6.5 diesel power steering/brake problems

[Matthew.k10]

Hey there my friend has around a 96 6.5 turbo desil. We have been having some trouble. We lost power-steering due to the pump being siezed. We replaced the pump got the air out and had it working good. Drove it for a couple hours then the belt blew. Is this a common thing. Like is it easy to fix. Because the powersteering pump is brand new. Still moves we had it circulating. Did the belt just blow or is it because it went together wrong.

[DmaxMaverick]

Welcome aboard!

No, it isn't common. It happens, but no more often than any other vehicle. If you are using the same belt as when the pump seized, the belt is toast. The belts are very durable and last a long time, but once they are stressed, they do not last long. Otherwise, make sure the new pump is properly installed with all the bolts and the pulley is aligned. Check the remaining pulleys and tensioner. Also, source a North American made belt. US, Canada and Mexico made belts do well, while the others tend to fail at a higher rate. Look for Goodyear or Gates, or off-brands made by them, such as Napa (check country of origin, on any of them). Most Napa premium belts state on the label they are made by Gates.

[ronniejoe]

If the pulley on the pump is not fully seated, the belt will be running misaligned and will fail. Also, as Dmax said, when the prior pump seized, the belt would have skidded and heated up significantly causing a breakdown in the material which will lead to failure.

Replace the belt and ensure that the pump pulley is fully seated and aligned with the rest of the pulleys so that the belt runs straight.