Drive belt chewing up

[swexlin]

I have another theory: the pulley at the bottom right passenger side at the bottom of the engine (water pump?) where I have mentioned before there is NO room for error tracking. It would not take much, either a slight misalignment upon installation at the factory, or, even a very small piece of gravel or cinder kicking up from the road, get wedged in there, and misaligning the belt. That pulley seems VERY exposed to all the elements.

 

[NDanecker]

Another interesting note. My belt has NEVER squeaked upon shut down. Since I'm not having the shreaded belt issue and no squeak, I'm guessing my belt tension is correct.

Now if you had a shreaded belt issue, and have the squeak, it sounds possible that the issue is with the tensioner.

Just my 2 cent analysis.

 

[swexlin]

My original belt squeaked AWFUL at shutdown, but my Ford PSD did this as well, and I understand it to be normal. The original factory belt was also ribbed. The REPLACEMENT MOPAR belt is ribbed and crosshatched, and almost NEVER squeaks at shutdown (every once in a great while, depending on the temp). The original squeaked EVERY time, very loudly. Don't know if that has to do with it, but it's just my observation.



Before everyone else chimes in, I understand that most of these Cummins (as did my PSD) hav squeaky belts at shutdown due to engine compression, and most go thousands of miles with no issues to the belt.

 

[NDanecker]

Before everyone else chimes in, I understand that most of these Cummins (as did my PSD) hav squeaky belts at shutdown due to engine compression, and most go thousands of miles with no issues to the belt.

I believe this is just the nature of the beast with diesel engines. Since they have high compression ratios the motor stops rotating quickly while the inertia of the driven accessories briefly drives the belt slipping around the crank pulley. It even appears that the engine may even rotate backwards (slightly) the instant before it stops aggravating the problem, probably because one cylinder that is on the compression stroke can't complete it and gets pushed back down because of the high internal cylinder pressure. It is weird, however, that mine has never squeaked. I wonder if there were a few different designs (various spring rates) installed for the belt tensioner? Maybe different types of belts also with different rib designs, etc.


As for the lower pulley on the passenger side, I believe it’s the a/c pump. Yea…. I guess something could get caught up in there. I think it would be kind of difficult though since its pretty well protected from the front tires and unless you’re a really aggressive tailgater I don’t' think much comes from the front.

This pictures shows how I held the tensioner while trying to snake the new Jacobs belt around everything. You really need SMALL hands.

 

[WyattEarp]

i would say dido on the tensioner, you can get replacement belts through www.genosgarage.com check with napa i would say you can get a replacement tenisoner for less than the dealer, when mine went i went to the dealer at the time and to the tune of $135. 00 and the thing listed for 143. 00. Also check with autozone, i do know that Advance has them reconditioned for alot let, as we all know either new or reconditioned parts are luck of the draw.

 

[NDanecker]

i would say dido on the tensioner, you can get replacement belts through www.genosgarage.com check with napa i would say you can get a replacement tenisoner for less than the dealer, when mine went i went to the dealer at the time and to the tune of $135. 00 and the thing listed for 143. 00. Also check with autozone, i do know that Advance has them reconditioned for alot let, as we all know either new or reconditioned parts are luck of the draw.

Another EXCELLENT point.

I replaced a tensioner on my '96 Chevy Blazer. I paid something around $158 for it at the GM dealer. I went to NAPA right after to get a new belt not thinking the parts store would have the tensioner. As it turned out, he pulled one from STOCK no less that was IDENTICAL to the one I just purchased from the dealer at less then half the price. Only difference was GM had there 140**** part number stamped on the housing... . the NAPA one didn't have one!!! Both manufactured in Canada.

Go figure... .

 

[CMckee]

after i replaced a belt on mine it shredded off a couple of ribs by riding over the edge of one of the pulleys. i thought it was just me not paying attention when i put the new one on, so i tried it again. it walked over again in the time it took me to get from the seat to the front of the truck. so i tried it again same thing now i know it's not me. i ended up replacing the tensioner arm $65. 00 from a parts store, belts been on for over 25,000 mi now and still looking good.

 

[Yo Hoot]

As of late I'm getting the feeling my fan clutch is going on the blink. It makes a whirring sound now sometimes. I can stop the fan from spinning when the engine is idling and the whirring stops.



I washed the engine a week or so ago lightlt with a hose. Later in the day I started it up and heard a nasty sound like a pulley was siezed and then it let loose. Been fine since but still hear the whirring.

 

[swexlin]

1750 miles on my 04. 5 belt shredded, going to dealer today

Please keep us posted on what your dealer says.

 

[fj40tom]

I had the same thing happen last week. No notice, just started hearing a squeaking noise under the hood. 1/3 of the belt has shredded and was wrapped around the fan. Called the dealer and they inspected everything and replaced the belt in around 3 hours. They did ask me if I had removed and reinstalled the belt at anytime. I laughed.



Cheers

 

[swexlin]

I had the same thing happen last week. No notice, just started hearing a squeaking noise under the hood. 1/3 of the belt has shredded and was wrapped around the fan.

And we have ANOTHER one. I wonder if we will see a TSB eventually for this. How many miles do you have on your truck, FJ40?

 

[fj40tom]

It happened at 26,000. Not to mention it happened the day before I was headed from TX to MS to pick up a slide in truck camper. The dealer stepped up and got me in and out real fast.



Cheers

 

[swexlin]

Tom, did they just replace the belt? Any other diagnosis from your dealer?

 

[fj40tom]

They just replaced the belt. They said everything else checked out. Time will tell.