Drive Belt came loose?

JWEBER78

MEMBER
2008 FORD F-150
4.2L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
86,000 MILES

So, I was driving home today, and I started to hear a strange noise, kind of like a loud squealing. Then I heard something like a pop, it wasn't loud though. Next thing I know my battery light came on, temperature gauge shot up high, and my power steering shut off. As far as I know the truck didn't overheat, but the coolant is low, still a little bit in there.

After getting home and looking under the hood I noticed the serpentine belt was completely loose, and one of the pulleys had fallen off, but was still there so I do have it. I inspected the belt and it looks great, doesn't appear to have any damage.

Is this common for a pulley just to fall off? Am I able just to install it back on or do I need to replace the pulley entirely?

Let me know if you need any photos and of what, I would be happy to get them for you. Also, I can provide any more details you need.

8 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi,

It isn't common. By chance, which pulley came off? Was it one of the components or a tensioner?

I attached a pic below showing the accessories on the V6 engine with AC. Take a look at them and let me know which pulley is the faulty one. Also, if you could take a few pics of what you are dealing with and upload them for me to see, it may be helpful.

Let me know.

Take care,

joe

See pics below.

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Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023 AT 9:45 PM

JWEBER78

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13 POSTS

Hello, thanks for responding.

Is the diagram you shared with me as it would look facing the engine? I want to make sure I pinpoint the correct pulley before I can tell you which one it is, of course you might be able to tell from the photos also.

I have attached some pictures for you, just in case it is the power steering pulley I noticed the reservoir is a bit messy up top, but it appears there is still fluid in there. I don't know if that makes any difference in case the power steering pump is possibly faulty here.

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Thursday, August 3rd, 2023 AT 1:04 PM

JWEBER78

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13 POSTS

Quick update, I just checked the part number for the pulley, and it was indeed the Power Steering Pump Pulley that came off.

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Thursday, August 3rd, 2023 AT 8:43 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi,

You need a new pulley. I attached a pic below combining two of yours. The part still on the shaft of the pump should be in the pulley. It came apart. Pic 2 shows what it should look like.

When you get the new part, you will need a special tool to remove what is still on the pump, and you will need another special tool to install the new pulley. See pics 3 and 4. Pic 3 is the removal tool and pic 4 is the installation tool. When you go to the parts store to get the new pulley, ask them to use the tool. Most parts stores will lend one to you.

Also, review this link. It explains step by step how this is done. Additionally, there is a video showing how it is removed about halfway through the link. Note: The link is for replacing the pump. However, most times a new pump doesn't come with the pulley. That's why we show it in the link.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-power-steering-pump

Let me know if this helps or if you have questions.

Take care,

joe

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Thursday, August 3rd, 2023 AT 8:52 PM

JWEBER78

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Thanks so much for the detailed info and the instructions, much appreciated!

Let me ask, does this indicate that the Power Steering Pump is bad and needs to be replaced for sure? Or what else could have caused this to happen?

I'm leaning towards the pump failing, but what do you think?

And would you also recommend a power steering flush to be done with all this?

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Friday, August 4th, 2023 AT 4:43 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi,

The pump wouldn't have caused this to happen. Although it isn't a common occurrence, it does happen.

Since the vehicle only has 86K miles on it, I would like to think the pump is fine. I would put a pulley on it and see if it works properly. I suspect it will be fine. Just make sure the fluid is full.

If you want to service the system, it won't hurt. I just don't like to spend money until it's needed. LOL I have customers that tell me I should be doing more things. I laugh and say, I don't fix things that aren't broken which usually makes them smile and thank me. Too many shops like fearmongering.

On the other hand, if the fluid appears dirty, then sure, service it. But if it doesn't, go to 100K then do it. Again, it certainly won't hurt to do it. If you decide to, here is a link that explains how to do it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-fluid-flush

If you have a chance, let me know how things turn out for you. Also, if you have questions, feel free to ask.

Take care,

Joe

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Friday, August 4th, 2023 AT 8:46 PM

JWEBER78

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Okay, so, I finally got the tools I needed, and being the procrastinator that I am I'm now just getting on this.

However, the fan shroud is in my way. It will be a lot easier to get this done and to reinstall the belt with the shroud removed. Removing the bolts to it was super easy, but there is not enough clearance for it to come out because of the fan blades.

What is the easiest way for me to get this shroud out? Like could I just remove the bolts you see on the fan and slide the fan off or is it more complicated than that? Would rather not remove radiator hoses and all that if I don't have to just to get this shroud out.

Pictures attached. :)

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Wednesday, August 30th, 2023 AT 2:02 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi,

To remove the shroud, the clutch fan needs to be removed. It requires removal tools that most parts stores will lend you. '

I attached the directions below for the removal.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.

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