Since my OEM ac belt snapped and pulled out my pwr steering/alt along with it i decided to upgrade to Gate's high performance belts @61k miles. I knew i should've change it out the same time i did my spark plugs.

Anyhow, so after i installed the new pwr steerin/alt belt and ac belt i found out that these belts are too strong for the AC pulley bracket. When I down shift the pulley from the crank puts a load on the AC belt which then puts more load on AC bracket/ screw that help raise and lower the pulley. The L shaped part of the bracket that holds the bolt/screw starts to give after a few downshifts...it gets worst 2 days goes bye. The AC belts starts to squeal HARD in the morning during start up. I know it's loose by then, the L shape is loosing it's form of an L and the bolt that is resting on it is now sitting slanted vs sitting straight up like it should be.

Questions:

1) Has anyone here have a similar problem like mine?

2) Where can I find a stronger bracket for the pulley?

Note: Idler pullies and all other pullies are in great shape. I had no idea these GATES belts are that strong.

I torque the Idler pullies down to 26 FT lbs according to the DIY on here. At the moment took the AC line out...cuz it's winter time now plus for the time being I can start my car up without turning heads (in a bad way) WTF is that sound?!?!? lol.... thanks again...

 

Interesting. The gates belts should not be putting any more pressure on the bracket than oem since the belt should be tightened the same amount. Is the bolt that runs through the idler pulley tight? You might want to get a belt tension gauge and measure deflection according to the service manual.

I used to go through OE AC belts every 10-15k until I changed to some blue "racing" belt which has lasted 50k so far. Luckily mine always just shredded and never did any damage.

 

The bolt that goes thru the i/p is torque down to 26ft lbs according to the DIY that i found on here. Only reason I can possibly think that could cause this issue is my aggressive driving I rev match and move down thru the gears when i downshift (instead of 6th - 3rd, I go 6,5,4,3) and nvr took it past 6k rpm when i do get up to speed.

I'm thinking over time, 61k miles later,..the AC bracket has taken enough abuse and start loosing its form??!? I can change my driving style but that takes all the fun out of driving a sports car...we all do a lil free spirited driving from time to time...i just find it hard not to do it when ur entering an exit onto the freeway.

the installation went smooth for 2 days, until i started downshifting then that's when the squeaking began when i start my car in the morning indicating the belt is loose. Got tired of squeaking so i took the AC belt out for now along w/ the pulley for thorough inspection. all is fine, except for the AC bracket.

 

What he said. It's good that you are torqued to 26lb on that bolt but more important than that is making sure the Belt Tension is spec'd according to the service manual. If you dont have a tension gauge, you can pick up an inexpensive one from a local NAPA or similar parts store. Lastly, check the pulley for signs of wear in the bearing and replace them if necessary. A "stronger" belt is good, but tensioning it properly will ensure that it won't stress the pulleys any more than the OE ones were designed to.

 

we did used a tensioner a really really old one. don't know if those need to be calibrated or what. anyhow i'm gonna swing my napa tmrw and get a new one....don't know if my buddies belt tensioner is outta wack...it's hella old but it put me in the "green" zone when i used it. who the hell knows...i want to exhaust all methods before i get a bracket fabricated. FML

 

the only reason you have any of these issues is because you over-tightened your belts.

I don't use a tensioner. Its a feel that I've developed from changing belts but if you twist it you should be able to flex the belt at least 90* rotation. AC belt needs to allow for a little more room than that. If it squeaks at all then just tighten them up 1/4 turn.

 

yea the belt just need to be loosened.

 

thanks fellas...will attempt this again when the weather is warmer.