My daughter in-laws 2008 2.3l Ford Fusion needs the belt replaced but it doesn't seem to like new rubber. All belts are the same length as compared to the original belt part number and when compared side-by-side. Belt one was an off brand and it broke in under 10 miles. Belt two was also off brand and broke in under ten miles. Belt three was Motorcraft and it throws it off within seconds of start up. Put the original belt back on and it works fine. The grooves in the original belt look to be worn pretty wide and it squeals upon start up.
I plan to get a close up view of every pulley tomorrow with the boroscope and also check alignment of the pulleys as best I can.
What other things should I be looking at?
Two thoughts:
- Belt tensioner worn out/ not enough tension?
- Is there a rotating part (idler, alternator, A/C compressor) that's not spinning freely enough?
Check those while you're in there
Something is out of line. Likely the pivot bushing in the tensioner. The old belt would probably come off if you run it the opposite direction.
In reply to Streetwiseguy :
Likely the pivot bushing in the tensioner because everything else is pretty rigid and unlikely to lose alignment? That makes sense to me.
In reply to fusion66 :
Yes. They can be tough to eyeball, but if you can get a prybar down to it, there should be no side to side movement.
A lot of newer vehicles are beginning to spec the serpentine and tensioners be replaced at once... had an ‘04 Quest that was that way.
Tensioners are super common.
I have nearly the same problem on my '09 Pontiac G8. It has the 6.0 LS V8, with 185,000 miles. I replaced the main serpentine belt (drives water pump, P/S pump, alternator) and the A/C belt at about 170,000 miles just before summer, just as preventive maintenance.
The new A/C belt would jump off the pullies every time I really got on it, tried it both directions. Got another new belt, (different maunfacturer), it did the same thing. Replaced the tensioner, belt still came off. Got tired of driving in the Texas summer heat with no A/C, put the old belt back on.......no problems.
Replaced the belt tensioner and so far so good. This is with a new Motorcraft belt that jumped off immediately 3 times with the prior tensioner so I am hopeful that all is good.
Many thanks to all that provided their advice and insight!
