420A 2gNT Serpentine belt troubleshooting

[Kenny 2 guns]

Hello all. I've been putting in work on this 98 Eclipse GS but I am asking for a bit of advice regarding the serpentine belt.

I purchased a new Gates serpentine belt and installed it, which initially stopped the belt chirping. The next day the chirp was back so I tightened the tensioner some more and chirp was gone. Within 2 days the new belt shredded. I checked all pulleys and they spun free & did not make any noise. Upon inspection of the steering pump I noticed some lateral movement of the shaft, approximately a 1/16th to 1/8" max.

Could this be the problem? In addition to putting a new belt on today which still chirps I also replaced the valve cover seals, did a coolant flush, replaced lower radiator hose and spark plugs. Car will stay parked until I figure this out but it's running great except for this damn serpentine belt chirp.

Please advise & thank you in advance.

 

[kodylk08]

Are you saying that the power steering pulley moves in and out? If so I would say that is your problem.

 

[Kenny 2 guns]

Are you saying that the power steering pulley moves in and out? If so I would say that is your problem.

It moves in and out about 1/16th"+ The sound seems to be coming from the front, either the power steering pump, tensioner or ac compressor. The previous owner claims to have replaced the tensioner, water pump & timing belt.

 

[pauleyman]

Replace your power steering pump

 

[gst_Jake99]

Its possible the pulley bearing is shot, or the power steering pump should be replaced as mentioned above.

 

[Lou98GSX]

you might need a new tensioner . also when the engine is running look at the belt and make sure its spinning straight and all the pulleys are in line .

 

[vaughn scherf]

I would definitely make sure the belt is spinning straight and just am fwy over tightened belts can also squeal and really over tightened belts won't

 

[Kenny 2 guns]

Thanks for the replies. Power steering pump, tensioner/idler pulley & belt all replaced. I can't see any misalignment but it's not very easy to see all the pulleys. Also, replaced the belt a couple of weeks ago and it shredded..? Still have the chirp. Really hating this car right now. Also got attacked by the hood today when a gust of wind caused it to blow open when I was working on it resulting in a nice gash in my forehead. I'm done for today..

 

[vaughn scherf]

Okay so what I would try is use a torque wrench tighten the belt to whatever it's supposed to be I can't remember then just use belt condidtioner