03 grand am serpentine belt shredding

Micali

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I went to my local auto parts store Nd bought what I thought was the correct belt for my 03 grand am. I also replaced a bad idle pulley. When I finally got it on the belt was touching side of the tensioner. I knew if I started it up the belt would instantly shred.
I took it off and went to the store again and double checked the numbers and it was the same one again. I asked if they had a longer belt so they checked the 04 grand am and it was .5 longer, I think. Got home and put it on and all looked just fine. Only after a month the belt started to shred. So I got it replaced under warranty and now that belt is starting to shred as well.
What is happening? I doubt they will replace the belt again plus I dont want to keep doing this. The original belt was fine but squealed something terrible. I did compare the belts and the new belt seemed a little short to the original.
 
I would start looking at every pulley for rough spots or not turning freely. Since you provided nothing specific on 4 cylinder or 6 cylinder or what store and part number can't comment if you are buying the correct belt.
 
3.4 V6. I bought the belt at autozone for the 2004 GT. I'll check the belt for a number.
 
3.4 V6. I bought the belt at autozone for the 2004 GT. I'll check the belt for a number.
Look at the notes on the AC-Delco belt. Depending on alternator bracket there were two different belts used.
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I tried to post a video but cant. When I was watching the pulleys it seems like my HB is wobbly. I'm not even sure that's possible. Its probably my eyes but could it actually be the issue?
 
I tried to post a video but cant. When I was watching the pulleys it seems like my HB is wobbly. I'm not even sure that's possible. Its probably my eyes but could it actually be the issue?
If it's a two piece damper with rubber section, yes.
 
When I was looking at the pulleys it seemed like HB was wobbling. That seems odd that it would be at all. Can these belts walk?
 
When I was looking at the pulleys it seemed like HB was wobbling. That seems odd that it would be at all. Can these belts walk?
If the pulley is wobbling, yes.
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I'm still needing to verify the HB. If the belt is to long but with no other issues, would the belt walk?
What's odd is I wasn't having any issues with the belt before I changed it. I went with the 2004 belt which is .50 longer which is 87. The 2003 is 86.5.
 
Did you ever read the details on the AC-Delco belt application which indicated two different belts used during your model year?
 
The harmonic balancer had seperated almost a quarter of an inch. I replaced it and all is good. I'm using the 87" belt.
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