shredded serpentine

[Jared1]

I have a 1997 Ford Explorer and the serpentine belt keeps shredding and coming off. I was told that a pulley may be bent or offset or that a washer may not have been replaced when I changed my alternator, Ialso changed the tensioner. My problem is that I cant find a complete break down that goes all the way to the washer or if there really even is one that was supposed to be there. Can anyone help or does anyone know where I should go for help?

 

[bizzy]

Have you replaced the belt? or just keep putting it back on?

 

[aldive]

Is the belt/pulleys making noise?

 

[glfredrick]

If I had to speculate about your belt shredding, I would start with the idler pulley seizing up under load, and next check the AC. Both can shred a belt and unless you are trained to know how those pulleys SHOULD feel, they may feel normal to you.

I'd start by changing out the idler pulley -- a VERY common problem on the Fords, and a very cheap repair that you can do at home with basic hand tools.