rollis

Have'nt had the 87 944S very long and the belt squeeled at start up went I bought it. I replaced the belt, it fit the a/c and alternater pully width wise like it should but it seemed just slightly too wide for the balance pully. After driving a few miles the belt made itself fit the pulley by shredding on of the ribs away. The belt came from Autozone so I figured a belt from the dealership would have a better fit......same thing. I have maintenance records from the PO that the balance was replaced. Is it possible that the replacement pulley was a bit narrower than the original. Has anyone had this situation ? Is the a belt is is slightly narrower than stock available. I know it can't be a good thing to run it like that.

harrisonrick

That's becuz european alternator belts are different width than US belts. Get one form a German dealer.

harrisonrick

Also, from reading again, the replacement pulley may be wrong, or out of alignment. Take a steel straight edge and put it on the pulleys and see how things are lined up. Perhaps the PO missed a spacer or bent something.

rollis

Everything is in line, the pully turns true. The pulley seems a bit narrow. If the belt was missing one less rib it would fit fine. The belt makes itself fit by shredding one of the ribs (about 1/8"). The pulley was replaced by a German car specialist.

yellowline

Strange. Early NA cars have 5-rib alt/AC belts, and late cars have 6 rib belts. Your mechanic probably installed the pulley made for an early car.

rollis

Are the lengths the same for earlies and late's. Mine is an "S" 16 V by the way. That makes perfect sense to me now. If there the same length's, I'll just order an "early" belt and problem fixed. Thanks for the info yellowline.