Pulleys don't line up?

[Deener]

88 GL/EA82/3AT/Non-Turbo

 

I heard a 'belt-ish' sound out of the engine so I had a look at my alternator belts and I noticed that the power steering pulley/pump/reservoir is sitting on an angle (the top of the pulley is slanted towards the front of the car) in comparison to the other 3 pulleys that the belts wrap around. I assume this was caused by over-tensioning of the alternator. I loosened the alternator and then managed to tighten one of the bolts that hold the PS assembly to the engine, which helped but thats not enough. The pulley is still on an angle in comparison to the other pulleys, which will undoubtedly cause premature belt wear, and perhaps snap one sooner than later. What I am wondering is will I need a new PS assembly/housing, or should I attempt to bend mine into place?

 

I don't see any way to adjust the angle of the PS assembly so any recommendations would be appreciated.

[idosubaru]

man that's crazy, they should not bend at all. overtightening of the alternator i wouldn't think would cause this. someone sat on it :lol:

 

anyway - i think i'd look at all the bolts and make sure they're properly installed and the pump carrier/bracket is seated properly.

 

then try and bend it back in place.

 

if that doesn't work get another pump bracket, probably the simplest way to make sure it's right in terms of belt wear.

 

I would use washers as spacers. i forget how the EA82 pump is set up exactly but if it needs to rotate "back" then install washers under the bracket for the bolt holes closest to the front of the engine. this will tilt the entire pump assembly "back" so to speak.

[GeneralDisorder]

Are you sure the power steering pump is good? Sounds like a massive internal failure to me.

 

That bracket isn't going to bend - either it's installed wrong/loose or the pump is shot.

 

GD

[Deener]

The pump seems ok. I mean, the power steering is working nicely, no leaks or weird sounds or anything. I will try to get a photo up when I get home from work. I was quite suprised to see the assembly on an angle as well, the only thing that makes visual sense it that the bracket got bent. Pretty sure that I would have to get a bracket from one of the guys on the message board since the auto wreckers around here aren't keeping anything older than the 90's loyales. I may give the washer theory a shot too. I haven't pulled it all apart yet since there were a few things in the way. Thanks for the input guys. I will report back.

 

Dean