78' E-350 Power Steering Belt Keeps Breaking

[ScottM]

Hi guys. I've got a 78 Ford E-350 and the power steering belt keeps breaking. The first one I put on broke after just a couple hundred miles. Once I put the second one on, I kept an eye on it throughout the rest of the trip. It seemed to be getting loose, and I'd end up having to tighten it every time I stop. I was using a 24" breaker bar to tighten up the bolt and had my brother underneath to keep tension, the bolt couldn't of been getting loose.

On the way back home I decided to drive straight through, and not worry about the power steering belt anymore. After a few hours (roughly 150-250 miles) the belt broke again. I drove the rest of the way home and ever since without out.

I've been told all sorts of stuff about the power steering pump. Would it be worth it to just replace and try it out? Should there be any noticeable damage to the pump, or what?

Thanks in advance

[rlmad]

Same problem with 1979. I have replaced water pump and steering sector. On 4th Autozone rebuilt pump and i am using Havoline high milage power steering fluid.

[theoldwizard]

What pulleys does the PS belt go around ? The reason you are having to retighten it multiple time is that one of those items is putting too much load on the belt. Could be the PS pump.