Drive Belt Misalignment
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Pickup, 2003 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2003 Ford F450 Super Duty, 2003 Ford Excursion, and 2003 Ford Cab & Chassis. 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 may cause the drive belt to come off the drive pulleys.
Non-standard replacement drive belts may track differently or improperly. If a replacement drive belt tracks incorrectly, install a new drive belt to avoid performance failure or loss of belt.
With the engine running, check drive belt tracking. If the (A) edge of the drive belt rides beyond the edge of the pulleys, noise and premature wear may occur. Make sure the (B) drive belt rides correctly on the pulley. If a drive belt tracking condition exists, proceed with the following:
Visually check the drive belt tensioner for damage, especially the mounting pad surface. If the drive belt tensioner is not installed correctly, the mounting surface pad will be out of position. This will result in chirp and squeal noises.
- With the engine running, visually observe the grooves in the pulleys (not the pulley flanges or pulley front surfaces) for excessive wobble. Install new components as necessary.
- Check all accessories, mounting brackets and the drive belt tensioner for any interference that would prevent the component from mounting correctly. Correct any interference condition and recheck belt tracking.
- Tighten all accessories, mounting brackets and drive belt tensioner retaining hardware to specification. Recheck the drive belt tracking.