Alternator/ Power Steering Belt failure

[chattacruiser]

Last week, my ol' 2000 LC with 285k miles stranded me on the side of the road. Turns out the alternator failed. After having it replaced and while driving home today, the battery light came on and I completely lost power steering. Lifted the hood and realized the alternator/ power steering belt had snapped in two. Drove it BACK to the shop where I received a quote of $700+ to repair. I strongly believe that when the alternator was replaced, the belt and power steering pulley were not properly installed resulting in a failure of the belt. I'm by no means a mechanic, but any thoughts?

 

[12guns]

I assume they reinstalled the original belt when the work was done? A worn belt coupled with the stress of taking off and putting back and tightened to spec could have done it in. A new belt may have been in order. If a new belt was installed, they should fix it no charge.

 

[chattacruiser]

The belt was replaced this past July.

 

[duggy]

Doesn't it run on a serpentine belt? That shouldn't be much stress on the belt to take on and off unless there was a cut in the belt.

Buy a cheap belt to put back on and inspect the alternator and powersteering pulleys. If they do not spin straight then you have found your problem. You may also want to take a look at the belt tensioner to see if it is still within spec.

I'm not sure if you do your own work or not since you had a shop replace your alternator but you can save some coin in this situation.

 

[DJWUZJ]

Check all of your pulleys - if they arent spinning like a top, and instead binding, then it wouldn't take long to eat up a belt.

At 285k, I'd assume you'd be due for one or two on the set-up.

 

[CappyKD]

Check all of your pulleys - if they arent spinning like a top, and instead binding, then it wouldn't take long to eat up a belt.

At 285k, I'd assume you'd be due for one or two on the set-up.

X2 sounds like a tensioner / fan bracket / pulley bearing failure.