Squeaky Belt?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Aurora IL
Squeaky Belt?
I took by 99 vert out last night, and noticed that whenever I was not giving it gas there was a very noticeable noise coming from the engine (sounded like a belt was loose). The question I have, is it easy to tighten or fix this problem myself (considering it is a loose belt), or could this be something entirely different and I should have someone look at it. When I opened the hood, the noise seemed to be near the driver side or near what looked to be the alternator.
Thanks
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Re: Squeaky Belt? (CornNut)
the belt is pre-loaded with a automatic tensioner... Old dry belts ( noticable cracks ) can make noise... the tensioner itself has a sealed bearing which can fail and squeak... there is also an idler pulley close to the alternator,, this also has a sealed bearing which can fail... ( the idler is a less common problem...) The belt could be original, Belt dressing is useless, other than spray the belt , if the noise goes away, replace the belt...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Aurora IL
Re: Squeaky Belt? (Evil-Twin)
I looked at the belt last night, and it looked in good condition (no noticeable
cracks at all), but I do believe that it is the origonal. You had mentioned that it is less common for the idler to be the problem, does that also apply for the tensioner? I will spray the belt tonight and see if that works, and if not...I guess it is off to the shop.
Thanks
cracks at all), but I do believe that it is the origonal. You had mentioned that it is less common for the idler to be the problem, does that also apply for the tensioner? I will spray the belt tonight and see if that works, and if not...I guess it is off to the shop.
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Re: Squeaky Belt? (CornNut)
I looked at the belt last night, and it looked in good condition (no noticeable
cracks at all), but I do believe that it is the origonal. You had mentioned that it is less common for the idler to be the problem, does that also apply for the tensioner? I will spray the belt tonight and see if that works, and if not...I guess it is off to the shop.
Thanks
cracks at all), but I do believe that it is the origonal. You had mentioned that it is less common for the idler to be the problem, does that also apply for the tensioner? I will spray the belt tonight and see if that works, and if not...I guess it is off to the shop.
Thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 885
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, CA
Re: Squeaky Belt? (Evil-Twin)
A quick way to tell is to spray belt conditioner on the belt. If the squeal stops you need a new belt, if not, a new tensioner. My belt squealed and needed replacement at 4k miles...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 5,294
Likes: 2
From: Suffolk, Long Island NY
Re: Squeaky Belt? (blackjack)
A quick way to tell is to spray belt conditioner on the belt. If the squeal stops you need a new belt, if not, a new tensioner. My belt squealed and needed replacement at 4k miles...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Aurora IL
Re: Squeaky Belt? (Face)
Okay, I didn't have any belt conditionor but I did have plenty of soap (an old trick that my dad showed me). So I put some soap on, and took it out for a drive....no squeak or whine. I also drove the car into work today, and also no squeak or whine. I guess this means I need to look into getting a new belt, however it really looks like it is in good condition.
Thanks for all the help on this
Thanks for all the help on this
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Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Re: Squeaky Belt? (blackjack)
A quick way to tell is to spray belt conditioner on the belt. If the squeal stops you need a new belt, if not, a new tensioner. My belt squealed and needed replacement at 4k miles...
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Re: Squeaky Belt? (CornNut)
Okay, I didn't have any belt conditionor but I did have plenty of soap (an old trick that my dad showed me). So I put some soap on, and took it out for a drive....no squeak or whine. I also drove the car into work today, and also no squeak or whine. I guess this means I need to look into getting a new belt, however it really looks like it is in good condition.
Thanks for all the help on this
Thanks for all the help on this
Instructor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 242
Likes: 2
From: Fort Washington MD
Belt Squeal
I have a 2000 C-5 with a squeal. The first thing I did was to replace the sepintine belt, that did not help, I replaced both the tensioner and the accesory pulley and still have the noise. Before I replaced those items I removed the fan belt and started the engine briefly to make sure it was not coming from the air conditioner belt or pulley. There was no squeal. I believe it may be the bearing in my water pump. Any suggestions from anyone. Also I the sound is intermittent I hear it when the car first starts and it is real profound it tends to go away after a while but it comes back. Thanks in advance
