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Jim
Grant has been working in the automotive industry for over twenty
years. In addition, Jim is an ASE Master Technician with advanced
L/1 certification. He works as manager and technician in his
family's automotive business in New Hampshire. He writes weekly
automotive consumer columns and is editor of an automotive newsletter
that is circulated throughout North America. |
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 Jim Grant's Tech Tips ‘01 Ford Escort ZX2, Serpentine Belt Failures Q: Why does my engine belt keep falling off on my ‘01 Ford Escort ZX2? I have replaced it with a new one, but it still falls off while driving. There are no repair manuals out for this car yet. Any help or suggestions would be great. My daughter is driving this car and has been stranded three times in the last few weeks. A: I doubt you need a manual to solve the problem. What you need to do is inspect the pulleys closely. It is likely that you have a belt alignment problem, being caused by a failing automatic belt tensioner, one of the 2 idler pulleys, or there is a problem with the water pump, alternator, power steering pump or A/C pulleys. Serpentine belts are a really tough belt and they do provide good service, but a serpentine belt cannot tolerate alignment problems or any of the pulleys it drives or rides over. The more common causes for misalignment issues are with the automatic belt tensioner and the 2 idler pulleys. With a good belt installed look just over the edge of the belt at one point, all edges should match and be in line. It only takes an 1/8” of misalignment to create belt problems. With a good eye and a good belt you should be able to find the cause for your belt problems.
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