new power steering pump ok with old belt ?
 

I have a 92' Ford Ranger with 2.9 V6. I just had a new power steering pump put on. After it was installed, the mechanic said the power steering belt was "too big". I guess he meant that it had the wrong size belt on it, or it was just stretched out from being old. He wanted an extra $60 to replace the belt. I said I would do it myself.

The power steering pump rotates fine with the old belt, No slippage I can see. Could this old belt damage the new power steering pump if the belt tension is off ?

Thanks,
Dave

RE: new power steering pump ok with old belt ?
 

You won't damage your pump. If your pump is operating then you will be okay. The only thing I can think is that the tension is probably a little loose because of to long a belt. However if the pump does'nt squeal when you trun the wheel I would'nt worry about it.

thanks for response Wheelsup
 

thanks for answering my inquiry about power steering pump and belt. The mechanic said that belt was right size. It is just old and stretched out. I felt it, and it is loose and needs to be replaced. The pump is new and full of fluid. I turned the steering wheel when parked and idling. It did squeal and I also noticed some roughness in movement when rotating the steering wheel as if the power steering was fading in and out. I only did this twice as I was worried about causing damage.

Thanks,
Dave

RE: thanks for response Wheelsup
 

With the new info in hand I would say definitely replace the belt. However $60 seems pretty high, you might see if there is some break if you replace all belts at same time since that is probably the inner most belt.