Topic: 1966 power steering belt size

[socalgt]

The power steering belt is squeaking at certain rpm's(tension on the belt is good)......This is with the wheel centered and not turned in any direction) I noticed it doesn't fit flush with the outer edge of the pulley like the rest of the belts.  Assuming it may be the cause, I was wondering if anyone has found a brand belt that may fit the pulley better.  The belt on now is 7/16" wide, and I thought a slightly more narrow belt may fit better and eliminate the squeaking.  The pump and pulley appear original.

Thanks.    (by the way, it is an inexpensive belt brand on currently)

[rocket289k]

Hi there,

A few questions.  Is the belt new?  Are you using a V-Belt?  Did you use a Belt Tension gauge to measure the belt tension? Using your thumb to determine belt tension will not work well.  I've used the belts that Kevin Marti sells with very good success.  Per his website - "These belts are manufactured by Goodyear, an original supplier to Ford and are made exclusively for Marti Auto Works."

Per the shop manual the specifications for the power steering belt are as follows:

Power Steering Belt - 120 - 150 lbs new belt / 90 - 120 lbs used belt

PS - again per the shop manual - running a new belt for 15 minutes (min) will suffice to allow a new belt to be considered "old".


Consider buying one of these belt tension gauges if you don't have one.  It's only $11.82 on Amazon and works very well.

https://www.amazon.com/Gates-91107-Belt-Tension-Tester/dp/B000MUTAGS/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1534271846&sr=1-1&keywords=Gates+91107+Belt+Tension+Tester&dpID=41q2b%252BwsoIL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch


Regards,


Ron

[socalgt]

Thanks......I've experimented with various tensions on this belt and it doesn't make any difference...I think it's a bit too wide to fit fully in the pulley and be flush with the top edge....at least I'm hoping the fix is that easy.  I noticed my alternator belt is a little more narrow and looks like it would fit better, so I'll try to find one the same size for the p.s. pulley.

[lancelot66]

A bigtime +1 on Kevin Marti's belts. They're nice belts, have the part number on them (ink stamped only) and last real well. You might also try a Gates 7495 XL V-Belt (Standard); 13/32" x 50-1/8. You can use lacquer thinner to wipe off the ink label on it and it'll look great too.

[socalgt]

Having tried several brand belts.....and experimenting with various belt tensions....still "squeaking"...so...could it be the bearing for the pulley......?  It now does it worse and even after the gas pedal is released....I do know it is the power steering because I isolated it after removing the alternator and a/c belts.  Running out of options, other than having the pump rebuilt, which I assume includes a new bearing.

[rocket289k]

Having tried several brand belts.....and experimenting with various belt tensions....still "squeaking"...so...could it be the bearing for the pulley......?  It now does it worse and even after the gas pedal is released....I do know it is the power steering because I isolated it after removing the alternator and a/c belts.  Running out of options, other than having the pump rebuilt, which I assume includes a new bearing.

Do you a have a video of the noise the pump is making to share?

[socalgt]

Have come to the conclusion that the wobble in the power steering pump pulley may be the cause of my "squeaking belt".  I see the large allen head on the pulley......I assume removing that will remove, or at least allow the pulley to be removed with a puller...am I correct.

Thanks...

[carlite65]

no. you need a special puller for that task. use it or risk ruining the pulley & pump.

[CharlesTurner]

no. you need a special puller for that task. use it or risk ruining the pulley & pump.

+1.  The shaft is not threaded. 

[rocket289k]

+1.  The shaft is not threaded.

Do you have a particular puller that you like use to remove the pulley for that pump?

[carlite65]

don't have part # handy but the one(s) NPD sells work great. your local NAPA may have a similar tool. you could also rent from advance or auto zone.

[CharlesTurner]

This type.  You can find used sets cheaper or other brands. 

https://store.snapon.com/Power-Steering-and-Alternator-Pullers-Single-Pullers-Set-Power-Steering-and-Alternator-Pulley-Puller-Installer-P635353.aspx

[rocket289k]

This type.  You can find used sets cheaper or other brands. 

https://store.snapon.com/Power-Steering-and-Alternator-Pullers-Single-Pullers-Set-Power-Steering-and-Alternator-Pulley-Puller-Installer-P635353.aspx

Thanks Charles - I assume a puller like this would work as well.  https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-39000-Slip-Pulley-Puller/dp/B000XEX00A

Regards,


Ron

[CharlesTurner]

Thanks Charles - I assume a puller like this would work as well.  https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-39000-Slip-Pulley-Puller/dp/B000XEX00A

Don't believe so, that looks like it might only work for installation.