I have a (LOUD) squealing belt on my '99 FRC and it's driving me nuts. I'm pretty sure it's the belt that drives the A/C system because if I spray a little WD-40 on it, it stops. My questions are:

1. Would a belt just squeal like that without there being some underlying mechanical issue (bearings, tensioner pully, compressor)?

2. I need to replace the A/C compressor due to a leak and was planning on doing it in the Spring. Since it's winter time and I don't really need the A/C, can I just cut the belt off (killing the squeal) for now? Would that hurt anything long-term?

Thanks.

 

My '98 coupe had an AC belt squeek too. I switched to a goodyear gatorback belt and the noise is gone. As far a just cutting the belt and letting it go, I wouldn't think that it would do any harm but I'm sure some else will chime in here.

 

Goodyear gatorbacks are the answer unless its an idler pulley squealing.

Belts are cheaper than a new idler pulley, and if you don't already have gatorbacks, you chould try that first.

As long as the compressor is the only accessory that belt drives (can't remember) its fine to cut/remove the belt.

 

These belts have a metal wire in them, you can't cut them with a knife.

Here is the shop manual method:

2004 Chevrolet Corvette


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Drive Belt Squeal Diagnosis
Diagnostic Aids
A loose or improper installation of a body, or suspension component, or other item(s) on the vehicle may cause the squeal noise.

If the noise is intermittent, verify that the accessory drive component(s) by varying their loads, making sure they are operating to their maximum capacity. An overcharged air conditioning (A/C) system, a power steering system restriction, or the incorrect fluid, or a failing generator are suggested items to inspect.

Test Description
The number(s) below refer to the step(s) in the diagnostic table.

The squeal may not be engine related. This step is to verify that the engine is making the noise. If the engine is not making the noise do not proceed further in this table.

The noise may be an internal engine noise. Remove the drive belt(s) and operate the engine for a few seconds, this will verify if the squealing noise is related to the drive belt(s) or an accessory drive component. With the drive belt(s) removed the water pump will not operate and the engine may overheat. Also diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) may set when the engine is operated with the drive belt(s) removed.

This test is to verify that an accessory drive component(s) does not have a seized bearing. With the belt(s) removed, test the bearings in the accessory drive components for smooth operation. Also test the accessory drive component(s) with the engine operating by varying the load on the accessory drive component(s) to verify that the component(s) is operating properly.

This test is to verify that the drive belt(s) tensioner(s) is operating properly. If the drive belt(s) tensioner(s) is not operating properly, proper belt tension may not be achieved to keep the drive belt from slipping which could cause a belt squeal noise.

This test is to verify that the drive belt(s) is not too long, which would prevent the drive belt(s) tensioner(s) from operating properly. Also if the incorrect length drive belt(s) was installed, it may not be routed correctly and may be turning an accessory drive component in the incorrect direction.

Misalignment of the accessory drive pulley(s) may be caused from improper mounting or incorrect installation of a accessory drive component, or the pulley is bent inward or outward from a previous repair. Test for a misaligned pulley using a straight edge in the pulley grooves across two or three pulleys. If a misaligned pulley is found, refer to that accessory drive component for the proper removal and installation procedure for that pulley.

Inspect the accessory drive pulley(s) to verify that they are the correct diameter or width. Using a known good vehicle, compare the pulley sizes.

Step
Action
Yes
No


Notice
Do not use belt dressing on the drive belt. Belt dressing causes the breakdown of the composition of the drive belt. Failure to follow this recommendation will damage the drive belt.


DEFINITION: The following items are indications of drive belt squeal:

A loud screeching noise that is caused by a slipping drive belt(s) (this is unusual for a drive belt with multiple ribs)
The noise occurs when a heavy load is applied to the drive belt(s), such as an A/C compressor engagement, snapping the throttle, or slipping on a seized pulley, or a faulty accessory drive component.

1
Did you review the Symptoms - Engine Mechanical diagnostic information, and perform the necessary inspections?
Go to Step 2
Go to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical

2
Verify that there is a squealing noise.

Does the engine make the squeal noise?
Go to Step 3
Go to Diagnostic Aids

3
Remove the drive belt(s). Refer to Drive Belt Replacement - Accessory or Drive Belt Replacement - Air Conditioning .
Operate the engine for no longer than 30 to 40 seconds.
Does the squealing noise still exist?
Go to Engine Noise on Start-Up, but Only Lasting a Few Seconds , Upper Engine Noise, Regardless of Engine Speed , or Lower Engine Noise, Regardless of Engine Speed
Go to Step 4

4
Inspect for a seized accessory drive component bearing or a faulty accessory drive component.

Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 9
Go to Step 5

5
Inspect the drive belt tensioner for proper operation. Refer to Drive Belt Tensioner Diagnosis .

Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 9
Go to Step 6

6
Check for the correct length drive belt.

Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 9
Go to Step 7

7
Inspect for misaligned pulley.

Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 9
Go to Step 8

8
Inspect for an incorrect size pulley.

Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 9
--

9
Install the drive belt(s). Refer to Drive Belt Replacement - Accessory or Drive Belt Replacement - Air Conditioning .
Clear any codes.
Run the engine in order to verify the repair.
Does the squealing noise still exist?
--
System OK



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

I have had the same problem on my 99. When my car was new, I had the problem and Dealer replace Belt Tensioner twice. Its been good until couple of months ago then started up. A year ago I put a new Serpentine Belt on with no problems with it. I took it in to the dealer 2 weeks ago and they pulled the belt and replaced with a new 70.00 belt and said that fixed it. 80.00 labor to find problem of course. 200 miles and a week later guess what...........not fixed as I expected. I am taking back in but have little confidence in them diagnosing without replacing all parts during a trial and error repair method.

If anyone has a quick fix or most likely cause, PLEASE share with us.

 

I had that problem and switched to a Gatorback belt ($22), I have a U.D. pulley now so I cant use it anymore, it has 100 miles on it I can sell it to you for $12 shipped if you want it.

 

Had the same problem and replace the stock belt with the Gatorback belt and fix the problem.

 

Why don't you try a little soap it works every time. Just rub a bar of soap (ZEST works well) over the edges and bottom of the belt in question and start her up. Lots cheaper than cutting the belt. This is an old trick and it works well.

 

Yes you can remove the belt.
While it is off, hand spin the pulleys they should spin freely and smmothly if they wobble or feel gritty you have found your culprit.

My problem was the A/c clutch pulley. If that is you problem it will be fixed when you put in the new compressor

 

I had a connection leak at the joint where my longtubes connect to the exhaust piping......thought it was a belt and chased it for quite awhile. Tightened the header clamps and bingo. Might be that for others also...........

 

Tried that and it really didn't point me in the right direction. The WD40 made it completely quiet though. I thought it was the A/C belt so I replaced that one yesterday and I still hear the squeal. On to the main belt and another set of scrapped knuckles... Ugh...

 

I cured my serpentine belt squeak by replacing the harmonic balancer. It seems that the harmonic balancer was wobbling and rubbing on the edges of the belt, causing it to squeak. So, I replaced the balancer and reinstalled the same belt and no more squeak!

 

Well, I installed a set of Gatorbacks and no more squeak (~knocks on wood~). Now my A/C compressor clutch isn't kicking in. Time to find the leak around the compressor or change it.... Thought I could buy some time on it since it's winter, but this dang 80-degree weather in Houston isn't helping!

 

You may need the A/C in the winter (not for temperature control). At least on mine, the A/C runs under certain conditions when the defroster is on. It helps prevent condensation on the windshield. The owner's manual explains it.

Deleted some of my post - saw that you solved the problem.

Wish I could trade a couple of 32 degree days for one of your 80 degree days.

 

Same fix on my 99 FRC.

 

A candle works good also, just hold it on the belt while the engine is running. The wax will stay on longer than soap. Just make sure it is the belt and not a bearing or tensioner. Since it is the A/C belt it is probably stretched out and now needs a Gatorback JMHO

 

Changed the t-stat on my 01 and got a little fluid on the belt and it squeaked for a few days and then went away. If water got on the belt is also made it squeak and that lasted for few days and then if finally goes away.

 

A solution of Simple Green and water will wash off the anti-freeze..

 

Have the same squeal when my engine is cold (cold here often in Northern Illinois) Rubed a Dove soap bar on it and it has been gone for a month!
Goodluck with what ever you do-- and let us know if it works.

Chris

 

I know this is a little late, but thank you very much. It worked perfectly. Save me buying a new belt.