Drive Belt Misalignment
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford RV Cutaway, 2003 Ford Econoline, 2003 Ford E550 Super Duty, 2003 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2003 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
Incorrect drive belt installation will cause excessive drive belt wear and can cause the drive belt to come off the drive pulleys.
Non-standard drive belts can track differently or incorrectly. If a new drive belt tracks incorrectly, install a new original equipment drive belt to avoid performance failure or loss of belt.
With the engine running, check the drive belt tracking. If the (A) edge of the drive belt rides beyond the edge of the pulleys, noise and premature wear can occur. Make sure the (B) drive belt rides correctly on the pulley. If a drive belt tracking condition exists, follow the procedures below:
- Visually check the drive belt tensioner for damage, especially the mounting pad surface. If the drive belt tensioner is not installed correctly with the dowels in the mounting bracket holes (4.2L only), the mounting surface pad will be out of position. This will result in chirp and squeal noises.
- With the engine running, visually observe the front surface grooves in the pulleys (not the pulley flanges) for excessive wobble. Install new components as necessary.
- Check all accessories, mounting brackets and the drive belt tensioner for any interference preventing the component from mounting correctly. Correct any interference condition and recheck the belt tracking.
- Tighten all accessories, generator mounting brace and drive belt tensioner retaining hardware to specification. Recheck the drive belt tracking.