Belt Squeak - tighten or change?

Post by **zorruno** » Thu May 10, 2001 2:39 pm

If I am getting belt squeak, is it sensible to assume that I can just
tighten to eliminate the squeak? or does loosening of a belt usually
indicate wear (i.e. should I replace the belt)

1994 on 60000kms - don't know when belts were changed, I've had it for
20000kms.

Thanks
H.

Gary Morrison · Post by **Gary Morrison** » Thu May 10, 2001 3:22 pm

zorruno...

Usually it needs replacing, but you can quieten it for a little while with
some "drylube". Comes in a stick like lip balm. With belt running apply to
edge of belt, squeak should go away. It will eventually return though.

Gary

Ray · Post by **Ray** » Thu May 10, 2001 5:39 pm

zorruno
Gary is quite correct, when a car has multiple "V" belts (a lot of luxury cars have
six to eight) and one is squeaking it can be a problem trying to find one which one
it is, i use an oil can and find a couple of drips on each pulley is sufficient to
find out which one,(in case it's not a belt) as belts and pulleys wear the belt sinks
futher into the pulley and the noise you hear is the top of the belt exiting the
pulley, a clue to wear is, the new belt should be almost flush with the top of the
pulley if it isn't then the pulley(s) is worn, which is unlikely on the mileage of
your car, the moral of this story is!!!

replace the belt
Ray

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Glen McLean · Post by **Glen McLean** » Thu May 10, 2001 6:18 pm

WELL, FIRST OF ALL WHAT BELT IS IT?

HAVE YOU HAD ANY OTHER WORK DONE TO THE CAR OF LATE?

REMOVE THE BELT, AND INSPECT IT FOR CRACKS. IF IT HAS CRACKS, 86 THE THING
AND PUT A NEW ONE ON IT.
MULTI-RIBBED BELTS DO NOT REQUIRE THE KIND OF TENSION THAT THE OLD V-BELTS
DO, SO RULE OF THUMB IS TO TENSION IT ENOUGH SO THAT YOU CAN MOVE THE BELT
UP AND DONE ABOUT 20MM EASILY.
AFTER 100KMS, RETENSION IT AGAIN.

ARE YOU SURE IT'S THE BELT, AND NOT THE WATERPUMP?

YOURS, GLEN ==== MECHANIC.

Post by **zorruno** » Thu May 10, 2001 6:50 pm

WELL, FIRST OF ALL WHAT BELT IS IT?

not 100% sure yet, but intend to check this weekend.

HAVE YOU HAD ANY OTHER WORK DONE TO THE CAR OF LATE?

I cleaned it last weekend?! Seriously though - I've touched nothing in the
engine bay for a few months besides installing a shock tower brace. I had
had a prob with the alternator previously - the mounting bolt fell off. I
have fixed this, but that was over a year ago. It is possible that it will
require retightening.

REMOVE THE BELT, AND INSPECT IT FOR CRACKS. IF IT HAS CRACKS, 86 THE THING
AND PUT A NEW ONE ON IT.

OK

MULTI-RIBBED BELTS DO NOT REQUIRE THE KIND OF TENSION THAT THE OLD V-BELTS
DO, SO RULE OF THUMB IS TO TENSION IT ENOUGH SO THAT YOU CAN MOVE THE BELT
UP AND DONE ABOUT 20MM EASILY.
AFTER 100KMS, RETENSION IT AGAIN.

thanks

ARE YOU SURE IT'S THE BELT, AND NOT THE WATERPUMP?

ummm no - I suppose I will find out this weekend. It tends only to squeak
until warmed up though - so would that suggest belt?

zorruno - NON-MECHANIC (does it show?)

Glen McLean · Post by **Glen McLean** » Thu May 10, 2001 6:56 pm

WHEN IT'S WARM EH. WELL TRY THE CRC TEST ON THE BELTS, IF THE SQEEK STOPS,
IT'S THE BELTS, IF NOT THEN THE PUMP, OR SUMPTHING ELSE.

Ray · Post by **Ray** » Thu May 10, 2001 7:25 pm

Glen, stop shouting

zorruno, its generally the alternater belt, you can always run the car for a couple
of minutes without the belt to determine if its the water pump or alternater
Does the belt squeak on idle? if it does its the belt, if it queals with lights/AC
on when you rev the engine the belt is too loose.
Ray

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