Serpentine Belt
"Mifflin Clay"
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,177
Likes: 4
From: Mifflin, PA
Owners of a South Bend Lathe (and others with a flat pully) use automotive serpentine belts as drive belts. Since replacing these belts usually require disassembly, many people just cut the serpentine, skive it and glue in place.
Just a casual comment, no vehicles were harmed in any way......
Just a casual comment, no vehicles were harmed in any way......
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 1
Well, the one I replaced (Gatorback) when I started this thread got chewed up again, so I replaced it last month, again with a Gatorback. Not many miles at all. I was thinking I must have not have had it seated well when I had replaced it roadside. The one I replaced last month is shredding now, so I know it has to be something else. An earlier post in this thread suggested the idler pulley/tensioner, so I'll check that out, and all the other points of contact. I had done that last time, but must be missing something.
So, anyone else have this problem?
(I will also be replacing that STUPID upper rad hose with the NAPA 9066)
Let you know what I find!
So, anyone else have this problem?
(I will also be replacing that STUPID upper rad hose with the NAPA 9066)
Let you know what I find!
This will happen even if the pulleys still have good bearings. Any pulley that is not perfect will cause damage so be sure to check for any rust, buildup, dirt etc on all of the pulleys with the belt off. Look completely around all of them and verify the bearings are good also.
I plan to replace my tensioner in Aug. this year when we get back from vac.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Briggsdale, CO
OK, back at it again, had replaced the idler pulley, felt it had some small wobble play, maybe the culprit. Not so lucky, new belt, within 100 miles, chewed up an 1/8' or so of its width.
Fast forward, finally worked up the nerve to work on the beast. Dropped the belt out of tension. Water pump feels fine, tensioner appears to be fine, plent of resistance, no play in bearing. However, did find end play in the PS pump pulley, pretty substantial I feel, roughly 3/32" or so?
Doesn't seem riight to me, but before I replace another part, and the subsequent belt, I wanted to get some feedback from you folks.
What say you, is any end play acceptable on a PS pulley, have I ID'd the culprit?
Fast forward, finally worked up the nerve to work on the beast. Dropped the belt out of tension. Water pump feels fine, tensioner appears to be fine, plent of resistance, no play in bearing. However, did find end play in the PS pump pulley, pretty substantial I feel, roughly 3/32" or so?
Doesn't seem riight to me, but before I replace another part, and the subsequent belt, I wanted to get some feedback from you folks.
What say you, is any end play acceptable on a PS pulley, have I ID'd the culprit?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 1
OK, back at it again, had replaced the idler pulley, felt it had some small wobble play, maybe the culprit. Not so lucky, new belt, within 100 miles, chewed up an 1/8' or so of its width.
Fast forward, finally worked up the nerve to work on the beast. Dropped the belt out of tension. Water pump feels fine, tensioner appears to be fine, plent of resistance, no play in bearing. However, did find end play in the PS pump pulley, pretty substantial I feel, roughly 3/32" or so?
Doesn't seem riight to me, but before I replace another part, and the subsequent belt, I wanted to get some feedback from you folks.
What say you, is any end play acceptable on a PS pulley, have I ID'd the culprit?
Fast forward, finally worked up the nerve to work on the beast. Dropped the belt out of tension. Water pump feels fine, tensioner appears to be fine, plent of resistance, no play in bearing. However, did find end play in the PS pump pulley, pretty substantial I feel, roughly 3/32" or so?
Doesn't seem riight to me, but before I replace another part, and the subsequent belt, I wanted to get some feedback from you folks.
What say you, is any end play acceptable on a PS pulley, have I ID'd the culprit?
Pulley wear, misalignment, bearing failure, tension and defective belt.
Look closely at each pulley for wear. Also check alignment use a straight edge if possible or eyeball if that is the only thing that works. The edge of the belt must be straight with the edge of the pulley. I have 160,000 on my truck and plan to replace the tensioner next week.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Briggsdale, CO
Well, I'm sitting at 16K myself. But, the tensioner appears to be good at this point. Have inspected all other pulleys and components, the only suspect is the PS pump pulley with the end play. Just was wondering if anyone else had experienced this problem and traced it to the PS pump, and any sort of end play.
Guess since I don't have another suspect i should go ahead and do the PS pump. I will NOT replace another belt till I'm sure I nailed it. There is over 75% on the new belt still there, should be good for cruising around locally until I'm sure.
Guess since I don't have another suspect i should go ahead and do the PS pump. I will NOT replace another belt till I'm sure I nailed it. There is over 75% on the new belt still there, should be good for cruising around locally until I'm sure.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 1
Well, I'm sitting at 16K myself. But, the tensioner appears to be good at this point. Have inspected all other pulleys and components, the only suspect is the PS pump pulley with the end play. Just was wondering if anyone else had experienced this problem and traced it to the PS pump, and any sort of end play.
Guess since I don't have another suspect i should go ahead and do the PS pump. I will NOT replace another belt till I'm sure I nailed it. There is over 75% on the new belt still there, should be good for cruising around locally until I'm sure.
Guess since I don't have another suspect i should go ahead and do the PS pump. I will NOT replace another belt till I'm sure I nailed it. There is over 75% on the new belt still there, should be good for cruising around locally until I'm sure.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Briggsdale, CO
Okey-dokey, replaced the tensioner and put a new belt on. First trip to town, all is looking good so far, we'll see how it goes. I'll post back, hopefully I am done with this.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 1
If the tensioner pivot bolt bearing is worn the pulley may be good and still misalign. My Corvette was this way with a good pulley on the tensioner and pivot bearing worn out. Had squeeking and belt wear until I found and replaced it.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Briggsdale, CO
Well, I think I can put this thread to bed. In case someone ever searches, thanks vettdvr for getting me focused on the tensioner assembly, that seems to have been the problem. I have about 500 miles on the repair, from highway, towing, local roads, and the belt is still pristeen. So.............looks like it's a done deal! Thanks!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 1
Well, I think I can put this thread to bed. In case someone ever searches, thanks vettdvr for getting me focused on the tensioner assembly, that seems to have been the problem. I have about 500 miles on the repair, from highway, towing, local roads, and the belt is still pristeen. So.............looks like it's a done deal! Thanks!
You're most welcome. Unfortunately I have been ill (virus) and haven't changed mine but will soon.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Briggsdale, CO
Thought I would bump this with a followup, it's been 2 1/2 years now, still going strong with the belt, definitely the tensioner if someone should ever get this thread through a search. Haven't put more than maybe 5-7K miles on, but the belt looks good as new.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
That's really good, but just keep a spare new one with you........and tools to fix it.
