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

 

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 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

 

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.