Belt shredding

[Joe0816]

So I opened my hood and noticed a slash across my insulation on underside of hood. Further examination showed my belt had one of the grooves cut right out of it. I didnt know what happened and couldnt see anything in the way, so i replaced it. 3 days later it happened again. It is getting wrapped up in the fan and causing a bunch of rucus. Any ideas on wtf is happening? Maybe the pulleys aren't aligned?

[Haulstroker]

I had something similar. Replaced the shredded belt with a new one from NAPA, the one called for in their application guide. Almost instantly I found out what happened to the first one. Turns out, there are actually two different width belts listed for PSDs. One is, I think 7 rib, the other is 6. Maybe it's 8 & 7?

My A/C compressor pulley is one rib narrower than the other pulleys, requiring the narrower belt. Seems to work fine with that one, no slipping, no squealing.

[Patrick Feeley]

The only trucks with the 7-rib belts were the 94 PSDs. All the later ones had 8-rib belts. I recommend checking your belt tensioner to make sure it hasn't canted sideways towards the motor (if it has it's bad). On my 97 (which was shredding off the inner rib) it turned out to be the power steering pump pulley which needed to be pulled out about 2mm on the shaft (use a power steering pump pulley installer/remover). I've had no problems since. Cheers!

[Haulstroker]

[helievacpilot]

Originally Posted by Patrick Feeley

The only trucks with the 7-rib belts were the 94 PSDs. All the later ones had 8-rib belts. I recommend checking your belt tensioner to make sure it hasn't canted sideways towards the motor (if it has it's bad). On my 97 (which was shredding off the inner rib) it turned out to be the power steering pump pulley which needed to be pulled out about 2mm on the shaft (use a power steering pump pulley installer/remover). I've had no problems since. Cheers!

X2 on the PS pump pulley. In my case, I think the aftermarket Bosch water pump I put on must have stuck out slightly more than stock. It would then route the belt slightly off to the PS pump. In my case, I put a thick washer on each bolt that holds the ps/vacuum pump bracket. Problem solved.
- Bill

[Joe0816]

Well I took it to Ford and was showing them and saw the problem before they did, I feel so stupid that I didnt see it before, the power steering pump bracket was broke causing the pulley to be pushed toward the grill, making the belt ride on the pulley, cutting it. Thanks guys for all of your help!