Replaced serpentine belt three weeks ago and it has already worn out

Tiny
MICRA2002
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 NISSAN MARCH
  • 1.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 274,000 MILES
I installed a new serpentine belt on my vehicle after the one that came with the car snapped off. I am now worried because the new belt I installed is now worn out. I have driven the car for only three weeks with the new belt. I wonder what could be the cause?

Many Thanks,
Hamid
Thursday, October 6th, 2016 AT 11:40 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,916 POSTS
What does "worn out" mean? Is is squealing? Is it shredded on one side? What is the symptom or observation that has you concerned?
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Thursday, October 6th, 2016 AT 2:43 PM
Tiny
MICRA2002
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
Yes it squeals when I try accelerate and its badly shredded as well. When I checked it looks like it wants come off the alternator pulley because its badly shredded
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Thursday, October 6th, 2016 AT 10:35 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,916 POSTS
That is caused by one of the pulleys being turned or tipped in relation to the belt. That rarely occurs to the power steering pump or generator. It commonly occurs to the idler and tensioner pulleys. Sight down from on top and you should see only the part of the belt closest to the top of the engine. (My description is very poor). You should not see the edge of the belt peeking out on the lower pulleys. If you see an area where the edge is visible, meaning off-center, on a lower pulley by as little as 1/16", that pulley or the one just before it is tipped or turned. That 1/16" means the belt is sliding across the pulley as it goes around it, and that is more than enough to set up a horrendous squeal.

You can also observe where the belt is riding on each pulley. The smooth pulleys usually come painted from the factory, and if the belt is riding off-center, you'll see the shiny area to the side of the belt where the paint is worn off where the belt was riding previously in the proper place.
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Friday, October 7th, 2016 AT 12:54 AM

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