evel_chihuahua

I have a 1988 Ford F-150 6cyl. 4.9ltr - and it keeps chewing up serpentine belts - like 5 so far. I have replaced the alternator, power steering pump, smog pump, a/c pulley, belt tensioner, and the water pump was replaced about 3 years ago. All aforementioned parts came with new bearings.
Problem started when the alternator lost a housing bolt, and I replaced the alternator and belt. And yes, I am using the correct size belt. I'm a motorcycle mechanic for 30+ years now, and I am completely baffled by this. PLEASE HELP

urbanrdnck86

Idler pulley replaced?

TheCollector

check the harmonic ballancer for any nicks where the belt sits that might be causing the belt shredding. also check to see if every pulley is aligned properly especially the alt. it might be off slightly

evel_chihuahua

yes, idler pulley replaced. also, made sure everything is squared up. also checked the harmonic balancer. this is REALLY baffling

navymech

What has happened since you last posted? I have a similar problem with my 1992 f150, which has gone through 5 belts already, and I am working on the truck.

Scraptor

Still no luck?

evel_chihuahua

All was the fault of bad truck parts bought through Auto Zone. Bought a refurbished Alternator, and that was bad. Also the pulley shaft on the power steering pump was crooked (also purchased at Auto Zone) so that was throwing the belt off. What a friggin nightmare figuring this out was!! Thanks for the input.

navymech

So far, it looks like my problem is related to cheap chinese junk....bad tensioner. I will try to update when it is confirmed.

tripleh87

Any updates navymech? I have a 93 f150 with a 302 and the belt slips a rib off the crank pulley and ends up running like that for awhile then shreds the belt. Just replaced the belt not even a month ago and shredded a couple ribs off Sunday. Alternator is a few months old, same as for the water pump. Idler is a couple years old but feels fine, tensioner is maybe a year old. A/c compressor and power steering pump haven't been replaced the whole 6 years I've had the truck and are more than likely original.

05FordPower

Hey man not trying to bash anybody parts but AutoZone stuff especially is junk. I've worked at O'reillys for almost 6years and currently at Napa for 4years. The only thing I can tell you is make sure everything is tight and square. Make sure the pulley has no slop,alt also if thats all fine and dandy try usind a different brand of belt.