fan belt adjuster

The power steering pump drive belt, also known as the serpentine belt in many vehicles, connects the engine's crankshaft to the power steering pump. When the engine runs, the crankshaft spins the belt, which in turn powers the pump. This process creates hydraulic pressure that assists in turning the wheels with less effort. Without this belt, the steering system would revert to a manual mode, making it significantly harder to turn the steering wheel, especially at lower speeds.


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Leather was the material of choice due to its natural strength and flexibility. Manufacturers utilized thick, tanned leather, often sourced from cattle hides, to produce these belts. The belts were typically flat, allowing them to fit smoothly over pulleys and reduce the risk of slippage. As the industrial landscape evolved, the design and manufacturing processes of flat leather drive belts also adapted, but their fundamental role in power transmission remained unchanged.


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