TFeld78

Posted a topic last week about excessive noise from front of engine.
When listening a little closer, and looking at removing the belts one at
a time to narrow down the problem (as suggested), I noticed that the power steering pump pulley is set back from the engine pulley. Almost to the point that if the pump pulley is moved directly over to the engine pulley, the front edge of the pump pulley would fit into the groove of the engine pulley.

Does that seem normal?, or is this too much of an angle. The belt is
definitely running at an odd angle, and is very tight. Perhaps this causing the pump to start to go bad? When you turn the wheel, there is some "noise" coming from the pump, as if it were straining.

BTW, this is on a 1978, 350 L48.
Thanks.

FeedVaal

Mis-alignment of the pulleys will indeed cause wear on the bearing. Also the fact you say the belt is really tight gives me the feeling that baby is probably on it's last legs. A rebuilt unit from one of the chain stores is relatively inexpensive and comes with a "lifetime" warranty.You could rebuild yours but its a PITA and requires tools most DIYers don't have. When you mount up another one, use spacers to align the pulleys.

Good luck. :cheers:

Chuck Gongloff

So often, you find a mismatch, or a combination of mismatches in pulleys after many years. You could have an incorrect crank pulley, water pump pulley, or PS pulley. You could also have an incorrect bracket somewhere or could be missing a spacer. Best bet is to check the AIM for your particular engine and options, like PS, AC, etc. and check your "parts" with what is supposed to be there. If you have all of the correct factory parts, the belts and pulleys will line up. Hope this helps. Chuck

TFeld78

Thanks for the responses. I suspected that this alignment was incorrect.
I will check my AIM manual (I just got it last week).

Easy Mike

I agree with Chuck. Your belts should all look straight when installed. Start with the AIM and determine what you have.
:)

Jim Shea

One other tip. If your power steering pump has been misaligned for any length of time, the belt is probably shot. This means that even though you may now align the pump with the crankshaft pulley, the old belt may still squeak, squeal, etc. Replace the belt as well.