New serpentine belt fraying

[kcjaz]

This is a brand new belt with only about 15 miles of test drive on it. I assume the it wasn’t quite centered on the pulleys at the start. Visually the belt may have been very slightly a little forward where the fray is. I’ve adjusted it the best I can but I’m not sure it’s really any different from what I had. Anything else I should be checking?

 

[Weedhopper]

What could it rub against? There is a reason. I have never had a serpentine do that on anything.

 

[kcjaz]

I believe it is rubbing on the raised edge of the pulleys.

edit: I have also replaced every pulley except the ac compressor so not just the belt change.

 

[Sandroad]

Looking at the one pulley I can see, it seems the belt is one grove off toward the front of the vehicle?

 

[kcjaz]

Found the cause. The new PS pump I put in appears to have a small dent on the pulley like it had been dropped. I know I didn’t drop it so I’m sure it was that way when I got it and I didn’t notice. &!#%. It explains another little mystery in that there is a slight tic noise coming from the PS area. It was more noticeable on the first startup and then got a little better.

The pulley doesn’t come off easy. Replacing the pulley means essentially rebuilding the pump.

So I see three options:
1. Buy another pump and try again.
2. Rebuild the new pump using my old pumps pulley and shaft.
3. Attempt to bend back the dent by putting it in a vice using a pliers or channel locks. Maybe I can try this with it in place.

 

[Sandroad]

Well, that would fray the belt! If it was mine, I’d try #3 first to see if it’s possible to get the dent out. But I’d probably end up with #1, and call the $273 cost an oops. (Assuming you buy at a discount online dealer and do the R&R yourself.)

 

[kcjaz]

Did #3 in in-situ. The lip of the pulley is pretty thin and is easily bent. I pulled it back with a pliers. Pulled the belt off and shaved the fuzz with a razor and flipped it around so the clean side will hit the out side of the pulley were I pulled it back. Ran it for a few minutes and they little tick is gone and it looks ok. I’ll just watch for fraying and see how it goes.

I could have easily bumped the pulley edge installing it. The lesson here is that it’s fragile so be careful.