Serpentine belt replacement instructions needed

1993 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL
100,000 MILES
Avatar
JOVON
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
First time put in the belt for this car. If you have a video that would be helpful. Thank you
Apr 29, 2012 at 5:31 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 POSTS
Hello,

Here is a guide and the diagrams below so you can see how the job is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-serpentine-belt

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers
Apr 29, 2012 at 6:13 PM
Avatar
QUAGMIRE86
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 98 POSTS
I have an issue with my serpentine belt that only happens when the roads are wet. The serpentine belt will come off the pulleys. I have checked the alignment (by eye) and it all seems kosher. I even put a new tension-er and belt on (hours of fun). There is no issue when the roads are dry, but as soon as it is wet, it will religiously throw the belt off. I was told that it is a frequent problem with these cars. Something about the splash guard on the lower right front hitting the belt run. But I cannot see the problem there since every time the belt comes off, the only way to get the thing on again is to remove the wheel and splash guard to gain access to it. There is only one way for the guard to affix to the frame. I am thinking about replacing the "Idler" pulley but I hate to throw money at a problem and not know if that is the issue.
Sep 27, 2018 at 11:59 AM (Merged)
Advertisement
Avatar
DOCFIXIT
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 18,828 POSTS
3.8L? Is belt routed as in diagram?


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/198357_Graphic_182.jpg

Sep 27, 2018 at 11:59 AM (Merged)
Avatar
QUAGMIRE86
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 98 POSTS
Yep, that is how I repeatedly have been routing it. It is solid when dry, but when the roads are wet, the belt is guaranteed to fall off. I cannot tell you which pulley the belt is slipping off from. When I put the belt on and run the engine, I do not see any "Wobble" from any of the pulleys. There is no squealing or sign of binding when it is running (while it is dry). All the pulley mounts are tightly affixed to their brackets.
Sep 27, 2018 at 11:59 AM (Merged)
Avatar
DOCFIXIT
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 18,828 POSTS
Maybe worn pulley on water pump assume it is real shinny and slick. You said water shield in place so that is out. Try this engine running spray water at crank see what happens.
Sep 27, 2018 at 11:59 AM (Merged)
Avatar
QUAGMIRE86
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 98 POSTS
That is a good idea. I will give that a shot. The water pump pulley does not look too shiny but the idler pulley is very shiny. Thanks for your help.
Sep 27, 2018 at 11:59 AM (Merged)
Avatar
CORVETTE 383
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
With light rain not to mention heavy rain (will not drive) belt comes off. All proper factory splash guards are on always try to avoid puddles, stay at or under speed limit because of problem. Have replace belt tension-er new belts car still have problems not dependable to drive out of town. Talked to local dealer never herd of problem solution replace pulley's one by one until you solve problem. Power steering pump has maybe 1/8 end play in shaft.
Sep 27, 2018 at 11:59 AM (Merged)
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
Check alignment of pulleys and belt does belt fray on edges? If so it is a sign of being out of alignment. Use a straight edge or laser light if possible.
Sep 27, 2018 at 11:59 AM (Merged)
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
The power steering pump may be your problem as well.
Sep 27, 2018 at 11:59 AM (Merged)
Avatar
CORVETTE 383
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Check pulleys with straight edge there good, belt is not frayed. Had dealer for Chrysler check them and they are straight.
Sep 27, 2018 at 11:59 AM (Merged)
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
I am assuming this is 3.3 as you have a 3.2L and they do not make that. I am sending a belt diagram along see if yours is like this. You might also have a mechanic put a belt tension gauge on it to see what it is.
Sep 27, 2018 at 11:59 AM (Merged)