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

Shanestrait · Post by **Shanestrait** » 21 Mar 2019, 20:42

185k miles.

I put a screwdriver in the alternator to hold the shaft and attempted to turn it both ways and it didn't turn either.

Post by **abscate** » 22 Mar 2019, 05:34

I’ve got 228 on my original SERP belt tensioner, new belt every 60k.

The SERP belt tension is much less than the timing belt, much less load on the bearings

Post by **cn90** » 22 Mar 2019, 07:56

Not sure which year Volvo switched from solid to clutch pulley for Alternator.

But at 185K miles, soon or later, you need a new alternator. Look into new Bosch, not a rebuilt!

Post by **abscate** » 22 Mar 2019, 08:23

1998 solid pulley

1999 clutch pulley, and turns in opposite direction from 1998 - new serp belt path

Shanestrait · Post by **Shanestrait** » 22 Mar 2019, 08:41

I've ordered a new alternator pulley. Verified part number for my vehicle/alternator.
Crossing my fingers it will fix it. Will report back after replacement.

Post by **abscate** » 22 Mar 2019, 09:02

Shane - great videos and descriptions on your issues - its really easy to help out when people take the trouble to be accurate on their problem.

It is easier to get motivated to dig in vs. the "my car stopped plz help" post.

You might need a puller to get that pulley off - there was recent thread on this here.

Shanestrait · Post by **Shanestrait** » 22 Mar 2019, 09:45

The pulley I'm replacing first is the Alternator clutch pulley - from what I can tell that is a splined setup?

Also if I order the power steering pump pulley - any recommended pullers?

EDIT: from what I've read I may be better off just getting a new whole PS pump if I go that route..

Post by **cn90** » 22 Mar 2019, 10:29

A new INA alt pulley is $35.
A new Bosch alt is $200.

At 185K, the brushes and bearings are near the end of their life. Personally, I would get a brand-new alternator, but this depends on how long you want to keep the car.

Post by **cn90** » 22 Mar 2019, 10:32

The PS Pulley, the problem is NOT the pulley, it is the bearing that is loose.

Go to junk yard and get a used PS Pump. Make sure you get a good PS Pump w/o significant play.

Post by **abscate** » 22 Mar 2019, 11:07

cn90 wrote: ↑22 Mar 2019, 10:32 The PS Pulley, the problem is NOT the pulley, it is the bearing that is loose.

Go to junk yard and get a used PS Pump. Make sure you get a good PS Pump w/o significant play.

+1000 points

I don't know how I missed this, but cn90 is spot on.

Its hard to imagine how a pulley can get loose without the bearing being involved.

Used pump is way to go.

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

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