Hi Guys I wonder if you can put my mind at ease. Today I took my 2001 C5 (23,500 miles) out for its first run for at least 3 weeks. The weather here is unseasonally good, so wanted to take advantage and give it a run. On the way home I stopped off to have a look at a 370z (you know what its like). I wanted to get fairly close to the kerb so opened the drivers door as I carefully parked close up. I then noticed what can only be described as a 'chirping' or 'squealing' noise. Nothing much - but made me want to investigate further.As soon as I got home I checked out the forum. Coincidentally, there was a similar 'post' which led me to try to check out the 'harmonic balancer'. By all accounts this is not a 'new' problem, but one that has been covered before. I eventually found a 'video' clip which someone had posted of their HB running, so thought I would compare mine. I checked whist the engine was running but could not see any 'movement' of the pully, but could still hear the 'chirping' noise. I read on another post that someone had 'sprayed' a little carb cleaner on the belt and this had cured it - so though I too would try this. With the engine running I sprayed a little on the belt and immediately the chirping stopped - did I get lucky? Obviously with living in the UK I cannot just pop down to my local Chevrolet dealer and get a second opinion - so all thoughts would be gratefully received.

 

You can ship me over and I will have a look

Is the sound coming from the lower part of the engine or upper?

 

Ship you over, lol. Ironically we are coming over to the States ourselves in just over two weeks time - i'll have to bring it with me. I cannot tell where the 'chipping' noise is coming from!

 

This is a very common issue and is not always the Harmonic Balancer; in fact with the very low miles on your car I would seriously doubt it. It's likely either a tensioner pulley or idler pulley on one of your two belt systems. Start by isolating it to either the drive belt system or the AC belt system and work from there.

 

I too have a little squeak, but I don't think it can be a pulley. With the engine idling at 650rpm, that's about 10.8 revolutions per second on the HB. The rest of the pullies are even smaller so they will spin faster. I hear the squeak about twice a second, which is probably the time for one complete revolution of the belt. Spraying it with a little belt conditioner makes it stop for a while, but it does come back. I guess I'll try changing the belt next.

 

to the op replace your belts try goodyear gatorbacks your squeak will most likely go away

 

I have been thinking just that! When over in Texas I will pick one up. Where would I go to buy one - and what sort of cost?

 

Goodyear Gatorback belts are a common, go-to replacement and are found in most (if not all) retail auto parts stores in the US.

I installed one on my '96 Mustang GT (my original belt shredded at 50K miles) and paid ~$30 US, IIRC.

 

I got mine on Amazon after searching several local parts stores. Enter your vehicle info and search for goodyear gatorback. Free shipping and very inexpensive.

 

Ok, i'm really sorry for asking this. I'm ordering a Goodyear 4040420 Gatorback Poly V-Belt (accessory belt) but did another search and there's GBack belt with a different part number 4060798.

How many belts do I need and which one should I get? Yes I know it's a dumb question but and I guess I could run outside my apartment to check but it still wouldn't answer which one I should get.

Thanks

 

Those are the two I ordered. Your car has 2 belts, one main and one for AC. I had to assume these are both of them since they were the only ones listed.

 

ok so if i get both they replace both, not somehow ordering 2 of the same thing right?

 

I just put mine on and they are 2 different belts. One for the AC and one primary. The change took 10 minutes and they are quiet as a mouse. Now I hear other noises.....errrrr!