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V-Belt Inspection & Replacement

Updated
Applies to: STS Series (5–30HP) · STSH Series
Does NOT apply to: STSD · STSP · STSP2 — these models use a direct coupling and have no V-belt drive.

Inspection Interval

Inspect V-belt tension and condition every 2,000 operating hours. During long-term deactivation of 6 months or more, the V-belt tension system must be released before storage and retensioned before restart.

▲ Attention Belt tension must be measured with a belt tension device — not estimated by feel. Contact South-Tek Systems for the correct tension specification for your specific compressor model. Incorrect tension will cause premature belt wear or airend bearing damage.

Belt Inspection — What to Look For

  • Visible cracking, fraying, or glazing on the belt surfaces
  • Belt slipping or squealing during startup or load
  • Uneven wear across the belt width
  • Excessive belt slack or inability to achieve proper tension
  • Belt displacement from pulley grooves

Replace the complete belt set if any of the above conditions are present, or at the intervals listed in your model's maintenance schedule.

V-Belt Replacement Procedure

⚠ Warning Ensure power is fully disconnected at the mains before beginning. Do not reach near rotating components. Verify the compressor cannot be remotely or automatically restarted before opening safeguard covers.
  1. Press the STOP button and wait for the compressor to fully stop.
  2. Press the Emergency Stop button.
  3. Disconnect electrical power from the mains panel to the compressor.
  4. Remove the belt guard / safeguard cover and set it aside.
  5. Release V-belt tension by loosening the tension bolt in the motor tensioning system.
  6. Remove all V-belts from the pulleys.
  7. Install the new replacement belts. All belts in a multi-groove pulley set must be the same brand and specification. Never mix belt brands or use belts of different specifications in the same set.
  8. Tighten the motor tensioning system tension bolt until the correct tension force is achieved as measured by a belt tension device (contact South-Tek for your model's specification).
  9. Lock the motor tensioning system by tightening the cover connection bolts.
  10. Reinstall the belt guard and all safeguard components. Tighten all fastening bolts.
  11. Restore power and perform a brief test run. Monitor for abnormal vibration, noise, or belt slippage.
▲ Attention Always replace all belts in the set simultaneously. Installing a single new belt alongside worn belts will result in uneven load distribution and premature failure of both old and new belts.
ℹ Note — Long-Term Storage If deactivating the compressor for 6 months or more, release (slacken) the V-belt tensioning system before storage. Re-tension to the correct specification before the first restart.

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For V-belt specifications, parts, or technical support, contact South-Tek Systems: (910) 415-1880 or support@southteksystems911.zendesk.com

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