Power Steering - Drive Belt Problem Solutions
No: TSB-98-37A-005DATE: October, 1998
MODEL: 1995-99 Eclipse 2.0L Non-Turbo
SUBJECT:
POWER STEERING BELT ALIGNMENT AND
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES
This bulletin supersedes TSB-97-37A-001 dated March, 1997, which should be discarded. New and/or revised information marked by " * ".
PURPOSE
This bulletin contains troubleshooting procedures for checking power steering pump pulley alignment and correcting misalignment.
SYMPTOM
The customer may complain of conditions related to misalignment of the power steering pump pulley, misalignment of the A/C idler pulley, a distorted power steering pump bracket, rapid belt wear, or the belt being thrown off the pulley.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
1995-99 Eclipse equipped with the 2.0L Non-Turbo (420A) engine
DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR SUMMARY
Study the repair and diagnosis flow chart, then proceed with the alignment checking and repair procedures as follows.
ALIGNMENT CHECKING PROCEDURES
Vehicles WITHOUT Air Conditioning
First, visually inspect the alignment of the power steering pump pulley to the crankshaft pulley.
If belt and pulley misalignment cannot be visually verified, check the alignment with a straight edge as shown in the illustration.
Vehicles WITH Air Conditioning
Inspect the alignment of the power steering pump pulley by looking at the position where the belt rides on the idler pulley (tensioner). If the belt is not centered on the idler pulley as shown by the overhang in the side view in the illustration, the power steering pump pulley is misaligned.
REPAIR PROCEDURES
* A. Power Steering Bracket Replacement (ALL VEHICLES)
1. Refer to the service manual and remove and replace the power steering pump bracket with the new improved bracket, MR403066, then mount the pump onto the bracket. On A/C equipped vehicles, tighten the bolts to the proper torque. On vehicle without A/C, do not fully tighten the pump attachment bolts until adjusting the belt to the proper tension.
2. Install a new P/S belt and adjust to the correct belt tension (93 - 115 lbs.). If the vehicle has A/C, use the idler pulley adjustment bolt to achieve proper belt tension.
Note:
The belt MUST be adjusted to the proper tension. Low belt tension may cause noise or loss of the P/S belt. Belt tension that is too high may cause abnormal wear to the P/S pump pulley shaft bearing.
3. After replacing the bracket, go back to the checking procedures, then proceed with the proper alignment procedures (section C in this bulletin) based on information gathered during alignment checking.
* B. A/C Idler Tensioner Pulley Replacement (New Wider Pulley)
Vehicles With A/C Produced Before February 2, 1998 only. Replace the pulley with the new wider idler pulley (MR398887). Use the procedures in the service manual. The wider pulley allows more surface area for the belt to ride, eliminating the chance of belt damage caused by the belt riding over the edge of the pulley.
Note:
Vehicles produced after February 2, 1998 have the new wider pulley installed during vehicle production.
C. Power Steering Pump Bracket Alignment
If the power steering pump pulley is out of alignment, use the following procedures to shim the power steering pump into proper alignment.
1. Remove the bolt holding the power steering pump bracket to the front area of the engine mount. Loosen the remaining two bolts attaching the power steering pump bracket.
2. Add the necessary number of 1 mm shims between the pump bracket and the front engine mount so the pump is moved to where the pulley is in alignment.
Note:
FOR BETTER PULLEY ALIGNMENT ON VEHICLES WITH AIR CONDITIONING:
a. Move the power steering pump closer to the engine (along the adjuster slot in the power steering bracket) then tighten the upper attachment bolt.
b. Tighten the two lower power steering pump bolts, last.
c. Adjust the power steering belt tension by using the idler tension pulley.
3. Go back to the diagnosis procedures to check the belt alignment again before returning the vehicle to the customer. If necessary, install additional shims as required to achieve proper alignment (2 mm maximum).
4. Verify that the repair and alignment procedures were effective by test driving the vehicle under many different conditions (highway speeds, quick acceleration, various turning situations, etc.).
* PARTS INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION
R & R and shimming of Power Steering Pump Bracket
Nature Code: 86Z Cause Code: 490
Labor Operation No. 37501000 Time Allowance: 0.8 hr.
* Air Conditioner Tensioner Pulley Replacement
Nature Code: 99Z Cause Code. 990
Labor Operation No. 55314310 Time Allowance: 0.4 hr.
Warranty Coverage: 36 months/36,000 miles.
Special Warranty Information: Normal warranty procedures apply.