Alternator belt rubbing

My '71 base-engine coupe has developed a new problem following a return to service after an extended down time. The side of the alternator/water pump drive belt has begun rubbing on some sort of protective shield bolted to the front of the power steering pump, resulting in a burning-rubber smell and a squeal.

I checked to see if the pump or alternator might have shifted positions but all mountings seem tight, and pully alignment when checked with a straight-edge seems correct.

I don't think this has occured before, but perhaps it's just getting worse and I did't notice it over the general roar and oil-burning fumes from now-repaired leaky valve cover gaskets.

The stamped sheet-metal shield is fastened onto the pump w/two bolts. My question is, what is the purpose of the shield, and can I leave it off? There is plenty of clearance between the belt and pump without it. The shield may have become bent, but I couldn't see any damage when I removed it.

its doing its purpose belt guide check alternator anigment straight with the pullys maby worn water pump bearing or bent pully..........

My 70 base engine does the same thing. All it did was wear a slight mark in the belt. It has always done that ever since I replaced the belt. I thought it was because the belt was not stretched out and in turn put the belt at a different angle. It wore down and stopped rubbing. I have had no other problem. I replaced all the belts and I think this raised the pump up a bit therfor causing the rub.

|UPDATED|7/15/2003 4:55:25 AM|/UPDATED|

I removed the shield last night and reworked with a little bending and a little "persuasion". It now sits closer to the pump body and clears the belt. I think that the belt length issue is a good sugggestion, so I'm going to look at changing the pump and the alternator belts for some extra room. Thanks to everyone for the help.

My 78 has a sheet metal piece over the alternator belt
also. It is there so that when you wind the engine to
7 grand that long belt might not fall off. A new belt with
proper tension should fix you up!
Steve