Redvette7

I have a 2001 coupe, experiencing a squeal when I step on the
gas. it sounds like its coming from the alternator. any ideas???

Rob 02

You could use a cheep mechanics stethoscope to find the problem. It sounds like a bearing failing on the belt system or a week tensionor.

Redvette7

I sprayed some water on the belts and the sound goes away for a little
while. I think I just need new belts. Is this easy to DIY?? I Have no way to get it off the ground, can it be done from top??

Rob 02

Belts are easy. I can do it in 10 minutes.

You may just have some fluid on one of the pulleys.

You may have the the infamous harmonic balancer failure. Check it for wobble, alignment and oil leakage (oil leaking from the front seal behind the balancer).

If the spring in the tensioner is week then you wont have adequate tension on the belt. I'm not sure if this is the case.

Redvette7

Thanks Rob02,

There is a little play in the belt, and where it goes onto the flat side of
the belt there looks to be alot of tiny cracks in the grooves of the belt.
i just hit 80,000 miles. Should I change the AC belt as well, it looks a lot
harder to get to. I'm a bigger guy with big hands that makes it harder for me to get into tight places. Any recommendations on new belts??
thanks again.

foggy

YES . Change Both Belts and the tensioners too
The tensioners are a wear item just like the belts...
The AC belt and tensioner are replaced from below...
The main drive belt and tensioner is done from above.
Use a good belt and tensioner assembly.. Like GATES or Dayco or GM

Rob 02

With the main belt off the A/C belt is accessible.
It's probably a lot easier than your thinking.

jim993

For an old guy, changing the AC belt was a pain. I couldn't do it without raising the car and using a tool to get the AC belt into place from below.

The AC belt tensioner is best accessed from below.

After changing the AC belt the last time, I resolved to change the AC belt, idler pulley and tensioner any time the water pump is replaced.

But it still needs to be done based on your description of the main belt condition.

Redvette7

I am thinking of replacing all the pulleys, tensioners, and harmonic
balancer as well when the belts are off. Good idea or just going
overboard??? Saw a kit from Ecklers with all parts and belts. I have read
that this is a common problem in C5's, should I stick with original GM parts, or are there better aftermarket parts to use?? Would this be better left to someone with more experience than me??? I'm one of those people who can probably do it but it will take me forever. What do you think a shop would charge for this??? Thanks for any suggestions.

jim993

The balancer is a known failure item, but it is quite a bit of work to change since the steering rack has to be disconnected and repositioned to remove/ replace the balancer. You also need special tools to remove and replace. If it wobbles much or the outer ring is migrating, it needs to be replaced.

Definitely do not put a new GM balancer on, there are much better choices in the aftermarket. A quick search of the forum will give you a number of good choices.

Here is one good source for pulleys and belts:

https://www.summitracing.com/search/...model/corvette

photonhunter

Summit also has a better-than-OEM harmonic balancer (in my opinion).
Get it with an ARP bolt.

dan k.

Rob 02

Don't use the GM balancer because it's prone to failure.
If you are not confident then use a mechanic you trust.