Mitsubishi Repair: Power Steering belt smell, oil seepage, mitsubishi montero

Question
Hey Anthony,
hope you can help
I have a 2002 mitsubishi montero Spot LS
For a ong time there wss a eaking oil, buning rubber smell
coming from under my hood.
One day while driving my power steering belt ripped.
Theguy who fixed it told me it wasy belt tension which was loose
that caused the belt to rub, and subsequently tear.
Wereplaced the tensioner and obviouly the ripped elt, but it stll makes that burgning rubber smell.

Any ideas?
Thanks

Answer
James,
I burning smell can be caused by a number of things.  Assuming that the tension is now properly set on the belt, we can rule out a loose, squeaky belt.  Another thing to look for if you feel the smell truly is being emitted from the power steering belt it oil on belt.  If there is an oil seepage getting onto the belt, it can cause the belt to burn off the oil and make that smell.  Also, if the bearings on any of the pulleys or pumps the drive belts pass over are excessively worn, it can make a burning smell.  I would check those two areas first.
Good luck!