When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
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.
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
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?
