Crank up the truck this morning let it idle for around 2 minutes noticed it squeeking. Ran about 2 miles stop at Hucks. Lost 2 bands off of the belt. Drove it home called up my dealer ordered a belt. 79,000 miles. Any idea on what I should be aware of when changing the belt? Also any possible causes would be nice. I plan on checking the idler pulley and alternator for bearing play. Anyone else had this problem.

 

Check your crankshaft sensor too, when my belt went it broke the plastic sensor. Dealership didn't even find it, had to bring it back and wait another week for the part to come in and be replaced.

 

It didn't break the belt completely. It just shredded the outer two bands of the belt. (fan side) I have no idea why, I never even went full throttle.

 

Had it happen on my old 92 and a friend had it on a 2000. Idler pulley is out, It bends to the side just a bit. If you put a new belt on it will eat the edges of it also. Learned the hard way!!!!!!

 

what's that gonna run me?

 

You bet. Do a search here and on TDR on "shredded belt" or "belt shredded" and you will have hours of reading. At least yours made it to 79,000 miles. Most of us with the 04s and 05s had it happen very early - my original went at 5400 miles.

There is a TSB out there for "belt chirping" which puts an override clutch on the alternator pulley, which may help reduce stress on the belt. I would ask them about that.

 

I like to change out the serp belts after 50k-60 miles; and save the old one.

When you do replace them (and radiator hoses), don't skimp out and buy the cheapest one available; been there done that - you'll end up buying another one soon.

Guess I should plan on changing out the one in the truck; haven't had a hint of trouble with it in 55k miles.

 

165000 still have original belt

driver311

 

That's probably a record for an 04.5!!