squeling belts
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Babylon NY
I just replaced both belts with Gatorbacks, squealing is gone. The serpentine was in bad shape, lots of little cracks (86k miles duh). The a/c belt was a bit of a b***h to swap but in decent shape. Changed it anyway. Plugs and wires are next, right after turkey day!
Navigator
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Belts
I just bought two new gator backs for my 98, got the first one off and on no problem, how in the world are you guys getting to the AC tensioner pulley, even from under the car getting something other than an open ended wrench on it is almost impossible. Anyone got a set by step solution? RTR
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,094
Likes: 5
From: The 7th layer of hell - Western Washington
Instead of spraying pulleys, spray the belt on both sides with brake cleaner while the engine is running (be sure to cover your fenders, the stuff sprays everywhere!). If this stops the squealing for a minute or two and then it comes back you have a belt problem and need to replace the belt. Never use any kind of belt dressing if the belt is the problem, it will only make the squealing worse in the long run and hide the problem of a failing belt.
If there is no change in the noise with brake cleaner on the belt then you most likely have a pulley or bearing problem. Remove the belt and check all pulleys for wobble or in/out play.
If there is no change in the noise with brake cleaner on the belt then you most likely have a pulley or bearing problem. Remove the belt and check all pulleys for wobble or in/out play.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 6
From: Los Angeles
Take A Look At All Of Your Pulleys.are They Very Shiny?they May Just Have A Glaze On Them Causing The Belts To Squeel.a New Belt Will Be Quiet For A Short Time Until It Stretches A Little And Starts To Slip On The Glazed Pulleys.this Sounds Crazy But It Really Works.with The Engine Off,take Some Toothpaste On Your Finger And Rub It On The Front And Back Of The Belt.just About 2 Inches And Not Too Thick.start The Engine And The Fine Abrasive In The Toothpaste Will Clean The Glaze Off The Pulleys.your Belts Will Not Slip Anymore.you Can Also Use Valve Grinding Compound If The Glaze Is Very Heavy.i Know What Everyone Is Thinking (this Guy Is Nuts And Besides He Is New Here)but Give It A Try It Wont Hurt Anything And When You Open Your Hood Youll Get A Minty Fresh Fragrance.just Dont Put Listerine In Your Washer Bottle.
However, after applying the toothpaste and starting the car, the squeeling was louder and more constant. I tried a squirt of WD-40 again and the sounds quickly dissapeared. At least now I have a minty WD-40 smell
The best fix to me is replacing the belts. Too bad the serpentine gatorback was sold out and needed to be ordered at every parts store I visited within 20 miles of my house.
I'll just pretend the noise is a supercharger until the belt arrives.
