'89 4runner: Power Steering Belt Too Long
May 7, 2017 | 06:27 PM
#1
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From: S.E. Wisconsin
'89 4runner: Power Steering Belt Too Long
Just installed a new alternator and decided to put new belts all around on my '89 4runner 3.0 V6. I went with Gates Green Stripe XL on the power steering and the A/C, but I found I couldn't get good tension on the power steering because the pump is maxing out the adjustment range and the reservoir body hits the timing belt cover before it reaches a proper tension. I thought maybe they gave me the wrong belt, but it checks out (XL 9480). I remembered that I had a belt from my '93 pickup lying around, also a 3VZE, 3.0 V6, so I installed that and got the same result. I don't see anything wrong with the mounting brackets or the pulleys. I am thinking of installing the next shorter belt and being done with it. The gates belts are available in lengths that step up or down by 1/2 inch increments. A half an inch less seems like it would be just about right. Anybody have ay ideas about why the recommended belt is too long?
May 8, 2017 | 01:39 AM
#3
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From: I live in New Tripoli Pa out in the woods
Aftermarket belts can be hit or miss !! Sometimes the manufactures compromise making one belt that will fit kinda many applications.
If you need belts in a Hurry go local to a vendor that will measure the belt rather then give you what some computer says is the correct number
If you need belts in a Hurry go local to a vendor that will measure the belt rather then give you what some computer says is the correct number
May 8, 2017 | 11:07 PM
#4
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From: S.E. Wisconsin
The belt I borrowed from my '93 p/u, is a Mitsuboshi brand, It is probably an OEM belt or even the original belt. It's too short too. Can't see anything wrong with the pulleys or the pump. The Gates catalog has part numbers for belts 0.5" shorter and 1.00" shorter. I'll hunt down the shorter belts tomorrow.
Last edited by wrenchtech; May 10, 2017 at 07:08 PM.
Sep 7, 2017 | 01:50 PM
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I have the exact same problem on my 92 3VZ. Replaced the power steering pump and the belt. The adjustment range on the power steering unit maxes out when the resevoir body hits the timing cover, and the belt is still not tight enough. Checked with the old belt, and it's the same length, same problem, although it must have been just tight enough to work. Did you have success finding a smaller belt, and especially, was a half inch shorter the magic number?
