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PS belt rubbing on alternator.

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bisoo369

10+ Year Contributor
39
0
Apr 27, 2010
Glenview, Illinois
I am close to getting this problem solved, but man has it been annoying.
I have a 6 bolt swapped in a 97, and unless the alternator is positioned as low as possible the power steering belt will rub on the top of the alternator, causing it to burn and smoke when the car starts. I've ground down the alternator, and now I'm at the point where I need an alternator belt literally the perfect size so the alternator can sit as low as possible and still keep tension on the alternator belt. A 40 1/4" belt keeps tension but still allows the PS belt to rub on the alternator. (too short). a 40 3/4" belt is too long and can't be tensioned. I'm about to try a 40 1/2" if I can find one.

I guess my question is why is this a problem? I know OEM alternator belts are 37.5" (says napa) but I've also read they're 39" here on tuners. If i tried to fit a 39" belt on my alternator it would be too short for sure.

Has anyone had this problem or heard of it? Is this happening because of the 6 bolt swap? (doubt it)
Any insight?

Things to note: I have no AC compressor or belt. inside belt closest to the head is going from PS pump, to water pump(?) to inside belt track on crank. outside belt is going from alternator to the outside of the two pulleys at the top by the engine mount to outside track on the crank.

If it turns out I've just been running the belts the wrong way I will be equally embarrassed and relieved. I can take pictures to clarify anything.

thanks ya'll
 
If this is wrong sorry but think the belt goes from power steering to water pump,and alt goes to alt,water pump. Crank outter most track from engine inner track is just for the ac belt.
 
Since you don't have ac you can get relocation kit that puts the alt where the ac used to be.
 
Inner belt goes on water pump and alternator. That may be your problem if your routing the inner belt around the crank, water pump and alternator.
 
^Boom. that's it. Thank you. So the outer track of the crank is unused because I don't have AC?
 
^Boom. that's it. Thank you. So the outer track of the crank is unused because I don't have AC?
yea, Alt belt Goes inner side of crank and outter side of water pump, P/s belt Goes to inner side on water pump
 
^The Alt belt goes on the inside of the crank and the outside of the water pump?
So to clarify the alternator belt uses the crank pulley and the PS belt does not.
 
i just redid all my belts today, the P.S should loop in the inner small water pump pulley. The alternator goes to the outer water pump pulley. post pics!

and if you did not angle or cock the P.S the right way upon installation then it may be placed just wrong enough to cause rubbing.

i too have a 1G in a 2G, and have rubbed when the P.S was not properly adjusted.
 
Thanks a ton miliman. that helps a lot. can I just get a definitive answer on this question though: Does the PS belt or the alternator belt use the crank pulley? Someone on here said the PS belt does not use the crank pulley and if that's the case then I can't see how it would rub on the alternator. I just need a darn shop manual LOL.
 
Power steering belt does not go on the crank pulley. Short belt, power steering has to be all the way back to even get it on. I've never had trouble getting the belt from autozone. The belt goes on the rear pulley on the water pump and on to the power steering pump.
 
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