Call a professional

Have noisy bearings, tensioner movement, inaccessible belts, or leaks diagnosed.