shredded belt again- 40K

[banshee]

Never shredded a belt, but I am on my 3rd belt tensioner. Both have broken the arm clean in half right at the base of the support webbing in a distinct fatigue failure. My best guess is that speed shifting is taking its toll over time. I now carry a spare belt, tensioner, and 1/2" drive with socket under the back seat so as not to be stranded again!



EDIT: I have a spare belt from Genos... much cheaper than the dealer (Go figure!) It is labeled as 'Gates' vs. 'Mopar' for the factory belt, but I'd bet $20 that it's the same belt with a different marking since Delco makes the tensioner as well. Same story as Mopar, Cummins, and Fleetguard oil filters all being the same with different paint on the outside.

 

[BHaner]

Mine was toast at about 60k. Put a new belt on and was squeeling and missing the outer edge within about 5000 miles. Put on another new one. . Same squeel.



Found the squeel was comming not from the bearing on the idler. . but the surface! The idler was crooked! This was causing the belt to slide acrost the face of the pulley.



Replaced the idler and all is good now. I do carry a spare behind the back seat. Right next to the FASS filter, spare intercooler boot, and clamp.

 

[JLibert]

100k on mine with no problems. Actually, the belt still looks like it's in pretty good shape. Maybe time to buy a spare just in case.

 

[swexlin]

He checked the idler pully and it had a little play but no more than a new truck he checked

Why didn't he do the TSB? I would have insisted on it.

 

[brods]

DaveK98, $68 isn't all that bad, NAPA gets $60 for one. You could probably get it cheaper shopping around.



Here is a long shot, did/does your truck sit idle for long periods where some rust could develop on the pulleys?



PS mine chirps every time at shutdown, 33K no signs of any problems yet.

 

[MChildress]

I have an early 04. 5 with almost 40,000 on it and no belt problems. I dont have the the belt chirp on shut down. I do get the famous ac cluck on start up from time to time. I have heard the belt chirp on several trucks with auto trans.

 

[DaveK98]

Brods, Yes my truck does sit un-used at times for 2-4 weeks although it is in a enclosed garage. Hopefully this isn't the isssue though. I've had cars sit for a year before and then run the heck out of them and no problems.



I'm going to call my local dealer and see if they will do the tsb (should it be covered under my waranty?



I'm also going to get a spare belt. I watched the mechanic put the new belt on and he put a vice grip on the sway bar to hold the 1/2 inch ratchet so he had time to get the belt on just right.



Everytime I start or stop the truck now I'm nervous. Crap that's why I bought this truck so I wouldn't have to worry about this kinda stuff for a few years.

 

[swexlin]

Everytime I start or stop the truck now I'm nervous. Crap that's why I bought this truck so I wouldn't have to worry about this kinda stuff for a few years

Yep, I hear ya. Why don't you have the TSB done?

 

[brods]

Dude, sorry but I just have to ask... do you own the company that makes the pulley or something?? :-laf Just kidding ya

Please keep us posted on what your dealer says. INSIST on that TSB.



I would call them back up today, and make an appointment to take it back in and have the TSB performed. INSIST upon it.



Lethal, make sure (INSIST upon it) that they perform the TSB.



Why didn't he do the TSB? I would have insisted on it.



Yep, I hear ya. Why don't you have the TSB done?

 

[swexlin]

:-laf :-laf :-laf



I know, I know...



But when there is a possible fix out there, available for the asking, under warranty, it makes sense to do it for peace of mind.

 

[DaveK98]

Is the TSB covered under warranty or will I have to pay out of pocket?



Also Geno's sells several belts any diff in the quality or should I just get the Dayco vs the Mopar, it's about 10 bucks cheaper?

 

[DaveK98]

TTT, should I have to Pay for the TSB or will it be covered? THX



I ordered the Dayco belt for a spare, Geno's guy told me it was just as good as the mopar.

 

[swexlin]

Should be covered. Tell them your belt was chirping badly right before it shredded, and you heard there might be a TSB.

 

[OL RATLR]

Why don't all the 3g trucks shred the belts? Are there different alternators which have different rotational mass? Seems more likely there is a problem with a pulley finish (burr or seam or bad grooves etc) or misalignment issue.

109,000 on mine changing out Saturday.

 

[Hercules130]

the belt is not covered!! i had to pay 75. it is considered consequentail damage i think.

 

[JVantreese]

Lost my original belt at 1500 miles. Dealer replaced it at no cost. I purchased a spare that rides under the rear seat. No more problems with 26,000 on the clock. Story was that a bad batch of belts were installed on many of the 04 trucks.

 

[DieselFiend]

My belt shredded at 45000. Dealer said it wasn't covered under the power train or the engine warranty. They also gave me the line of BS that belt life for these trucks is only about 50000. They also wouldn't do the TSB unless I paid for it. I gave them to whole belt chirp line and they didn't go for it. Also, something interesting to note, my belt never chirped before it shredded. Now the new one chirps every time I shut it down. Wierd.

 

[DerekW]

Never shredded a belt, but I am on my 3rd belt tensioner. Both have broken the arm clean in half right at the base of the support webbing in a distinct fatigue failure. My best guess is that speed shifting is taking its toll over time. QUOTE]



Whatever you do don't mention what you just said to the service advisor or the tech. Its just another silly excuse for them to use for "I know I am a dodge dealer but really I have no idea how to fix your dodge, but I will gladly take your money"

 

[DerekW]

Brods, Yes my truck does sit un-used at times for 2-4 weeks although it is in a enclosed garage. Hopefully this isn't the isssue though. I've had cars sit for a year before and then run the heck out of them and no problems.





I'm also going to get a spare belt. I watched the mechanic put the new belt on and he put a vice grip on the sway bar to hold the 1/2 inch ratchet so he had time to get the belt on just right.

Don't mention rust on the pulley, and don't do anything to give the dealer a excuse. I personally got tired of DC excuses so I finally started fixing most of everything myself and learning what I didn't, and what I simply couldn't fix I take the truck 2 states away (550 miles 1 way) to the area where I used to live where theres a few shops I have used that will fix it right.



Also thats a good idea the tech used to get the belt on. I remember the last time I changed out the power steering pump getting the belt on almost required an octopus for the job or a third hand.