Big test day down at Wayne State University! So i left a little early (6:30am), cruisin down the m-10 Lodge freeway, suddenly *Snap* the serpentine belt goes. (third one in 6 months) Using all my strength (and 155 lbs) i pulled her to the side of the road. Called and set up a tow (AAA - 5 free a year or something) figured id get the darn problem fixed once and for all - find that bad pulley. got to the shop and as im going through pulleys, one sticks out about a half inch more then the rest. The tensioner! went and picked up the part -installed in 15 minuted and so far so good. As far as that test with my super strict professor? He said as long as i can provide proof i cant retake the test. Good thing i saved all my receipts and AAA towing bill. Anyone else replace the tensioner? Do you think this will fix my belt devouring beast?

 

sounds to me like you found the culprit

 

The tensioner is the problem 9 out of 10 times with belt issues. They take the abuse so the alt, water pump, ps, etc. don't have to. I'd say you're probably good for 60K miles now.

Good luck when you makeup your test,

Austin

 

One more night of studying sounds like a good thing.

Did you check all the pulleys or stop checking when you noticed how far the idler stuck out? The idler will sometimes stick out a little further with no load on it, but as everyone else said, that's the problem most of the time. Just to be safe, why don't you carry a breaker bar and a spare belt with you. I'm guessing you could change the belt quicker than the tow truck can get there.

 

chris, that is a good idea

 

Been there, done that. There is a lot of force on those tensioners. this will most likely solve your problems. Good luck on the test.

 

Helpfull tip: I had the same problem couple years back. I took a piece of 1/2 square stock cut it to 3/4" long and welded it to the side of the lugnut wrench. it is a perfect place for it, you always have a tool to replace the belt and mounts under the hood of the truck near the belt.
By the way I lost two oil dipsticks because the belt shredded and must have caught the dipstick handle, so if any one has found them on the highway please send them back to me. COD.

 

That, sir, is a slick idea! Thanks for the suggestion!

 

Great ideal, that deserves some Rep points.

 

Awesome idea. Reps to you

 

I usually carry a spare belt and a 1/2 inch ratchet to change it real qucik in cases like this. The last one broke 2 months ago and i used my spare then - never got around to replacing the spare. but yeah i did check the idler pulley and it was ok - Its running solid today and the belt is staying in place.

 

How many of you have the upper hose that passes through the belt routing?

 

Mine goes around....I checked it after I read someone else saying they had to undo their hose to get the belt changed.

 

I guess I am the lucky one with the upper hose that goes through the belt.

LOL.. well I just put a new one on so I should be good for awhile.. I hope!

 

You can replace that hose fairly cheap, go to auto parts store and ask for a hose for a truck with dual alternators, $12-$15 and no more having to worry about it.