Just replaced the pump that I thought was the source of my squealing power steering and it wasn't it (pump had a hard spot anyway, it needed done). Belt's new, and it actually got worse after I changed it. I can be lifting on the pump so hard the car is rocked to the passenger side, tighten it and it still squawks and squeals over about 2500 rpm and any time I start it or touch the throttle in neutral. Can I get some pics of the mount setup on an A/C car to make sure I have everything in the right place and it's not the belt just being a little out of line (doesn't seem like it but I've been known to see crooked before)?
Didn't need to get that tight. You need 1/4" deflection between the pulleys. Your probably messes up the water pump bearing and it's crying from the pain.
Are you using a cheep belt or a good belt if it is a cheep belt ( one made over seas ) you may be getting belt stretch get agood belt like a gates make sure the belt as not to long ..
Brand new US made belt from napa. Water pump feels just fine spun on it's own. I have a quarter to a half in in each direction deflection with it that tight even and I'm in the middle of the range of adjustment I have. Pulley's look straght to me but I don't have a big enough straight edge to check that accurately.
With the belt on the pulley, have a look as to the way its coming off (from the top) is the belt straight compared to the pulley? Does it look even side to side at the pulley? Even a thin piece of rope will help check, remove the belt and wrap the rope around them, so it sits down inside the groove, and you should see the deflection if any. Also look at the belt and compare sides, is one worn more than the other?
I have had belts that had glue squeeze out from between the layers, bub the pullies and make all kinds of noises. I take a piece of rough sandpaper and hold it carefully on each side of the belt when it is idling to sand it off. Maybe try it with the engine off for safety. clint
