Serpentine belts, that don't have an automatic tensioner, installed incorrectly will cause slippage, squealing, heat build-up and premature failure of components which the belts give support to. For example, alternators with a loose belt equals low current generation, and a belt that is too tense will damage pulleys of alternators and of the power steering.

Dayco engineers recommend to carefully apply the correct tension of belts, for example, 35 lbs. for every serpentine rib.

As such, the Dayco 5040465 belt which has 4 ribs X 35 lbs. = 140 lbs. of pressure. After installing the new belt, the engine should be turned on for 5 minutes to make sure the belt gets seated in its proper place. Once it's in position, it should be readjusted carefully to the recommended 30 lbs. of pressure per rib. This means that the aforementioned 5040465 Dayco belt with 4 ribs X 30 lbs. = 120 lbs. of pressure with a torque wench.

In the following table you can read the recommended pressure for each type of Dayco Serpentine Belt: Recommended Tensioning Levels Table from Dayco.

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