Google will not answer me.

[Venture Forth]

'98 Explorer xlt sohc

I have searched and searched but can't seem to find an answer to a couple of questions that I have, any input is greatly appreciated.

My first question is about my serpentine, I installed a new belt and everything went well until a week later I started to hear a rather annoying sueak/squealing noise that starts as soon as I start my truck. (louder in the morning, gets quieter once the engine is warm, but doesn't go away) At the advice of a mechanic friend I took my belt off and spun each pulley individually to see if I could locate the problem. No such luck. When I put the belt on again, the squeaking was completely gone. Left it at that, but it started again after 500 miles. Removed and replaced the belt and again it is making no noise. Any ideas as to what gives?

Secondly, and this is a very random and rather rare occurrence, but on left turns the power cuts out for half a second and keeps going. Nothing bad, but noticeable and slightly intimidating considering left turns are usually gaps in traffic.

Thanks a lot for any advice!

 

[obie]

Just a few questions to clarify.

What brand of belt are you using?

Are you talking about engine power, or power steering?

 

[1992fordgreen]

I heard that some PS lines lose pressure or get pinched when turning. IDK though...there is a thread somewhere out there...

 

[kert0307]

Sorry to hear that your Google Machine has been failing you. Have you tried replacing the belt tensioner? If it is worn even a new belt will slip easy and squeek. It may also slip enough to not turn your power steering pump under load.

 

[swshawaii]

Check the harmonic balancer. GL

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302068

 

[Venture Forth]

Not sure what brand of belt it is, the generic cheap autozone one. The power cut out is engine power not ps. Also I paid a mechanic to replace my tensioner, (should have done it myself ik) so as long as he didn't rip me off, I have a new tensioner. When I look at it though, it looks as though he may have just brushed up the old one. I may call him on this.

Thanks for the help guys, much appreciated

Edit: just checked the harmonic balancer sticky and my tensioner is jumping which would indicate a bad balancer, going to check into this some more.

 

[Flash]

It sounds like either the tensioner isn't up to the job or the belt has too stretched or become too shiny to use anymore.