power steering belt to radiator clearance

[emo666]

My power steering belt is cutting the bottom radiator hose---replaced hose 3 times and ran engine-- looked good at idle and low speed --- cut top of hose off at engine outlet about 3/8 inch. Still is touching bottom engine support frame. This just started when I pulled the power steering pump and put it back. The pulley is slightly bent but not 1/2 inch out. Also where can I buy a new pulley "reasonable" if needed. $79+ on google

[jtschug]

Those two things are not close to each other on my car. Something isn’t right.

[dan42]

If problem started after pump replacement, I would re-trace the steps on the new install to make sure everthing is properly aligned and adjusted.

[Rt.146]

Post a few pictures,of what is cutting into the hose.

[Scott6T6]

The clearance between the power steering belt and lower radiator hose should be at least 1/2" at their closest proximity. I can easily fit my finger between the two.

You didn't say what model year you have. Does your Thunderbird have A/C? '65/'66 Thunderbirds without A/C utilized a cylindrical steel spacer that was located between the face of the left cylinder head and the rear p/s pump mounting bracket - at that rear mounting bolt. I circled the spacer in the photo below. If you neglected to reinstall that spacer, the p/s pump could then potentially be situated too far back on the engine which might allow the belt to contact the lower radiator hose. On my '66 (no A/C) I can see the p/s belt would also contact the fan pulley if the pump was mounted so far rearward that the belt was cutting into the lower radiator hose.