When the belt is in place, if you can push or pull it more than 1/8 inch between the two widest pulleys, the belt tensioner needs to be replaced. If there are ant splits or cracks on the driven side of the belt it needs to be replaced also.
WIth the belt off, SPIN all the pulleys and accessories. It is usually a BAD bearing that causes this. WIth the belt off you can see if any of the pulleys are stuck or making noise. GOOD LUCK
Thanks for you guts responses! Come to find out the radiator went out and my water pump needed to be replaced.????
Replace the serpentine belt and belt tensioner. I had to replace mine recently.
Did you hit any puddles on the way home? If the covers on the bottom of the car are off or loose they can let the water from the tire splash up and the force of the water coming from the tire can push the belt off.
You should get a new belt, check the belt adjuster and idlers make sure they are working right and check the bottom and side engine covers. http://www.stevesequipmentrepair.net
the belt tensioner broke.............. it happens, .......... it happened to me 2 times
Worn out belt, most likely tensioner pulley weak, out of line with a component worn not letting belt run true....
While driving home, my steering got really hard to turn. I noticed the serpentine belt was off, not broken just off. What could've caused this. If it matters, my car is 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Thanks a lot!
