Serpentine Belt on a 97 3L V6 Caravan

[Shrap]

Some how the belt has shifted over a notch on the P/S wheel, and now one of the 4 "fibres"? is riding over the edge. Yesterday the fibre broke, tore a few inches and started making a thwacking sound while I was driving it, so I stopped and cut it off. The rest of the belt is fine, but I want to change it.

I found the belt layout under the hood, and it appears that I will have to remove another belt to get the serp. belt off... they share the drive wheel...

Anyways... I want to do it myself. Are there any guides out there?

Any help would be appreciated.

[RIP]

Sure thing. Haynes and Chiltons manuals are the most popular. $15 -20 at any automotive store. A little more in Canada.

[Shrap]

I ment Guides, as in people here, who would like to guide me.

[RIP]

Ya, I know. You left out "ya pinhead!". I'm tellin ya, a manual is one of the best investments you can make with any car. I can easily say I've saved 2 grand and probably more on my 4 cars because of the manuals I've bought. And they are SO DAMNED CHEAP! Even if you don't do your own maintenance they will at least give you a clue about what a mechanic is telling you so you don't stand there with that "deer in the headlights" look. Might even keep you from getting RIPED OFF some day. Enough of my soapbox.

Look through this: http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d801a3717.jsp
Scroll down to the 3.0 eng. A/C compressor belt. There's lots on info to access. Just click on the subjects on the right. Ya still need a manual.

[Shrap]

Hey. That's a helpful link, thanks!

I'll definately buy the manual. You're right, it's worth it.

Should I be driving around with an 8' strip of 'V-belt' fibre missing?
How long do I have approximately?

Good job on saving 2 grand.
I need to stop throwing my money away on stuff that I 'm capable of doing myself, too.


oh ya... about how tight is 40 ft. lbs?

[RIP]

I would change it this weekend. It could last weeks or break when you start it in the morning. Why take a chance.

If you fish through this forum you'll find people with similar problems with s-belts getting missaligned and even coming off on their own without breaking. I recall some talk about a kit that will fix the problem. Somebody mentioned a "gator" belt made by Goodyear that helps. Use the search option at the top of the forum. It might pay to fix it right the first time.

If you get stuck we're all here to help.

[Shrap]

Thanks Rip

[sak22]

That seperate smaller belt is solely for the AC compressor and if I remember correctly, it's in the way of getting the serpentine belt off. Following a manual is your best bet. Make sure you take off the plastic covering underneath. Gives you great access to the belts. A couple of bolts hold it in place. I have a 1997 Chrysler Town and Country with the 3.8 V6... I just replaced the serpentine belt in it with a Goodyear Gatorback and would HIGHLY recommend this belt. It's much stronger (because it has more nylon cords in it) and last much longer. It has a cross-hatch design that allows for optimum traction on the pully's. However... I would be concerned with why the belt jumped off in the first place. Check the following:

- Belt is loose because it's old and stretched - buy new belt
- Belt is loose because the tensioner pulley is bad - replace tensioner and belt
- Belt is loose because harmonic balancer or some other pulley is worn out,
loose or ready to fall off - replace the appropriate pulley.

Bottom line... your belt drive system should always be aligned. Bad things happen if that belts not turnin'. If the belt hops off, more than likely it's because of one of the above. Hopefully it's just an old worn belt. Hope this helps.