Belt squeaking problem??
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 190
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Belt squeaking problem??
First off let me say hello to you all. I am a new member just got my first Vette a couple of weeks ago. 
(1999 Pewter C5 33k) I'm not new to cars but this I can say I should have bought a Vette a long time ago. 
Ok now for my problem. I have a nice little sqeak in the belt system. Through reading here and my own problem solving skills I have determined it to be a rusty crank pulley. At first I thought for sure it was the belt, then the tensioner, then the idler.................then I read on here about some people using silicon spray on the pulley and fixing the problem. Well it for sure works. I just want it to be a permanent fix so my question is what would you use to clean the crank pulley?
(1999 Pewter C5 33k) I'm not new to cars but this I can say I should have bought a Vette a long time ago. Ok now for my problem. I have a nice little sqeak in the belt system. Through reading here and my own problem solving skills I have determined it to be a rusty crank pulley. At first I thought for sure it was the belt, then the tensioner, then the idler.................then I read on here about some people using silicon spray on the pulley and fixing the problem. Well it for sure works. I just want it to be a permanent fix so my question is what would you use to clean the crank pulley?
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,743
Likes: 1
From: Keep Me Working...Buy A Ford!
Welcome to the forum . You'll learn a lot of good stuff on here. With 33,000 miles I'd go ahead and replace the belts. That should take care of your squeeking problem. If you're going to do your own work, invest in a set of service manuals for your specific year. You can get a good deal on the belts and manuals through Ken Fichtner Chevrolet. I bought my belts through www.rockauto.com .
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 355
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From: Sauquoit NY
i had a squeak on my 97. i took it to the dealer and they "cleaned" the pullys. it fixed it. i had cost myself a lot of money by replacing the belts and tensioner that didn't have to be replaced. i think you may be right on the money when you said rusty pully.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Vancouver
2015 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10
Very interesting. I have heard of the idler pulley causing this problem but this is the first time I have heard of dirty pulleys doing it. I'll have to check mine out. Thanks.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
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Originally Posted by 37coupe
i had a squeak on my 97. i took it to the dealer and they "cleaned" the pullys. it fixed it. i had cost myself a lot of money by replacing the belts and tensioner that didn't have to be replaced. i think you may be right on the money when you said rusty pully.
Yeah I already replaced the belt and the tensioner and I really doubt that it is the alternater or the water pump. What did they clean it with? I'm just going to use a wire brush and some silicon spray. Anybody got any better ideas?
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 208
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From: Manahawkin New Jersey
Sqeaky belts
I had the same problem with my 98. Replaced harmonic balancer, alternator, belt tensioner, belts several times. Then the dealer said it may be my water pump, etc. After spending tons of money, the problem was the GM belts themselves. Bought Goodyear Gatorbacks from Autozone and the problem was fixed for $30.00. Goodluck!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
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Originally Posted by Sixants
I had the same problem with my 98. Replaced harmonic balancer, alternator, belt tensioner, belts several times. Then the dealer said it may be my water pump, etc. After spending tons of money, the problem was the GM belts themselves. Bought Goodyear Gatorbacks from Autozone and the problem was fixed for $30.00. Goodluck!!
That sounds like a very good idea there. I have the crappy Delco one on there now. Perhaps cleaning the crank pulley is only a fix for the crappy belt. Maybe with a good belt (Gatorback) it would be fine. Hmm
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You really need to inspect the underside of the belt to see if there are any cracks.
Corvette ***** OG
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,776
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From: Charlotte NC
St. Jude Donor '05
CI VI Veteran
I had a similiar experience with replacing a new belt. I replaced it with a new belt and then started having a squeeking problem. I don't remember the brand but it was the first time I ever experienced it before.
I replaced it with another brand and it immediately went away.
Good luck,
Mark
I replaced it with another brand and it immediately went away.
Good luck,
Mark
