What is a common symptom of a misaligned belt system?

A common symptom of a misaligned belt system is excessive slippage. In a properly aligned belt system, the belt adheres to the pulleys effectively, allowing for optimal transfer of power and motion. When the alignment is off, the belt may not sit correctly in the pulley groove, leading to a situation where it slips over the pulley instead of engaging fully. This slipping can cause a loss of efficiency and can harm both the belt and the system's components due to increased wear and heat.

In alignment scenarios, one would not expect to see increased belt life, as misalignment typically results in abnormal stress and premature wear on the belt. Additionally, reduced noise levels would not be a symptom associated with misalignment; in fact, misalignment often causes vibrations and noise due to the irregular movement of the belt. Minimal tension loss would also be an unlikely scenario; a misaligned belt system can often lead to an improper amount of tension, either too loose or too tight, which can exacerbate the slippage issue. Therefore, the most accurate symptom of a misaligned belt system is indeed excessive slippage.