In a V belt and timing belt, what could cause excessive belt edge wear?

Excessive belt edge wear in V belts and timing belts is often a result of misalignment, improper tension, and the presence of a bent flange.

When belts are misaligned, they do not run parallel to the pulleys, which can cause uneven pressure on the edges of the belt. This misalignment leads to increased friction and faster degradation of the belt edges. Similarly, if the tension of the belt is incorrect—either too loose or too tight—it can contribute to uneven wear. A loose belt may slip and rub against the edges of the pulley, while an excessively tight belt can lead to increased stress and distortion, again promoting edge wear.

Additionally, a bent flange can change the angle at which the belt engages with the pulley, resulting in similar misalignment issues and uneven wear along the edges. Therefore, addressing these mechanical issues is crucial in extending the life of the belt and reducing excessive edge wear.