1989 Ford Probe 89 Probe GT keeps eating alternator belts

1989 FORD PROBE
165,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
Avatar
JH4MUSIC
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I bought this car knowing it didn't charge, it turned out that the alternator belt was missing. I had a shop replace both belts, and that seemed to fix it. After about a month one of the belts started squealing, only when it was below 20 degrees or more in the morning. I brought it back to the shop and they re-tightened the belt, this solved the problem for about two weeks. It's been in the 20's or higher for the last week, the belt did not squeal at all. Just got really cold today, and the belt started squealing again on my way home from work. After about 30 seconds the squealing stopped and the alternator stopped charging. Obviously the belt is gone. But what's weird is the alternator turns freely, it's currently 2 degrees out and the car has been sitting in the cold for a few hours. I'm going to check the alternator again in the morning to see if it spins freely since this seems to be caused by cold...

So, my question is if these cars have a problem with alternator belts I should know about? From what I can see the belt is only turning the alternator from the crankshaft pulley, so I don't think there is anything else inhibiting it.
Jan 23, 2009 at 8:08 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
KEVIN12881
  • MEMBER
  • 336 POSTS
can you tell if your pully(s) are warped? it may be irratic prbs with alternator... i'm not sure i can help, but will try. donate a few bucks for a pro to help
Jan 23, 2009 at 8:21 PM