power steering belt

[66_k10_manny]

I have a 66 K10. I did a power steering and front power brake conversion a few years ago on it.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=400141

I installed a power steering pump bracket from Summit Racing and I think the pump is from a '77 Camaro.

Problem is: No matter how much I tighten the P/S belt, it slips and squeaks; especially in the cold temperatures. The last time I tightened the belt, I used a pry bar to get enough tension on it just to stop the squeeling at warm temperatures. I can imagine I'm putting excessive tension on the belt not to mention on the pump but that was the only way I could stop it. I was advised to try another P/S bracket but will that really help? Won't that just change the location of the belt?

Advice?!

[66Gilbert]

Originally Posted by 66_k10_manny

I have a 66 K10. I did a power steering and front power brake conversion a few years ago on it.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=400141

I installed a power steering pump bracket from Summit Racing and I think the pump is from a '77 Camaro.

Problem is: No matter how much I tighten the P/S belt, it slips and squeaks; especially in the cold temperatures. The last time I tightened the belt, I used a pry bar to get enough tension on it just to stop the squeeling at warm temperatures. I can imagine I'm putting excessive tension on the belt not to mention on the pump but that was the only way I could stop it. I was advised to try another P/S bracket but will that really help? Won't that just change the location of the belt?

Advice?!

Maybe you need a pump off a '73 to '87 Chevy 4x4 truck. I don't know this but maybe the pulley on the pump is bigger in diameter and would use more of the belt and not slip as easy. If the diameter is the same as what you already have you may have a problem with pump or even the steering box.

[markeb01]

There are 3 common causes for this problem. 1. The bracket is not holding the pulley in perfect alignment with the others. Try placing a long straightedge against the face of the pulleys to confirm they are in absolute alignment. 2. There is an aftermarket chrome pulley in there somewhere. Many are notorious for being either bent or have had the surface of the groove polished so much the belt has little to no grip. 3. The belt is either cheap or old, and has become too hard to provide good grip on the pulleys. There are also numerous tops width dimensions for belts that look very similar. You may have one that is riding too high or too low in one or more of the pulley grooves.

A simple temporary fix is to squirt some belt dressing between the belt and one of the pulleys with the engine idling. This will distribute the dressing all over the belt and pulleys, which will eliminate any squeaking until the dressing wears off. (It can also make a mess).

Be careful on over tightening. It's an easy way to burn up the bearings in the water pump, alternator, or P/S pump.

[65 C20]

Originally Posted by markeb01

There are 3 common causes for this problem. 1. The bracket is not holding the pulley in perfect alignment with the others. Try placing a long straightedge against the face of the pulleys to confirm they are in absolute alignment. 2. There is an aftermarket chrome pulley in there somewhere. Many are notorious for being either bent or have had the surface of the groove polished so much the belt has little to no grip. 3. The belt is either cheap or old, and has become too hard to provide good grip on the pulleys. There are also numerous tops width dimensions for belts that look very similar. You may have one that is riding too high or too low in one or more of the pulley grooves.

A simple temporary fix is to squirt some belt dressing between the belt and one of the pulleys with the engine idling. This will distribute the dressing all over the belt and pulleys, which will eliminate any squeaking until the dressing wears off. (It can also make a mess).

Be careful on over tightening. It's an easy way to burn up the bearings in the water pump, alternator, or P/S pump.

I agree with markeb01.
Check alignment, make sure you have the right belt