'97 f53 power steering belt noise

Wanabee FTer · 08-18-2010, 09:05 PM

I recently purchased a 1998 Gulfstream 32.5' with a 460 ford powertrain. I took it on a long shake down and the power steering/air cond Idler pully bearing started to go bad. I noticed the P/S belt squealed a little when I bought it, so was not too surprised when the Idler went out. I replaced the idler and both serpentine drive belts, which I had to match up because most auto parts stores do not list the F53 chassis. Now I still hear the power steering belt slightly squeal when turning and I am wondering if I matched the old belts to a possibly incorrect p/s belt. I should not hear the p/s belt slightly squealing during low speed cornering right?

YO-Vista, Ca · 08-20-2010, 02:53 PM

I did the same thing about two years ago and just once in a while I do get the noise. I think when it's hot is when I hear it. I always thought I just need to climb under and tighten the belt a little more, just haven't done it yet. And your correct, none of the parts stores know the correct belt. If you still have the information handy, might want to list the mfg. and part numbers of what you ended up with. (I can't locate my list at the moment).

Ed

Wanabee FTer · 08-21-2010, 10:42 AM

I found O'reilly auto parts does have a listing for 1997 Ford F53 on their website Home Page | O'Reilly Auto Parts I matched the size of the unknown belt to a Gates 60598 and installed it on my moho, but the site shows Gates 60675 to be the correct belt. I believe the last 3 numbers signify the length, so the belt I have on now may be too short? but not sure. I am going to have to take the old belt in and match it up to the O'reilly listing to see how close it is.
bth, The p/s belt is adjusted automatically by the tensioner, but the alternator belt can be adjusted

Topflite51 · 08-29-2010, 10:24 PM

When I first bought our unit, the ps belt made no noises. Had the belts and other misc items performed and I got for my trouble a ps belt squeal at slow speeds. Had another new belt installed, and had the same squeal. Had the idler and tensioner pulleys replaced, the noise did not change. Then in my infinite wisdom I told them to change the pump. They said it wasn't the pump, but I can be stubborn, and they obtained the only one on the west coast from San Francisco at their cost of $891. It seems the pump on my unit came from Germany, and they were extremely proud of it. The noise remained, then I decided to compare belts. They are not made the same. The original OEM belt, the groves are taller and skinnier, then any of the replacement belts. They said the belt was worn out. OK, good argument. But, after 3 + years, the squeal is becoming less and less, making a better argument for my case of the fact that the belt was indeed made differently, and is now fitting the grooves better.

All the belts were matched up to the original belt for length and number of grooves only. I even went to Ford and got the belts that matched up by number to the OEM belt I had in my hand, of course the original number had been obsoleted by Ford. Their replacement belt was made just like the aftermarket belts I had bought combating this problem. One other thing, this belt also matched up to a CAT C9 belt which coincidentily has been discontinued.

I have as a former mechanic encountered this very same thing with certain overhead cam timing belts, aftermarket belts making noises compared to the OEM belt.

Whats it all mean? It means if you know the belt, pulley, tensioner and everything else are in good shape - live with it. As the miles increase I am fairly certain the belt will wear in and quiet down. Of course, in 10 years or 50K will probably have to deal with the squeal again and have everybody stare at you as you slowly turn into the RV park.

I have learned to ignore them, and as I said the squeal is becoming less and less. Just got home from 4500 miles and 26 days and only heard it once.

This is all just my experience, hope it helps.

Wanabee FTer · 08-30-2010, 10:37 AM

David,
Thank you so much for your post. At least I don't feel like I am the only person that has this concern.
On the link I listed above, I found a standard and heavy duty gates belt for the F53 chassis. thinking about trying the HD belt out to see if it works better then the one I "matched up" to the after market belt that was on it.
Just curious what year is your chassis?