Belt Squealing

[Mark Heisser]

I've got a squealing noise coming from the engine compartment serpentine belt area,can't tell where it's coming from,started out just when it started,then it did it all the time for a few days now it quit,ordered an idler pulley just can't figure which component or maybe the belt it's got about 30k on it and the truck has 130k it's an 2001 4x2

 

[swshawaii]

Remove the belt and rotate ALL the pulleys by hand to check for binding. Only tool required is a 3/8" square drive ratchet or breaker bar. For ease of belt removal and added leverage use a cheater pipe on the wrench handle, good tensioner springs are very strong. If pulley issues are not found, start the COLD engine for less than ONE minute and listen for internal engine noises. Keep us posted.

 

[John G]

swshawaii, in the test you describe, do you start the engine and run it a minute while there's no belt installed, or after reinstalling the belt?

 

[swshawaii]

Sorry, run the engine WITHOUT the belt if pulley issues are NOT found. Water pump is not turning without the belt and engine will overheat quickly.



I've also found scrubbing ALL pulley grooves and the belt with dish soap and a stiff nylon brush removes an unbelievable amount of dirt and grime.

 

[EddieS'04]

If you find it is the tensonor pulley assy. Get the Gates unit. It is a flat wound spring. runs smoother, less movement from the belt rotation and has longer life than the coil spring type.