C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Belt wearing VERY fast...

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Old Jul 24, 2003 | 04:58 PM
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Default Belt wearing VERY fast...

I changed my belt out almost 1 week ago (the other one totally shredded itself) and now this one is beginning to look very bad. The top layer of rubber is almost worn out, and there are bits of rubber all over my engine compartment. Anyone know what it might be? Every seemed to be spinning normal when I changed the other belt out, granted, I didn't spin everything (I did check the alternator and a/c pulleys.)Everything looks like it is spinning like normal.
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Old Jul 24, 2003 | 05:22 PM
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Default Re: Belt wearing VERY fast... (NE14SIN)

You are correct in being concerned about a belt lasting only one week..(it should last at least twice that long....(just being smart)).

With the engine "off" make sure the belt is properly seated in each pulley, and not resting on the edge. Check for "true" alignment using a straight edge. With the engine "on", any mis-alignment should be readily apparent.
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Old Jul 24, 2003 | 05:27 PM
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Default Re: Belt wearing VERY fast... (Oldman)

It is sitting fully on the pulley, or at least from what I can see(the Camberbrace is kinda in the way). I'm not sure if this helps at all, but I have alot of burnt rubber on the A/C lines that go over the belt. And no, the lines aren't contacting the belt, but if is obvious that melted rubber is on it.

I just read other post where some was saying that their A/C keeps cycling fast. I have noticed that mine does the same thing. Could the A/C cycling alot cause something like this?


[Modified by NE14SIN, 5:38 PM 7/24/2003]
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Old Jul 24, 2003 | 05:53 PM
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Default Re: Belt wearing VERY fast... (NE14SIN)

if you've got slices of rubber all over the place... then the belt is probably on wrong. But frankly I'm surpised it hasn't just come off by now...?

Get your flashlight and follow the belt with your hand (car should be totally cold) and see if it is off a ridge or something- especially near the crank pully.

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Old Jul 24, 2003 | 06:11 PM
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Default Re: Belt wearing VERY fast... (NE14SIN)

....I just read other post saying that the A/C keeps cycling fast. I have noticed that mine does the same thing. Could the A/C cycling alot cause something like this?...
No. The compressor cycling on or off will have no bearing on abnormal belt wear, unless there is an alignment problem, or the the compressor pulley is not turning freely and the belt is being pulled over the pulley.
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Old Jul 24, 2003 | 06:21 PM
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Default Re: Belt wearing VERY fast... (NE14SIN)

Just a thought, it could be the a/c clutch is going or gone?
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Old Jul 24, 2003 | 06:31 PM
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Default Re: Belt wearing VERY fast... (edsalinas)

Actually, it's not cycling at all. It just appears to say on when I turn on the a/c. But when I don't turn on the a/c, it doesn't move (meaning the clutch isn't cycling.)
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Old Jul 24, 2003 | 06:36 PM
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Default Re: Belt wearing VERY fast... (NE14SIN)

Actually, it's not cycling at all. It just appears to stay on when I turn on the a/c. But when I don't turn on the a/c, it doesn't move (meaning the clutch isn't cycling.)
That's good. Your previous comment indicated you may have a cycling problem. Just a misunderstanding.
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Old Jul 24, 2003 | 07:00 PM
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Default Re: Belt wearing VERY fast... (NE14SIN)

In my opinion - one of the pulleys is not spinning freely. If it is shredding on the outside of the belt, it is a pulley that bears on the outside of the belt - and vice versa.

Take off the belt, try the pulleys one at a time by hand - not the crank pulley - that's the driving one.

Other possibility - there is a rough spot on one of the pulleys that is chewing the belt up. Check this at the same time.
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Old Jul 24, 2003 | 09:09 PM
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Default Re: Belt wearing VERY fast... (britvette)

:iagree:

I would make sure that each pully turns freely and is solidly in place (NO WOBBLING) Spin each one and listen for abnormal noises.

Make sure that you have the belt routed properly around each pully AS PER THE BELT DIAGRAM. If you have it running over a pully wrong it will tear the belt up every time!

The most likely bad pullt will be the tensionor (-5 SP) pully or air pump pully.

Bearings go bad in them a lot!
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Old Jul 24, 2003 | 10:01 PM
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Default Re: Belt wearing VERY fast... (Bill Curlee)

I think i have an electric air pump.
And im not sure how it is possible to miss run the belt. How could it work if i did.
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Old Jul 24, 2003 | 10:16 PM
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Default Re: Belt wearing VERY fast... (NE14SIN)

Ive seen more than one belt miss routed! Look at the diagram and double check it. I can not vouge for the air pump. My 85 had a mechanical air pump. The bad bearing in a pully system is also a strong contender
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Old Jul 25, 2003 | 04:33 AM
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Default Re: Belt wearing VERY fast... (Bill Curlee)

That stuff you see on your refrigerant hoses is more likely decomposed hose rubber. If your A/C compressor leaks, it gets on the belt, and get's flung onto the hoses.

What does the underside of your hood look like? This can be a serious problem in several ways. The compressor oil will actually degrade the fiberglass and bubble up the hood paint if it happens long enough under high temperatures (you can't avoid the high underhood temps).

This could be the same thing that's deteriorating your belt.

Is your tensioner within range? If the belt is too small, it'll have too much tension on it which will wear it out. If it's too large, it won't have enough tension, which'll allow it to slip and wear out. Everything's gotta be just right.
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Old Jul 25, 2003 | 12:30 PM
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Default Re: Belt wearing VERY fast... (CentralCoaster)

Make sure your tensioner PULLEY hasn't siezed, or is sticking, either. I've seen this throw belts before and cause premature wear like you're describing.
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Old Jul 25, 2003 | 01:40 PM
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Default Re: Belt wearing VERY fast... (NE14SIN)

The CamberBrace on my 91 sits about 1/4 inch away from the belt under the AC compressor.
That's as far as I can get it away from the belt and I have to be VERY careful installing it to get that much clearance.

Check yours. It may be scrubbing the Camberbrace.
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Old Jul 25, 2003 | 01:58 PM
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Default Re: Belt wearing VERY fast... (VetNutJim)

Where is the wear on the belt? The outside of the belt or the inside which contacts the pulleys? I re-read your post but maybe I didn't understand.
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Old Jul 25, 2003 | 02:11 PM
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Default Re: Belt wearing VERY fast... (VetNutJim)

I took off the Camberbrace just a couple of minutes ago. I figured if this belt goes on my two, I will be able to change it in five minutes (not like with the brace on...but that is another story). There is some wear on the brace next to the A/C compressor, but not enough to be able to tell if the belt was contacting it or not. Also, the wear in right in the middle of the belt. I will post pics of it in a few.
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