Going through power steering A/C belts

[FearlessNick]

So for the past month I have been fighting with my power steering and A/C belt. I found out my power steering pump was kind of off set so I added a washer to it and it wouldn't chew up a belt like it would in a matter of five minutes. Well this one lasted for about a month and then here I go on the on ramp for the free way and hear it slap my hood.

Another thing to is when I had a belt that would just walk around (only like 3 strands out of the 5) and when I would steer while sitting still i would get a loud screech.

I also kind of have a feeling my pulley on my compressor is offset but doesn't look like it too much. I was more on that it was my power steering causing it.

Does anyone also know if our cars are dealer put on A/C? Cause if so then that's what I'm messing with next is the A/C bracket and my pulley.

Looking for ideas and or fixes. Thanks guys.

Nick

 

[Bowlesy]

The screech while turning the wheel in place is most likely your power steering pump. I've heard from many people that the belts on our cars are always a problem but I haven't had any. Belts are one thing that I don't really tinker with all that much. Someone else will have more I sight than me. Are you having any problems with your steering?

 

[FearlessNick]

No problems with my steering. Just when I have a crappy belt on there that's all tore up and it just walks side to side it will lock up. But I thought I fixed it cause the belt lasted longer then 5 minutes. Then I had this one for a month then bam comes off tonight.

 

[rydereclipse]

Have you checked your crank pulley to be sure it's on straight? I would also check to be sure all the edges are smooth, that will chew up your belt too.

 

[Evilimports]

I had a crank pulley go bad one time and it was eating belts. The crank pulley is a two piece design held together with rubber to dampen vibrations and the rubber can go bad especially if you ever had a bad oil leak. Make sure none of the pulleys have excessive play with the belts off, and try to eyeball alignment of all the pulleys as best as possible. They do make a little laser tool for aligning pulleys if it comes to that.

Also if your p/s belt is screaming when you turn the belt is not tight enough. Push in the middle of the belt with two fingers with a fare amount of force. The belt really shouldn't deflect more than a half inch when properly adjusted.

 

[boost198]

I had the same problem I purchased a new tensioner and power steering pump and it fixed it

 

[FearlessNick]

Yes my crank pulley is fine and I do check my belts before putting them on. That what I first thought it was, was my crank. But every thing seems so aligned perfectly.

I also know how to tighten a belt and how tight it should be. My 8-6 is a mechanic after all. But I'm just supper stomped on this.

I have a feeling it could be my tensioner after doing some thinking but I've checked it before and it runs straight and seems straight. But I think I'll just have to buy one to make sure.

I have also been thinking about just buying some aftermarket pulleys. Ones that weigh less and yada yada.