power steering / alternator

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Oct 4, 2009 | 10:08 PM

R-TypeEman

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From: Ontario, Canada

power steering / alternator

anyone come up with a better solution to the belt these use? seems every winter or whenever the roads are wet, the belt slips like crazy. its been changed with multiple different manufacturer belts to no effect. my voltage meter has become a tachometer yet again

Oct 5, 2009 | 12:54 AM

xlt4wd90

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From: SoCal

Is this with the serpentine belt on the 4.0 engine? If so, the Goodyear Gatorback belt seems to work very well. It is a little more costly than standard belts, but I think it's worth it.

Oct 5, 2009 | 02:09 AM

96_4wdr

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From: Washington state

any front oil or coolant leaks, even seeps?
try cleaning the pulleys with acetone and a fine wire brush with the belt removed and then wiping clean/dry with an old T shirt. any oily residue?

ever use silicone spray under the hood?

the auto adjusters on the serpentine belt do lose tension from heat/miles, have to be replaced. mine lasted about 100k miles.

if you have the 3L with the separate V belt alternator drive, may be a glazed worn smooth pulley, roughen up with sand paper

Oct 5, 2009 | 07:19 AM

VanGo

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From: Wichita

I've had the same belt for over ten years without any slipping ever. Like 96 says, check for fluid leaking on it or a weak tensioner. As you found out with various belts, it's not the belt design.

Oct 5, 2009 | 07:43 PM

93nighthawk

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From: Mitchell, SD

Quote:

Originally Posted by VanGo

I've had the same belt for over ten years without any slipping ever. Like 96 says, check for fluid leaking on it or a weak tensioner. As you found out with various belts, it's not the belt design.

I am thinking it is the tensioner or leak also. You might have a front main seal leak.

EDIT: It would help us some specs if you give year, engine, millage, ect.

Oct 5, 2009 | 10:26 PM

R-TypeEman

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From: Ontario, Canada

lets see, 1992 3.0, 233000 km

i have had a mysterious coolant leak for the last 4 years... every time ive gone searching, its disappeared... seems to be coming from the front passenger head gasket. no white smoke, and i havent had any leaking out since i replaced my passenger side exhaust manifold.

im going to try sanding down the pulleys to see if it has any positive effect

Oct 6, 2009 | 06:08 AM

rebocardo

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From: Atlanta GA

I drove my Aerostar with the 4.0 in all sorts of weather, including water and deep slush, and never had any problems with belts slipping. Though I did have to replace the tensioner every few years.