Squeaky belts

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Jun 19, 2011 | 06:10 PM

pwsusi

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 793

Likes: 10

From: Grafton MA

Squeaky belts

I can't get the belts to stop squealing in my '71. I replaced all the belts, but I think the alternator belt is the one that continues to squeal. The alternator is pulled all the way to the end of the bracket, and the belt is as tight as i can get it. Not sure what else i can do, any ideas?

Jun 19, 2011 | 08:29 PM

DZRick

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 5,447

Likes: 3

From: Syracuse NY

I had the same problem a few years ago, belt dressing was a temporary fix but a shorter belt cured the problem.

Jun 19, 2011 | 08:56 PM

ajrothm

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 9,993

Likes: 1,136

From: League City Tx

Yours a big block? I am fighting this as well on my 71 BB....ON mine its the power steering belt...The repro brackets are just slightly off...my pump is a hair **** eyed and it causes the squeal.....I have tried every different type of belt, shimming pulleys etc....nothing really helps...It will be fine for 1000 miles, then start squeeling again.... This next weekend I think I am going to heat the lower pump bracket and bend the ears to straighten the alignment....

Its really bad with the new electric fan....puts a big load on the alternator which runs off of the PS pump...it just kills the PS pump belt...

Jun 19, 2011 | 11:51 PM

mrmagrath

Burning Brakes

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 803

Likes: 4

From: Christchurch, New Zealand

I've used candle wax to quieten squealing belts in the past. Just carefuly hold a piece of candle up against the underside of the belt while it's running. Good short term fix.
Cheers
Grant

Jun 20, 2011 | 03:47 AM

Mick71

Melting Slicks

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 3,363

Likes: 32

From: Bowtie, Pennsyltucky

St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15,'21

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrmagrath

I've used candle wax to quieten squealing belts in the past. Just carefuly hold a piece of candle up against the underside of the belt while it's running. Good short term fix.
Cheers
Grant

Good tip. Thanks!

Jun 20, 2011 | 08:00 AM

7T1vette

Team Owner

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 37,637

Likes: 3,114

From: Crossville TN

Maybe the "V" in the pulley(s) have been burnished by the slipping belt(s). Next time you change a belt, use some 150 grit sandpaper and rough up the pulley groove surfaces. It will give a better 'bite' to hold the belt. Putting belt 'dressing' and candle wax on the pulley will quiet the noise; but the belt may slip more. Also, if you can't get a belt to tighten up completely and you are out of adjustment, go to a smaller diameter belt.