jerrypc

my 99 c5 keeps shredding one notch off the AC and serpentine belt. I can't figure out whats wrong. I am 100% sure that the belt is properly on the AC compessor and the crankshaft pully; same with the serpentine belt, its on all the pulleys as well. So far i have gone through 2 gatorback belts trying to see wth is going on. Anyone have any problems similiar to this? if so what was the fix? Thanks!

pewter99

take a look at the lower drive pulley....standby for a pic...

check this out http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ghlight=squeek


take a look at yours..

jerrypc

checking my pulley now...thanks!

jerrypc

ok, mine definately doesn't have a rubber seal sticking out like the one in that other thread. It *looks* fine with the naked eye. Just to clarify each belt AC and serpentine, just jump one groove towards the front and the belt gets shredded, but still will turn with 3 grooves instead of 4.

vettenuts

Based on the age, I bet your harmonic dampener (crank pulley) is shot. Check it while running, it should run true if there is any wobble you need to change it and the sooner the better and if it fails it can cause a lot of damage.

jerrypc

there is a slight wobble. Any idea of the cost to repair this?

alanh

I've had a slight wobble in my 97 since it was new and never have had a problem with belts. I don't think the fact that it has a slight wobble is the problem, but the position of the belt pulley on the crank might be the problem. You didn't say which notch is being taken off the belts, but if the crank pulley is too far forward, it would take the back notch off both belts after the belts jump over one grove. Bad rubber in the balancer may also be why the pulley is too far roward. I would check the alignment of the crank pulley to the other pullies.

pewter99

I had mine done....including towing it came out just under $600....mind you I "probably" could have driven it but chose to err on the side of caution since the shop was 30 mins away....so figure ~$500...which includes pulley, belt and labor...

vettenuts

A slight wobble at idle may be a big wobble at higher RPM. These don't last forever, and I would error on the side of caution and change it out. Since this is a new problem for you, obviously the alignment was correct at one point in time.

If you are mechanically inclined, you can do it yourself. If you pay someone it will be in the $500 neighborhood since the steering rack has to come out part way to get at it. Make sure you take it somewhere who has done these before, there is a very specific procedure to follow to ensure it doesn't come off again.

jerrypc

i found the problem i believe..the crankshaft pulley bolt was loose enough that I could turn it with my hands! I bought a 15/16" socket for it, but i cannot get any sort of socket wrench on there to turn it, not enough clearance with the rack and pinion steer bar in the way. Anyone use a specific tool to tighten this thing?

Ohiostatefan

I have the same issue right now too.

You need an offset box wrench to get to that bolt the best way.
YOu'll also need to move the rack to remove the pulley...its not a quick fix...you'll need to plan some time to get that pulley off......

Also....I was told by a couple of folks here....DO NOT reuse the same bolt when you replace the pulley! Gp get a new ARP bolt and some loctite when you reinstall.

Threed

That is correct. Stretch bolts are a one time use only.

vettenuts

ARP doesn't recommend loctite, use at your own risk. There is a very specific tightening method for this, and the bolt should now be replaced.

Has this ever been apart? Never heard of a C5 losing the stock bolt, the C6 had this issue for a while though.

I strongly suggest doing this one by the book, shortcuts will come back an haunt you later. And since the rack has to come out, a new timing cover seal and harmonic damper are the best way to go in my opinion.

jerrypc

just for reference, could a crankshaft bolt being loose, such as my case, cause a p0300 - engine misfire code?

vettenuts

Possibly, or it may the result rather than the cause.