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99 Ply. Grand Voy. Serpentine Belt Problems


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Pirate looks at 50
New User

Feb 13, 2009, 6:11 AM

Post #1 of 12 (4182 views)
  post locked   99 Ply. Grand Voy. Serpentine Belt Problems  

My wife has a 99 Ply. Grand Voyager with a 3.3 engine and apx. 95,000 miles on it. Every time we have a heavy rain or she goes thru a large puddle the belt slips off the pulleys. The belt has been replaced along with the idler pulley that was loose but the problem is still there. All of the other pulleys spin straight and free with no noticable play. The belt stays on as long as the weather is dry.(Talk about your "fair weather friend"!Cool) Any ideas?


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Feb 13, 2009, 6:39 AM

Post #2 of 12 (4179 views)
  post locked   Re: 99 Ply. Grand Voy. Serpentine Belt Problems  

First and foremost - don't be "hitting" puddles ESPECIALLY with this exact vehicle! If you know there are puddles slow down to a crawl if need be. THIS VEHICLE DOESN'T CHANNEL SPLASH WATER WELL! I've seen one tossed/sprayed water so bad it sucked in air intake - game over for that engine!

Belt: Belt length needs to settle at a mid point of the range of the tensioner. In this case I might suspect it's near the end of range. If marked/indexed on pivot and belt removed for the moment - see how much further the tensioner can travel from the mark. Alternator, PS, A/C can and will take a momentary power grab - belt and tensioner must allow this. If lots of plain water is splashed all over - all bets are off,

T

(edit to correct spelling TG)



(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Feb 13, 2009, 7:03 AM)


Jeff Norfolk
Enthusiast
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Feb 13, 2009, 6:41 AM

Post #3 of 12 (4178 views)
  post locked   Re: 99 Ply. Grand Voy. Serpentine Belt Problems  

Sounds like there may be a plastic protective splash gaurd missing underneath. Most cars no a days have two or three different ones under the car to protect against just this thing.
Jeff


Pirate looks at 50
New User

Feb 13, 2009, 1:02 PM

Post #4 of 12 (4168 views)
  post locked   post icon Re: 99 Ply. Grand Voy. Serpentine Belt Problems  

We purchased this vehicle new and never had any issues with rain or puddles for the first 80,000 miles or so. I checked the splash guards and all of them are in place ( thanks Jeff!) So Tom, are you saying that I need to replace the belt tensioner? I was told locally that after a while (lots of miles) they begin to pivot at a slight angle due to their design. Being laid off just recently I hate to replace parts that aren't necessary.Unsure


Double J
Veteran / Moderator
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Feb 13, 2009, 1:19 PM

Post #5 of 12 (4163 views)
  post locked   Re: 99 Ply. Grand Voy. Serpentine Belt Problems  

There is a TSB (technical Service Bulletin ) on this concern....


Number: 07-02-99
Group: Cooling
Date: June 4, 1999
SUBJECT:
Serpentine Belt Slips Off Idler Pulley

OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves replacing the bracket that the idler pulley attaches to.

MODELS:
1996 - 1999 (NS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
1996 - 1999 (GS) Chrysler Voyager (International Market)

NOTE :THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.3L OR 3.8L ENGINE.

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Loss of power steering assist and occurs when driving through deep snow or standing water.

Snow or rain can enter the engine compartment from underneath the vehicle and force the serpentine belt oft of the idler pulley.


DIAGNOSIS:
Visually inspect the serpentine belt and idler pulley to determine it mis-alignment exists (If the serpentine belt is off the pulleys install the serpentine belt). Start the engine and let it run for one minute before checking alignment). The belt should be approximately 2mm (0.08 in.) from the inboard edge of the idler pulley (Figure 1) when alignment is correct and this bulletin does not apply. If the belt and pulley appear as in Figure 2, perform the Repair Procedure.

PARTS REQUIRED:1 04612412 Bracket, Engine Mount AR (1) 04861322 Belt, Serpentine

REPAIR PROCEDURE:
THIS REPAIR IS COMPATIBLE WITH DAIMLERCHRYSLER'S MOBILE SERVICE PROGRAM AND DOES NOT REQUIRE HOISTS OR OTHER FULL SERVICE FACILITY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT.




1. Remove the serpentine belt from around the idler pulley by rotating the tensioner clockwise (Figure 3).
2.
Remove the purge duty cycle solenoid and wiring harness from the right side engine mount.

3. Remove the two right side engine mount insulator vertical fasteners and loosen the horizontal fastener. DO NOT remove the large nut in the center of the core of the insulator (Figure 4),
4. Remove the load on the engine mount by carefully supporting the engine with a floor jack.
5. Remove the vertical and horizontal fasteners from the engine side bracket. Remove the engine mount assembly.
6. Remove the idler pulley from the engine mounting bracket. (Figure 3).
7. Remove the engine mounting bracket
8. Install a new engine mounting bracket. Torque the fasteners to 40-68 Nm (30-50 ft lbs.).
9. Install the idler pulley to the engine mounting bracket. Torque the fastener to 40-68 Nm (30-50 ft lbs.)
10. Properly route and position a serpentine belt onto all pulleys except the idler pulley (Use a new belt if there is any evidence of damage to the original one).
11. Rotate the belt tensioner clockwise until the belt can be installed onto the idler pulley. Slowly release the belt tensioner.
12. Install the engine mount; torque the assembly in the following order, engine mount to rail fasteners 68 Nm (50 ft. lbs.), vertical fastener 102 Nm (75 ft. lbs.), and horizontal fastener 150 Nm (111 ft. lbs.).
13. Install the purge duty cycle solenoid to the engine mount.
14. Start the vehicle and let it run for one minute then turn the engine off.
15. Verify the serpentine belt is properly aligned (Figure 1).
16. If the serpentine belt has moved toward the outboard edge of the idler pulley, further diagnosis will be required.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Feb 13, 2009, 1:36 PM

Post #6 of 12 (4160 views)
  post locked   Re: 99 Ply. Grand Voy. Serpentine Belt Problems  

I can only guess without a direct look and check out but the tensioner has a range of where its spring loaded action to maintain a consistant pressure on the belt. This one seems to be a two part deal. Just the pulley and then pully with tenioner which I'll show below. It really shouldn't be cockeyedCrazy no matter what and I can't say if that's the pulley and bearing or how it mounts on the tensioner assy.

What I'm really suggesting is to take a marker - touchup paint, or whatever will mark where it is WHERE it moves as it does in normal operation.

Now with whatever belt is on it just take it off but keep it close in place and allow tensioner to go to it's extreme which it would to compensate the belt getting stretched and worn longer over time. Many tensioners will move with just a 3/8th square of a flex handle - perhaps 1/2 inch or special tool on some. Now force it against tension to see how far it can pass your index mark. If that is real close then any adverse vibrations or sudden changes it could come loose and usually not much happens but in this case you find it fallen off so something has to be done.

A, B or C: A. replace whole tensioner. B. If you think this belt is too long get one that's shorter by an inch. C. If these are sold separately do all three and still watch that there's room both ways for the tensioner. It might not be holding the prescribed tension anymore either.

Note: When a brand new belt is installed expect it to strech withing a day so if measuring allow for one the first off tends towards the shorter side and it will wear in to the perfect match. OE parts are likely to be right on. Some aftermarkets will stretch more than others - those sold as "quiet" belts tend to stretch more and I do like those but buy accordingly.

BTT noted: This has happened more than the once so something isn't right. Either there is a routine or regular spot the vehicle is driving thru, too fast with too much water or a fault with the belt set up,

T



Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Feb 13, 2009, 1:38 PM

Post #7 of 12 (4158 views)
  post locked   Re: 99 Ply. Grand Voy. Serpentine Belt Problems  

You beat me to a ton of stuff JIM! Good info - thanks,

T



toddnorton
Anonymous Poster
tntnorton@hotmail.com

Feb 13, 2009, 5:22 PM

Post #8 of 12 (4148 views)
  post locked   post icon Re: 99 Ply. Grand Voy. Serpentine Belt Problems  

hi i have seen this problem many times at my shop ,your local chrysler dealer sells a metal guide that bolts onto your serp belt tensioner pulley using the existing bolt it costs about 15 dollars i think and does the trick everytime let me know if you need a part number i will get back to you


Pirate looks at 50
New User

Feb 14, 2009, 6:18 AM

Post #9 of 12 (4138 views)
  post locked   Re: 99 Ply. Grand Voy. Serpentine Belt Problems  

Thanks Todd, that sounds like what I need . If you could find the part number it would be great. Thanks again.


DanD
Veteran / Moderator
DanD profile image

Feb 14, 2009, 8:34 AM

Post #10 of 12 (4134 views)
  post locked   Re: 99 Ply. Grand Voy. Serpentine Belt Problems  

Any time I order one of these pulley guides; I just ask for the tensioner pulley snow shield and the dealer’s parts guys know what I’m talking about.
I’ve installed hundreds of them and never had a come back for a belt flipping off.
As long as the tensioner and all of the other pulleys are in-line; it should do it for you.

JIM.
I didn’t know there was another bulletin on this; thanks; good to know.

Dan.

Canadian "EH"






needanewcar
New User

May 30, 2011, 9:41 AM

Post #11 of 12 (3711 views)
  post locked   Re: 99 Ply. Grand Voy. Serpentine Belt Problems  

I have searched anywhere and EVERYWHERE!! Any idea where i can get this new bracket?


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

May 30, 2011, 12:47 PM

Post #12 of 12 (3703 views)
  post locked   Re: 99 Ply. Grand Voy. Serpentine Belt Problems  

This question is 2 years old. If you need help with something, please start a new question.



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