Why did my Serpentine belt come loose?

MIKOB

MEMBER
1998 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER
180,000 MILES

Was driving and the power steering got real hard and van started overheating. I pulled over before it got all the way in the red. Twice but made it home. There wasnt any smoke or anything but when I lifted the hood I saw my (new) serpentine belt just hanging there. It is not torn, cracked or has any abrasions. What could have caused this?

Sunday, November 6th, 2011 AT 11:38 PM

8 Replies

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

A bad belt tenisor have you checked that yet?

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Sunday, November 6th, 2011 AT 11:46 PM

MIKOB

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5 POSTS

My vehical is a 1998 plym voyager! One pully is kind of loose! See diagram attched!

Image (Click to make bigger)

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Monday, November 7th, 2011 AT 12:47 AM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

The one in red is just your idler pulley it just spins with a bearing. The one in blue is your belt tenisor thats what keeps your belt tight if thats loose and wobbley thats your problem bad belt tenisor.

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Monday, November 7th, 2011 AT 1:09 AM

MIKOB

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5 POSTS

Thank you! I will update after repairs.

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Monday, November 7th, 2011 AT 1:37 AM

MIKOB

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Thank you! I will update after repair.

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Monday, November 7th, 2011 AT 1:38 AM

SATURNTECH9

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Your welcome keep me posted.

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Monday, November 7th, 2011 AT 1:47 AM

MIKOB

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Update: The mechanic put my belt back on and couldnt give me a reason why! I mentioned the tensioner
And he said it could be. Sad face. So I am hoping its just. Everything seems fine for now. Thank you!

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Thursday, November 10th, 2011 AT 1:58 AM

SATURNTECH9