What is the effect of shaft misalignment between a motor and driven shaft on belt drives?

• A. It accelerates wear, causes belt tracking problems, and reduces belt life.
• B. It eliminates wear and extends belt life.
• C. It improves belt tracking.
• D. It increases belt tension automatically.

Answer: (A)

Shaft misalignment between the motor and driven shaft creates side loading and uneven bending of the belt as it wraps around the pulleys. This causes increased wear on the belt edges, edge fraying, and a higher risk of edge cracking. The misalignment also makes the belt track off-center, rubbing against the pulley flanges or misaligned surfaces, which compounds wear and heat buildup. Over time, this combination of extra friction, heat, and fatigue shortens belt life and can lead to more maintenance issues. Because the misalignment is responsible for both faster wear and poor tracking, it also reduces belt life rather than improving it or stabilizing the system. It does not automatically increase belt tension; tension is determined by the drive setup, not the misalignment itself.