SatinSilverTypS

iTrader: (1)

i'm not sure if this is a problem offhand so i'll give a quick backstory. and i did search but i couldn't find a whole lot about the power steering belt when i did.

i installed my UR pulley about a month ago now. it's an original verision of the Ultra Sc, which means that the steering pump is underdrived but the main serpentine belt is stock size (as opposed to the Ultra Sc sold now which has everything stock). UR recommends Gates belts but i could not find a gates power steering belt at the time so i installed a Dayco belt of the same size. it worked OK but when i would turn the wheel at a standstill or go lock to lock the belt would squeal, therefore not tight enough.

fast forward a month, i find the right Gates belt and make some time to change it yesterday. i noticed though that the power steering belt was a smidge smaller and it cause my crank pulley to end up about 1/16th of an inch above where it needed to be to line up with the crankshaft/woodruff key. i muscled it into place and everything operates fine now, the belt doesn't squeal and everything spins quite smoothly when you rotate the engine by hand.

my question is whether this is ok/normal or if i'm greatly increasing the chance of seal failure on my power steering pump by bending the shaft. any ideas? i have to imagine this isn't a big deal since a regular serpentine belt will be very tight once the tensioner is engaged as well. i'm just used to everything fitting a little easier. also this is the first car i've owned that uses two accessory belts, so i've never had to encounter this issue before.

thanks in advance for the feedback.

Bob

fsttyms1

Did you loosen the adjustment bolt on the PS pump to get it on?

SatinSilverTypS

iTrader: (1)

um...no.....i didn't know there was actually an adjustment bolt......i just figured there was the shaft bolt and that's it

acutee

I am amazed that you got the belt in without loosen the tension bolt.

fsttyms1

That makes 2 of us. But then again he pulled the crank pulley off to do so.

SatinSilverTypS

iTrader: (1)

well had i known about the adjustment bolt i wouldn't have bothered doing that although it's not like the crank pulley is that hard to get off, just a pain to retighten since i have the UR pulley on there. if the adjustment bolt is the shaft bolt is it reverse-threaded?

fsttyms1

the adjustment bolt is next to the PS pump. There is a cutout on the engine cover for it. you have to loosen the 2 bolts that hold the ps pump on to adjust it. And no its not reverse thread.

SatinSilverTypS

iTrader: (1)

thanks! just out of curiousity, how can i gauge the tension on my belt now? or is that something i should have professionally done?

thanks again Kris!

Bob

fsttyms1

it should have some give to it. Ive been doing it so long i just know when its right. You dont want it too tight or you will ruin the bearings in the pump. I would say push in on the belt if it can move in about the thickness of the belt without major force its about good

SatinSilverTypS

iTrader: (1)

sounds good. thanks again man!