i know that i need to go to a dual pulley when taking the air pump off, where is a good place to get one and will that solve the consistant breaking of alt belts.

 

Go to ebay and get the pulley:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...spagename=WDVW

I am wondering since you have an S4 if you have the alternator spacer in correct location, it should be between the alternator and the water pump housing, on the back side of the h20 housing not the front. If the the spacer is in the front it will be out of alignment and break.
Make sure you tension the belt correctly as described in the FSM

 

yeah i have the spacer on the back side of the alternator and yes i tensioned it according to the fsm. just keeps breaking belts it like shaves them from the sides and then they snap.

 

Is there ANY rust formation on the V slot? If so, the lightest bit will promote this.

 

why yes there may be a small amount of surface rust buildup on the pulleys. never thought that could cause it. ill be cleaning that tonight and follow up. thanks silverrotor.

 

I didn't know that eather. That must be why my alt belts used to break a lot.

Gil

 

Or if the belts are being installed too tight... that tends to bend the shafts a promote belt failure.

 

never seen a tight belt bend a shaft but i have seen them take out shaft bearings on a number of occasions.

 

Mostly I have seen too tight belts burn up alt and water pump bearings, but snapping belts are the first sympton to appear.

 

i have mine tensioned with 1/4-1/2 inch slack when measured on the drivers side between the main pulley and the alt. pulley, is that not correct?

 

What about squealing belts? Replaced mine a few weeks ago because it was squealing and worn but now the new one is worse. Seems to be worse at start up and low rpms and then disappears with rpm...