Serpentine belt problems...
 

Here's a strange one, at least to me. I have a 1985 Suburban that I'm converting to TPI. I have already installed the serpentine belt setup from a ~90 camaro TPI, but I think I've missed something. I just got through changing the second belt in 2 months that split itself in half lengthwise - i.e. not broken, but it tears off the edge until it's about 1/2 the original width. I have doubts about how my power steering pulley is aligned - should it be flush with the end of the shaft? Also, I don't have any braces from the A/C or alternator to the engine itself. Should I? I can take pics if anyone needs more info. Gotta figure this out, 'cause $30 belts every 2 months ain't too cool.

Thanks,
Jake Kooser

Not sure what engine you have but on my L98 the ps pump is not flush with the shaft.
You should just eyeball your pullies to figure out which one(s) not lined up.

That's the rub - I can't see any huge difference in alignment. So the P/S pulley isn't supposed to be flush? That's good news. Any ideas about braces for any of this stuff?

Thanks,

Jake

I used to have that problem as well. Almost as soon as I had put the belt on it would start squeeking. It turns out that I had it routed incorrectly! How embarrassing :\ Make sure that isn't your problem. I converted an 87 car to serpentine, so I wasn't sure. See if the belt you're using is shorter than what the dealer says you need.

On my vehicle the PS pulley IS flush with the end of the shaft.