Serpentine Belt broke while driving - new belt won't install!

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 15 Mar 2019, 23:18

You would need to come up with some way to measure and compare the range of travel. Compare the wheel size also.

Post by **SuperHerman** » 15 Mar 2019, 23:24

For comparing range of travel - you have to recall how far you turned it when you tried to install it and then compare it to how far it goes without a belt on. Turn it until it stops - if it is the same as when you tried to put the belt on then suspect the part. The tensioner goes further than one thinks - without the belt it will be both easier to turn and a single focus.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 15 Mar 2019, 23:27

If it is real close like 1 - 2mm. You can slip it on with a screwdriver as somebody turns the engine by hand.

There are other ways to get an almost belt on but, it takes two people that know what they are doing otherwise it gets dangerous.

Shanestrait · Post by **Shanestrait** » 15 Mar 2019, 23:28

To address each point to the best of my knowledge:

1) wrong belt
I am still unsure on this. The first one was well short, the second one was close but not enough. Am going to check with a different store tomorrow to compare.
2) wrong tensioner
It appears identical to original part.
3) Tensioner incorrect
Tensioner can only be installed one way, correct? 2 bolts torqued down fully
4) Belt installed incorrectly
I have it routed correctly, verified several times.

The break on the power steering pulley is pretty sketchy. About 2 inches of the outside edge broken off..

Post by **SuperHerman** » 15 Mar 2019, 23:32

I am thinking belt is the wrong size. As for #4 - I am not talking about routing - but whether you are getting the tensioner turned all the way to where it stops. You can verify via dry fit with no belt. Turn it until it stops and compare.

Rick brings up a good point - compare the diameter of the pulleys (old and new) and make sure they are the same.

Shanestrait · Post by **Shanestrait** » 15 Mar 2019, 23:34

Ok, I will compare the range of motion on the tensioner with belt and without.

As far as the pulley wheel size: the original broke off while driving and is gone so no comparison possible :/

Post by **SuperHerman** » 15 Mar 2019, 23:38

If you think it is a possibility - I think FCPEuro sells the pulley itself - they may specify the diameter.

NAPA usually has the correct parts in their system - Autozone has failed me many times.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 15 Mar 2019, 23:43

There is one other thing he could try. Get the belt on all the grooved pulleys then try to push the last part of the belt over the tensioner wheel. The rounded edge of the tensioner wheel might just provide enough relief to get it done.

Shanestrait · Post by **Shanestrait** » 15 Mar 2019, 23:45

Looking into diameters now.

I will try that Rick. Just wondering though, is it bad if the belt is put on at the ultimate tightest possible? Shouldn't there be a little slack when the tensioner is fully engaged? If a belt is stretched that tight, is there damage done over time?

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 15 Mar 2019, 23:51

Keep in mind the belt is not straight until you get it on. A path that is not straight is going to take some distance from someplace else. When you get it on it will be a little looser.

look for the way to get it on with minimum belt deflection.