I have a 73 SB with AC, PS, and Manual Tranny, the AIR Compressor has been removed. The pulley for the compressor was removed off the water pump. I purchased three restoration belts, and of course, the new power steering belt is about 1 1/2 inches too large. The restoration belt is the correct length, I called the belt manufacturer to confirm. The power steering belt runs from a pulley on the harmonic balancer Directly to the power steering pulley. One thing I noticed is that the pulley on the Harmonic Balance is approximately 1/4 inch smaller than the other two pulleys, is that correct? My first thought is that this pulley was replaced with a smaller diameter pulley, thank you Bubba. Another possibility is that a new power steering pump/pulley was installed with the wrong size pulley, but my current pump/pulley fits the OEM Bracket that is attached to the engine. I appreciate any ideas, does anyone have a picture of the correct pulley on the Harmonic Balancer? Thanks in advance.

 

Only two PS belts listed in Corvette factory parts catalog. With AC 3/8" x 36 1/4". Without AC 15/32" x 44".
Did you buy the shorter of the two belts?

 

Yes.

 

Do you have the old PS belt and can bring it to a local auto parts store to match?

 

Yes, I took the existing belt that fits to NAPA (it’s a NAPA Belt), and they looked up the outer dimensions and it is smaller than the correct Chevrolet Belt, per the Corvette Parts Book I have. The question is … why is the correct size Chevrolet power steering belt to big?

 

remove the pulley and see if there is a part number stamped on it.

 

Ok, I will see if I can find one. I have seen some OEM pulleys listed on eBay, so the area/number should be around the same location. Thanks for the idea.

 

Adding to my old post with regards to the correct OEM power steering belt being to large. I purchased the correct crankshaft pulley (per the Chevrolet Corvette Parts Book) on ebay and placed it on the pulley currently installed. Of course, the ebay pulley is the exact same size as the pulley that is on the engine. I have also measured the pulley on my power steering pump and it’s the same size as those listed in the Paragon Catalog. Next I have looked at the steel pump bracket to see if it has been bent or altered. On 350 engine, the bracket is comprised of two pieces of heavy gauge metal, I don’t see any indication that my bracket is bent? I will admit that I am at a complete loss, everything including the OEM Restoration Belt is correct (length), both of the pulleys diameters are correct. What’s am I missing. The power steering pulley on the crankshaft is smaller diameter than the other two pulleys, this is also shown on the AIM Drawings. While at a Corvette used car showroom, I saw a 73 SB with AC like mine. I noticed that the power steering pulley (on the crankshaft) was the same diameter as the other two pulleys, remember mine is smaller. Does anyone have a 73 SB with Factory Air that has a smaller (power steering) pulley on the crankshaft? I know that my power steering pulley is correct, because the part number is shown in the AIM, as well as the Chevrolet Parts Catalog. Finally, my power steering pump appears to be correct (from looking at replacement pumps). I am open to any suggestions. Thanks to everyone in advance,
I AM REALLY STUMPED.

 

V belts are sold in a large variety of sizes. Just go get a shorter belt. I really believe your overthinking this.