Not another belt thread
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Not another belt thread
But I swear this is very specific and wasn't covered specifically in any of the many many belt squeal threads I searched through.
Squeal generally occurs 2K or above, though that number has been dropping and seems to get lower (and squealing louder) as engine warms up. Smooth side of belt looks streaked as though it has been rubbed over something, though the belt overall seems new (car was recently bought used). Son of a Gun on the smooth side of the belt ends the squeal temporarily, which to me narrows it down to the water pump pulley (which is rubbed clean of paint where the belt runs but seems to rotate at the correct speed) and the idler. I'm diving back in tomorrow with these as my targets but I just wanted to check and see if I was way off base.
Fingers crossed that it's the idler.
Squeal generally occurs 2K or above, though that number has been dropping and seems to get lower (and squealing louder) as engine warms up. Smooth side of belt looks streaked as though it has been rubbed over something, though the belt overall seems new (car was recently bought used). Son of a Gun on the smooth side of the belt ends the squeal temporarily, which to me narrows it down to the water pump pulley (which is rubbed clean of paint where the belt runs but seems to rotate at the correct speed) and the idler. I'm diving back in tomorrow with these as my targets but I just wanted to check and see if I was way off base.
Fingers crossed that it's the idler.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 431
Likes: 5
From: Chico CA
Could be idler or crank pulley. I got lucky - it was the idler. You can check the gaps around the point where the arm attaches to the mount. Should be uniform. If not, I'd expect it to lean forward at the top. That's what mine did.
Look at the crank pulley and see if it shows any signs of shifting. I've read that a lot, too.
Changing the idler is simple, but do the belt at the same time. I'd also do the A/C idler and belt, as they're behind the main one.
Good luck!
Look at the crank pulley and see if it shows any signs of shifting. I've read that a lot, too.
Changing the idler is simple, but do the belt at the same time. I'd also do the A/C idler and belt, as they're behind the main one.
Good luck!
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
