TV breakdown 2 days into trip
I am 2 days into a 6 week camping trip and my truck broke down on the freeway. The serpentine belt broke, and the engine overheated. That belt drives the water pump, generator , and power steering. ...
Forum Discussion
If it's the original belt, it's possible it was worn out. Usually it would be cracked and weathered long before it breaks however. Had you ever inspected it? This item seams more affected by age than miles.
The usual culprits for "other parts breaking first" are the tensioner and the belt idler pulley. The tensioner can rust up and seize internally, putting extra strain on the belt. You may not get advance warning that it's seized. But it's easy to diagnose because you won't be able to install the the belt. Bad pulley bearing usually makes noise first, but not everybody recognizes them. That noise can range from crickets chirping to loud squealing or sometimes just a rubbing sound that mimics radio static.
Any other parts that could seize up (alternator, water pump, AC compressor etc) can be easily checked by spinning them with the belt off.
The usual culprits for "other parts breaking first" are the tensioner and the belt idler pulley. The tensioner can rust up and seize internally, putting extra strain on the belt. You may not get advance warning that it's seized. But it's easy to diagnose because you won't be able to install the the belt. Bad pulley bearing usually makes noise first, but not everybody recognizes them. That noise can range from crickets chirping to loud squealing or sometimes just a rubbing sound that mimics radio static.
Any other parts that could seize up (alternator, water pump, AC compressor etc) can be easily checked by spinning them with the belt off.
