97 GTS keeps throwing serp. belt ???

[sweet gts]

I have thrown the serpetine belt twice now. The 1st time I thought it was a fluke but it came off again. Any thoughts....has it stretched and needs replacement? Also running a Roe. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks Steve
PS This really $&#@*! to fix on the side of the road in 90 degree heat!

 

[Martin]

Do you have a new PS pulley on it - or is it stock? The stock PS pulley has a tendency to break right at the center, and the first sign of it getting ready to totally go is either a chronic loss of power steering, or a serpentine belt that flies off. The pulley can fail in a mode where it rocks side to side when spining - and that can throw the belt.

The other possibility is your tensioner. Even if your belt has worn a bit, the tensioner should keep it tight enough to not get thrown off.

Check both of those, and I'll bet one if them is the culprit...

 

[plumcrazy]

id look at the tensioner first. and make sure all the pulleys line up right

 

[Martin]

Hey Plum - I thought you were going to tell him to use the search button Big meanie...

 

[AZTVR]

Also make sure that the crankshaft bolt is tight, if the damper hasn't been pinned. (or even if it has, I guess.)

 

[big-n-italian]

i kept throwing belts on my car until i got all the pulleys lined up perfectly.

 

[Glen97]

I would check the power steering bracket

Glen

 

[britospeed]

+1 on checking the Crank pulley and damper bolt.

 

[RobZilla]

The "snout" or input shaft on the s/c is designed to leak a slight bit of oil. That ensures the unit is working properly. On the top of this shaft just behind the pully wheel you will see the bolt.

You need to be sure and wipe this oil away from time to time or it can get onto the wheel and cause the belt to continuously slip off as you have described.

All above mentioned should be checked as well.

 

[sweet gts]

p/s pully and bkt look good...

 

[SNKBYT]

If all the pulleys are fine. Check alignment. If all is good, replace the tensioner. Good luck.

 

[dave6666]

+1 on checking the Crank pulley and damper bolt.

Just did that on my '01 for grins and giggles 31mm 6pt socket and a 250 ft lb wrench and that party is done.