Serpentine Belt Went Bad In 3 Weeks

eskion

New Member
Mar 19, 2007
27
1
4
Northwest Indiana
Had the old belt on the car from 2006 until 3 weeks ago. Never had any problems until then. It would squeal a little when I would start the car, but that was it, and then I noticed that there was a groove in the under side of the belt that matched perfectly with the tensioner. After three weeks my new belt has the same squeal on start up, and the same groove worn into it. I'm posting a picture of a factory tensioner so you can see the type of groove it's wearing into the belt.

My question is what would cause this? I'll try to post a picture of the belt after work tomorrow. I know the belt size is correct because it worked fine for 7 years.
 

Attachments

  • tensioner.JPG
    tensioner.JPG
    15.7 KB · Views: 149
  • Sponsors (?)


I believe the tensioner groove is indented and not protruding right. But on the water pump it lays against its back, ...correct?? I would look at the water pump pulley, .....unless something is caught inside the tensioner groove???
 
How much deflection is there on the belt? You should have about 1/4 to 1/2". That belt looks awful tight. Can you post a pic of the front of the engine and the tensioner with the belt on. I want to see where the tensioner is in the range.