Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Breaking belts

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 13, 2020 | 09:32 PM
  #1  
Adventurebecky's Avatar
Adventurebecky
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Breaking belts

Hi everyone, looking for some guidance on a weird problem.

I have a ‘93 F-150 4.9L. A few weeks ago I replaced the power steering pump, since it had developed a leak. While I was in there, I took out the old AC compressor that hadn’t worked in years, and put in a new tensioner just for good measure. The belt that the parts store gave me for AC delete routing was way too long, I could slide it over the tensioner pulley without releasing it! I tried a few different belts before I found one that fit, it was very tight, but I could get it on myself with the help of a little anger-strength.

It was all good for a few weeks, but then the belt ripped down the length between the 2nd and 3rd rib. I thought it was a weird way for the belt to break and it might have been a bad part, so I put a new belt on and a few weeks later the exact same thing happened.

I tried a belt about 1/2” longer, but it barely had any tension, and made the tensioner tick and the belt squeal.

I have inspected all the pulleys, and no sharp points or wobbles. The tensioner pulley had a little play, so I replaced the first one, but the second seemed to be the same.

Any suggestions?




 
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2020 | 07:47 AM
  #2  
Fxrfox's Avatar
Fxrfox
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Check alignment of pulleys.
maybe the new pump you put on is not lined up right.
check the pulley maybe not pressed on all the way.
I didn't see any burn spots on the belt.
that would be from a slightly seized ac clutch or power steering pump.
But I would check all components to see if they turn freely.

If it didn't do it before you made a change.
It had to be what ever you put on it.
Even new parts can be bad.
Especially with the Chinese scrap they sell us now. Good luck
 
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2020 | 07:43 PM
  #3  
Adventurebecky's Avatar
Adventurebecky
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Thanks, I will have to fiddle with the PS Pulley a bit. I tightened it on with a bolt until the bolt bottomed out on the face of the rod, but there is some more room at the back of the pulley, is it supposed to go on farther than flush in the front?

I’m a little suspicious of the new tensioner as well, it is a different style than the original. I ordered the Gates standard replacement. Anyone have a recommendation on brand or type?
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Resendiz
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
54
Aug 29, 2016 10:07 AM
dave22r
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
33
Feb 14, 2013 07:52 AM
CountryBoy685
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
20
Oct 7, 2011 08:19 AM
Robuilt
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
5
May 15, 2011 08:18 AM
redwolfhopw
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Apr 13, 2008 12:44 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:57 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE