Drive Belts - A Complete Guide (2025)

A drive belt is a flexible loop that is used to connect multiple pulleys within a mechanical system. They are typically made from flexible, durable materials like rubber or various polymers which can withstand high tensile stress.

Drive belts are used for continuous power transmission. They are fitted on the exterior of the belt pulley and transfer power from the cam or crankshaft to other systems or accessories within the system. Drive belts are advantageous due to their simplicity, ease of installation/removal, and low cost - both purchase and maintenance costs.

They may also be referred to as wedge belts or serpentine belts.

Drive belts operate using the force of friction to transfer power within the system. When a drive belt is installed, tension is applied. The tension then creates friction between the belt and the pulleys where it has been installed.

The crankshaft turns and transfers power to the camshaft, via a timing belt. This provides power to the drive belt via the camshaft, in turn, and causes the drive belt to move due to friction between it and the crank pulley. Lastly, friction between the belt and any accessory pulleys then causes them to rotate.

It should be noted that drive belts don’t last forever. Due to their composition, the rubber wears out through use and will typically degrade with time even if it has been reinforced using steel fibres. If a belt is worn, cracked, or otherwise damaged, it should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid downtime or damage to other components within the system.

V belts work in a different way to drive belts. Whereas flat drive belts rely on friction, V belts feature sidewalls which slot into matching grooves on the system. This provides greater stability and surface area.

As a V belt operates, the tension force pushes the sides of the belt into the grooves. This increases frictional forces, which means higher loads can be transmitted using these belts as opposed to flat belts.

All V belts should be measured across the depth of the belt and the top, thick section. To measure a V belt correctly, this means that you would measure the widest part of the belt (the thickest section), and then measure from the widest to the narrowest parts of the belt.

It should also be noted that the different types, or sections, of V belts are measured slightly differently according to their length:

Determining the length of the belt you require can be challenging, but it’s important to ensure the belt is the correct length so the system runs smoothly and efficiently.

The following formula can be used to calculate the required length for a V belt:

Though they may initially seem similar, timing belts are an alternate type of specialised belt. They are mainly used to transmit power inside systems.

One of the key differences between drive belts and timing belts lies in the function of the belt. Drive belts power the system or engine where they are installed, driving accessories such as alternators, air conditioners, water pumps, or power steering pumps. By contrast, timing belts are designed to connect and synchronise the movement of the camshaft and crankshaft. They are key components within engines for this reason.