* Worn or Damaged Belt: The belt itself might be cracked, glazed, or excessively worn. These conditions reduce its grip on the pulleys. Look for cracks, fraying, or a shiny, smooth surface.
* Worn or Damaged Tensioner Pulley: The pulley itself might be worn, grooved, or misaligned. Grooves reduce the belt's contact surface, and misalignment prevents proper engagement. Check for any obvious damage, wobble, or unusual noise from the pulley.
* Incorrect Belt Tension: The tensioner might not be providing enough tension on the belt. This can be due to a faulty tensioner spring, a sticking tensioner mechanism, or improper installation of the belt (though this is less likely if it's been slipping for a while).
* Misaligned Pulley(s): One or more pulleys might be slightly out of alignment. This is less common but can cause the belt to ride off-center and eventually slip off. Carefully inspect all pulleys for misalignment.
* Damaged or Worn Pulley Bearings: A worn bearing in any of the pulleys can cause the pulley to wobble, leading to belt slippage. You might notice a squealing noise from the pulleys if this is the case.
* Blocked or seized tensioner: Something could be interfering with the tensioner's ability to function properly - possibly debris or rust.
* Incorrect Belt Routing: Though less likely if the belt has been on for a while, an incorrectly routed belt could lead to slippage. Check your owner's manual or a reliable online diagram to ensure the belt is routed correctly.
Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Visual Inspection: Carefully examine the belt and all pulleys for any damage, wear, misalignment, or debris.
2. Check Belt Tension: Use a belt tension gauge (if available) or try to deflect the belt in the middle of the longest span between pulleys. There should be some resistance, but it shouldn't be extremely tight.
3. Listen for Noises: Listen for any squealing or whining noises coming from the pulleys, which could indicate worn bearings.
4. Check Tensioner Mechanism: Make sure the tensioner is moving freely and applying sufficient tension.
5. Inspect for Obstructions: Look closely around the tensioner pulley and surrounding components for any obstructions that might be interfering.
If you're not comfortable performing these checks or doing repairs yourself, take your Caravan to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair. Ignoring a slipping serpentine belt can lead to more serious engine problems.
