Thanks. I guess I had always just assumed that the belt that drives the wheels should be straight. In fact it looks like it was also on a slight angle.
I haven't see any images of the alignment on the drive belt to the wheels.
While it is true that slight misalignment of V-belt pulleys may not lead to immediate failure, it is generally recommended to keep V-belt pulleys as perfectly aligned as possible for several important reasons:
Increased Wear: Misalignment can cause the belt to wear unevenly and more quickly than it would if the pulleys were in proper alignment. This can lead to premature belt failure and the need for more frequent replacements.
Efficiency Loss: Misaligned pulleys can create additional friction, which can reduce the efficiency of power transfer from one pulley to the other. This may result in decreased performance of the driven equipment.
Heat Generation: Misalignment can lead to increased heat generation in the belt and pulleys. Excessive heat can contribute to thermal degradation of the belt, leading to a shorter lifespan.
Noise and Vibration: Misalignment can result in increased vibration and noise during operation, which may not only be undesirable but could also eventually lead to further mechanical issues in the system.
Potential Damage to Equipment: Over time, persistent misalignment can cause stress on components, leading to damage in the bearings, shafts, or other hardware associated with the belt drive system.
Cheers
Max.
