99 caravan loses serpentine belt

My 99 caravan has a problem in that the serpintine belt jumps off
occasionally. The tensioner was replaced 15000 miles ago. The belt
rides to the outside of the tensioner. It rides on the outside, but
not past the edge of the tensioner. Because it rides on the outside of
the tensioner it causes a chirp while the engine is running. I have
forced the belt to the center of the tensioner, and the chirp stops.
Another thing I noticed is that the fly-wheel pully doesn't spin true.
If I'm not mistaken there is no adjustment for the tensioner. The
Tranny was replaced 20,000 miles ago. Is it possible the fly-Wheel
pully was put on wrong by the dealership when they replaced the Tranny?
My guess is that they would not have needed to pull the pully when
they replaced it.

Any ideas?

"Hans" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> My 99 caravan has a problem in that the serpintine belt jumps off
> occasionally. The tensioner was replaced 15000 miles ago. The belt
> rides to the outside of the tensioner. It rides on the outside, but
> not past the edge of the tensioner. Because it rides on the outside of
> the tensioner it causes a chirp while the engine is running. I have
> forced the belt to the center of the tensioner, and the chirp stops.
> Another thing I noticed is that the fly-wheel pully doesn't spin true.
> If I'm not mistaken there is no adjustment for the tensioner. The
> Tranny was replaced 20,000 miles ago. Is it possible the fly-Wheel
> pully was put on wrong by the dealership when they replaced the Tranny?
> My guess is that they would not have needed to pull the pully when
> they replaced it.
>
> Any ideas?
>
I'd check ALL belt-pulleys--including any idler pulleys--for 'weardown'.
I quoted the word 'weardown' because when they wear 'down toward the
center', they tend to throw belts off. Had it happen more than once, esp.
on super charger-equipped Buick Ultras. HTH, s

"sdlomi2" > wrote in message >...
"Hans" > wrote in message
oups.com...
My 99 caravan has a problem in that the serpintine belt jumps off
occasionally. The tensioner was replaced 15000 miles ago. The belt
rides to the outside of the tensioner. It rides on the outside, but
not past the edge of the tensioner. Because it rides on the outside
of
the tensioner it causes a chirp while the engine is running. I have
forced the belt to the center of the tensioner, and the chirp stops.
Another thing I noticed is that the fly-wheel pully doesn't spin
true.
If I'm not mistaken there is no adjustment for the tensioner. The
Tranny was replaced 20,000 miles ago. Is it possible the fly-Wheel
pully was put on wrong by the dealership when they replaced the
Tranny?
My guess is that they would not have needed to pull the pully when
they replaced it.

Any ideas?

The idler could be seized tighter than a you know what in summer time.
The belt has not option but to come off. If it gets wet, the belt
comes off so much easier.
RH

"Hans" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> My 99 caravan has a problem in that the serpintine belt jumps off
> occasionally. The tensioner was replaced 15000 miles ago. The belt
> rides to the outside of the tensioner. It rides on the outside, but
> not past the edge of the tensioner. Because it rides on the outside of
> the tensioner it causes a chirp while the engine is running. I have
> forced the belt to the center of the tensioner, and the chirp stops.
> Another thing I noticed is that the fly-wheel pully doesn't spin true.
> If I'm not mistaken there is no adjustment for the tensioner. The
> Tranny was replaced 20,000 miles ago. Is it possible the fly-Wheel
> pully was put on wrong by the dealership when they replaced the Tranny?
> My guess is that they would not have needed to pull the pully when
> they replaced it.

This is a common issue with Chrysler products!! > happen to see a dark spot
under passenger side front wheel?! Then power steering pump shaft seal is
leaking fluid causing belt issue..


BBA