That f****ng ac belt
10-17-2016, 12:26 PM
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That f****ng ac belt 2010 Camaro ss. Auto.
This is the third time I've had an issue with the AC belt jumping off the front of the pulley. I've read many, many posts about the same thing. Has there been a permanent solution yet? I'm not replacing three belts every summer. Also, this is the third belt in 5000 miles.
This is the third time I've had an issue with the AC belt jumping off the front of the pulley. I've read many, many posts about the same thing. Has there been a permanent solution yet? I'm not replacing three belts every summer. Also, this is the third belt in 5000 miles.
10-17-2016, 01:24 PM
#3
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I don't know anything about 5th gens specifically, but in my experience an issue such as this is usually due to one of four conditions:
- Belt is just a touch too long. Some aftermarket replacement belts aren't exactly the same length as OEM. Have you been getting replacement belts from GM, or just a general parts store? I would try an OEM belt if you haven't already.
- Tensioner is borderline/weak. This is especially an issue if the belt is also a touch too long (see above). A marginal tensioner will have trouble even with a proper length belt, but if it's a bit longer than the original this would be even more problematic.
- RPMs higher than stock. Some factory tensioners seem to present belt toss issues when the engine is spun higher than factory redline. One solution to this has been an aftermarket pulley with raised edges to keep the belt centered. Another option has been a solid tensioner that allows the belt to be tightened like an old V-belt setup.
- Pulley alignment issues. If alignment isn't ideal, belt toss/squeak/odd wear is usually the result. Sometimes GM doesn't get this right even from the factory. On the LS1 4th gens, there was a TSB issued for replacement of the alternator bracket in an effort to relocate one of the idler pulleys just 3mm. That small change was supposed to help with belt chirp issues on the older models (break point was mid-2000.) I'm not sure if any TSBs have been issued for this on the 5th gens, but as you have an early car there may have been later updates to address this.
You might also be looking at some combo of the above issues. Again these are just generic thoughts as I have no experience with this specific concern regarding the 5th gens.
- Belt is just a touch too long. Some aftermarket replacement belts aren't exactly the same length as OEM. Have you been getting replacement belts from GM, or just a general parts store? I would try an OEM belt if you haven't already.
- Tensioner is borderline/weak. This is especially an issue if the belt is also a touch too long (see above). A marginal tensioner will have trouble even with a proper length belt, but if it's a bit longer than the original this would be even more problematic.
- RPMs higher than stock. Some factory tensioners seem to present belt toss issues when the engine is spun higher than factory redline. One solution to this has been an aftermarket pulley with raised edges to keep the belt centered. Another option has been a solid tensioner that allows the belt to be tightened like an old V-belt setup.
- Pulley alignment issues. If alignment isn't ideal, belt toss/squeak/odd wear is usually the result. Sometimes GM doesn't get this right even from the factory. On the LS1 4th gens, there was a TSB issued for replacement of the alternator bracket in an effort to relocate one of the idler pulleys just 3mm. That small change was supposed to help with belt chirp issues on the older models (break point was mid-2000.) I'm not sure if any TSBs have been issued for this on the 5th gens, but as you have an early car there may have been later updates to address this.
You might also be looking at some combo of the above issues. Again these are just generic thoughts as I have no experience with this specific concern regarding the 5th gens.
10-17-2016, 01:38 PM
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Base off what Ihave read is that the Gates belt is the best one to go with. (This is the newest belt to jump off) My car is stock except for an exhaust system. Should I have made this post in a different section? Also, on these motors they use a "1 time use stretch fit belt" on the AC unit.
10-17-2016, 04:40 PM
#5
Sounds like you have a setup similar to my 08 STI. Are you using the special "belt walking" tool to prevent damaging the belt itself?
Since this is a repeat issue I would check for pulley alignment and bearing condition. Seems to be a common issue with 5th gen
Since this is a repeat issue I would check for pulley alignment and bearing condition. Seems to be a common issue with 5th gen
10-17-2016, 10:30 PM
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Yeah it sounds like tons of people have had this problem. Yes I have the special tool as well. What's a good way to check the bearing condition? Check for wobbles with my hand? Also the alignment, would i need to take it to a shop with the special laser thing?
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10-26-2016, 02:42 PM
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I just checked the pulley and cut the AC belt off.. it wasn't completely ruined but in no way was it going to stay on correctly. The pulley moves smoothly and doesn't wobble. One thing I noticed is that not only does the pulley move freely, the front of the pulley rotates as well. Is this normal? It's almost what I would call.. a face plate. It has a torque screw in the middle of it.