Fuziun

Car is a 2005.

Just had my engine rebuilt and it has about 280 miles on it. Checked under the hood today to see if everything was going well and noticed a belt was being chewed up pretty nasty and worn unevenly. I've included a picture for reference with the problems circled. Belt was shipped new for the rebuild.

Service manual makes this seem like a pretty straightforward job for the belt, but I was just wanting to get some feedback on the pulley itself as I'm not sure if I can completely screw something up if I mess up a small part of the removal and installation. It seems like it definitely needs to be replaced along with the belt.

Searched Google with "site:rx8club.com pulley replacement" and some related terms. Diagram in this thread seemed applicable, but the search didn't turn up a DIY for my specific issue.

Thanks for the help.

jasonrxeight

if you have damaged pulleys, they can chew up the belt. also make sure all pulleys are lined up properly.

stinksause

iTrader: (5)

Looks like you should change that pulley

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Yep, likely a seized id pulley, I have seen that a couple of times on the RX-8. Could be the AC compressor too.

Fuziun

Thanks for the replies. Think I can get by with just replacing the belt for a few days while I order parts and have time to either send it to a shop or fix it myself?

This would be the first time I've ever messed with a pulley, is this the part that I need to buy?

IRPerformance

iTrader: (6)

Hard to tell from the pic but the main pulley might be damaged from someone prying on it trying to remove it. Also, its easy to bend the oil line under the ac compressor and have it touch the belt.

Fuziun

I ran my fingers across where the belt travels and everything seems to be clear. The damage on the main pulley is quite sharp and actually gave my fingers some slight cuts as I ran my finger across it. At this point I imagine that the belt got caught, ripped and, as it kept going around, shredded itself to what is seen in the pictures.

Going to try to get a ride to the parts store to pick up a new belt and put it on. I'll try to drive the car as little as possible until I can get a new pulley for it since the belt will still be in danger without it.

Thanks, everyone.

EDIT: Just to be sure, the big one with the damage is the crankshaft pulley, correct? The smaller one on top is the idler pulley? Would like to make sure as I shop for the part.

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

There are 2 pullies on the end of the eccentric shaft...you need the larger one to fix the issue you have

Fuziun

Thank you, dannobre. Just emailed the guy who did the rebuild to let him know what I found. Also found that Mazmart has the part for around $77, so I will be ordering that soon.

I'm glad I caught it before it snapped completely and did some sort of serious damage. I'll post again once I'm ready to install the part if I have not found a DIY by then. It's probably common sense but I'm always worried about tearing something up.

Once again, thanks everyone for the help.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

Mazda only sells this new as an assembly containing both front e-shaft pulleys, the trigger wheel, and the front e-shaft hub flange.

niteshade247

It looked to me like the belt was not put on the e shaft pully all the way. I say this because part of the belt is gone yet the belt is flush to the front of that pully. I just had a friend with the same problem belt was the same damige and I spoted right away that the belt had not been put in the alternator all the way and is cut part of the belt off.

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

If the pulley is damaged like that one it can make the belt catch and jump off the ribs....a new belt won't last long without a new pulley

Fuziun

So this part will not be enough? Bummer.

Guess I'll be making some calls.

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

That's what you need. .. just don't replace the hub. .. just the pulley

Fuziun

Fantastic. Y'all are awesome.

IRPerformance

iTrader: (6)

The pulley often gets seized on and people bang/pry on it and damage it. I use a torch to heat it up and tap it carefully with a dead blow rubber mallet.

stinksause

iTrader: (5)

Can't you just remove the ac belt if you need to run the car for now? Assuming no damage to alt pulley...

Of course you'll sacrifice ac but should be able to drive fine.

200.mph

iTrader: (9)

yep mines not hooked up since my compressor froze up

Smutterbutter

Came across a cheap one on ebay just after reading this thread. Might be just what you need.

Link

stinksause

iTrader: (5)

I'll sell you one for $25 shipped :p

Fuziun

Sorry for the slow reply, I already had it taken care of. Now I just need to hunt down this faint rattle and I'll be in business.