We had the water pump replaced on my son's 97 Eclipse, 2.0 engine, and in the week since it has thrown 3 power steering belts. The first two were thrown in under 10 miles. The last one has lasted for just over 100 miles and hasn't come all the way off yet, but it is riding the edge of the top pulley (the first one you see when you look down at the engine) and a couple of strips have already come off. Any suggestions on what might be causing this? We did replace this belt over a year ago when it started looking worn but have not had THIS problem until now.

 

did they put the water pump pulley on the wrong way? the little pully should be on the inside of the big pulley. in between the big pulley and the water pump. It sounds like the power steering pulley and the small water pump pulley aren't in line and it is pulling the belt off the end of the pulley

 

did they put the water pump pulley on the wrong way? the little pully should be on the inside of the big pulley. in between the big pulley and the water pump. It sounds like the power steering pulley and the small water pump pulley aren't in line and it is pulling the belt off the end of the pulley

 

Assuming you have the 2.0 NON TURBO engine- there's a TSB available that ultimately requires an updated power steering pump mounting bracket and/or AC tensioner pulley. This bracket provides better pulley alignment reducing the likelihood of premature belt wear and the "throwing" of the belt. This was a common occurance with the Chrysler engine and had several TSB's written to address it before the newer PS pump bracket became available. Hope this helps.

Joel, CA