Quick question about belt replacement
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2013
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Quick question about belt replacement
I was doing a pre-trip inspection on my truck, and noticed 1 of my belts is starting to crack. I have a 85' F350 460. There's 2 small belts going around my power steering pump. The belt closest to my engine block needs to be replaced. It looks like I have to remove all the other belts to get to this one. How much work is this, and does anybody know the easiest way. Thanks in advance
ALSO: my ac does not work. If I disconnect the belt going around the compressor, would that improve gas mileage?
ALSO: my ac does not work. If I disconnect the belt going around the compressor, would that improve gas mileage?
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
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From: Northeast, OK
Yes, you hacve to start at the front taking the belts off to get to the back one. And, while you have two belts there and might be tempted to say "I only need one", when that one lets go it is likely to take the others.
As for the A/C belt, you will never see the difference. The compressor isn't coming on so there is little power being wasted. But, as long as that is the only thing that belt runs you can leave it off with no harm.
As for the A/C belt, you will never see the difference. The compressor isn't coming on so there is little power being wasted. But, as long as that is the only thing that belt runs you can leave it off with no harm.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Over There
That dual belt on the PS pump is a pain, NEVER replace only one, and shop for identical belts. Even belts from the same company with the same part number often very a bit. If they are not identical they tend to squeal most of all at higher rpms.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
I'm not sure why yours has 2 while the vast majority of the trucks have one. Perhaps it is because it has a 460 and the extra weight that puts over the front wheels. Or because it is an F350. But, Brute is absolutely right on matched belts. It used to be that they carried matched belts at part stores, but they are very hard to find now I'm told. But don't settle for less. You might actually be better off with one than a mis-matched pair as one of then will squeal.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,066
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From: Over There
I had a squealing issue and tried running it with only one belt, it squealed worse.
Also IDK if this is unique to mine but over the years the bracket or something bent a little making the outside belt loser. I fixed it by making a shim out of a washer by cutting it into a C and placing it between the pump and bracket.
Also IDK if this is unique to mine but over the years the bracket or something bent a little making the outside belt loser. I fixed it by making a shim out of a washer by cutting it into a C and placing it between the pump and bracket.
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