People sometimes ask if there are wear differences due to the raw edge design of the notched V-belt vs. the fabric all over design of the classical wrapped V-belt. The fact is many factors can contribute to sheave wear. However, notched V-belts and wrapped V-belts have virtually identical sheave wear characteristics.

While synchronous drives do have many industrial applications, they are generally not accepted as the best option for HVAC equipment. Virtually no OEM uses or recommends synchronous drives due to cost, noise and vibration, structural design concerns, and reliable availability of replacement components.

V-belt drive misalignment exists when the driver and driven sheaves are not properly aligned. Misalignment can take either the form of angular or parallel (offset) misalignment, or a combination of both. Ideally, you want to have both parallel and angular harmony.

If a sheave is not balanced, it will have an inherent uneven distribution of weight. This uneven weight distribution magnifies vibration and noise when rotated and as speed of rotation increases. Unbalanced sheaves can also lead to premature life of other drive components due to the vibration and stresses placed on the components.