98 Escort ZX2 keeps losing serp belt?

[twlunn]

Buddy of mine has a problem...

Has new belt.
All pulleys aligned and square.
Proper tension on tensioner.

Keeps losing belt when hitting potholes, bumps, etc.
Has happened twice in last couple of months...mechcanic is baffled-he checked tensioner, Ford does not now of any such problems.

Any thoughts?


Thanks...

[mightymoose_22]

Are you certain it is the correct belt? It is not uncommon for parts stores to have things in the wrong boxes. Make sure the part number on the belt itself is what it is supposed to be.

Is this the timing belt or the accessory belt?

Originally Posted by twlunn

Buddy of mine has a problem...

Has new belt.
All pulleys aligned and square.
Proper tension on tensioner.

Keeps losing belt when hitting potholes, bumps, etc.
Has happened twice in last couple of months...mechcanic is baffled-he checked tensioner, Ford does not now of any such problems.

Any thoughts?


Thanks...

[twlunn]

Accessory belt, I'll have my friend AND the mechanic double check parts#'s.

It's his wifes car, and I only see him at work-or i'd check myself.

Thanks, Tom

[mightymoose_22]

Just a thought... and not likely the case... but also be sure that the belt is routed through the pulleys correctly.
In my car I actually have to remove the bottom splash gaurd on the passenger side and get under the car to make sure that the belt lines up correctly on the bottom pulleys. If someone is installing it and trying to reach down there from the top, it may be possible that the belt is not fully seated on the pully.... it may run for awhile and then suddenly slip off.

Out of curiousity... did this problem exist with the old belt?

[twlunn]

Problem fixed with new tensioner pully assembly,support for the tensioner pully arm would "walk" or move to allow belt to slip.

He's driven it a few days and alls well so far...

Tom