Dual power steering belts

[1980sel]

Can anyone tell me why they run two belts to the power steering? Why not just one? And for that matter why two to the alternator on diesels?

[Squiggle Dog]

I think that it increase reliability. If you were to throw a belt, you'd still have one in place. Also, it might lessen the chance of slippage and belt squeal. My 300SD and the International Travelalls I used to drive did this, and I really liked it.

[adamb]

I am surprised that diesels have a twin belt for the alternator. Afterall the alternator is needed less on a diesel engine. In a petrol car with a good battery you can still travel some distance without the battery getting charge and on an old diesel it's indefinite, right?

However, it's a relief that there are twin power steering belts. The 6.9 with its super heavy engine requires supersized arm muscles to turn the steering wheel without assistance.

[Squiggle Dog]

The nice thing about a twin alternator belt on a diesel is that if one brakes, you still have one powering the water pump.

[Tony66_au]

Twin Vee Belts are used for a few reasons, One is to cut down any harmonics from the accessory regardless of its purpose and the second reason is to add extra "structure" to heavy use items mounted a distance away from the crank pulley.

No longer used in cars and trucks since Serpentine belts and belt tensioners.