Thread: Loose redundant belt?

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Hey guys, just a quick question on belt tightness. My power steering pulley was squealing so I went to put more tension on it, but there was no more travel left. So I decided I'd get a shorter belt and that did the trick. However, I bought a second belt, because there was a second slot on the pulley (because I removed my a/c compressor). I added the second belt to both give the power steering pulley a little more bite and also give me a back up belt in case one failed on the road. I got the same sizes, but one looked like it had been sitting on the shelf for a while. Well the second belt (on the outside, away from the pump) is really loose. A little too loose for comfort. It sits in the groove just fine, but there's a lot of play in it when I push it down. I read online that when I push my thumb on it, it should move 3/4" max. The second belt moves a tiny bit over an inch downwards when I push on it. The steering no longer squeals, but my main question is wondering whether this loose belt is a threat even though it's redundant?

If it were mine I'd take the loose belt off and put it in the trunk for a backup.

I agree with Ken. Redundant belts are made as a matched set, not simply two belts of the same number. Like everything else belts have some degree of tolerance in their manufactured length, which you've demonstrated.

Originally Posted by NTFDAY

If it were mine I'd take the loose belt off and put it in the trunk for a backup.

Originally Posted by rspears

I agree with Ken. Redundant belts are made as a matched set, not simply two belts of the same number. Like everything else belts have some degree of tolerance in their manufactured length, which you've demonstrated.

Thanks for the quick replies, I really appreciate the great advice. And sounds like a good idea to me, will go do that right now. As a side note, because I removed the A/C compressor, there's only the pivot bolt and the tensioner bolt. There was a third bolt that attached to the compressor. Will I be ok with just these two?

What kind of vehicle are you talking about?

1980 camaro with a rebuilt 350, slightly bigger cam, holley 600 carb.

If they're only taking up space, I'd eliminate everything that wasn't necessary and that's what I did when I pulled the ac compressor off my Vette.

Originally Posted by NTFDAY

If they're only taking up space, I'd eliminate everything that wasn't necessary and that's what I did when I pulled the ac compressor off my Vette.

Ok cool, I appreciate it.

On a different note, I have a question about an overheating problem I've been having, should I hitch hike on this thread or start a new one? Thanks!

Originally Posted by megamax42

Ok cool, I appreciate it.

On a different note, I have a question about an overheating problem I've been having, should I hitch hike on this thread or start a new one? Thanks!

IMO a new thread with a specific subject line has more chance of getting on-topic answers.