Squealing Like a Stuck Pig

[Niels]

The Explorer got all of the timing chains replaced last January. Since then the serpentine belt squeals when the engine is started. I did do a search for this and found a lot of information. The bad thing is that I have done it all! The belt itself looks good, a Goodyear belt. The tensioner has been replaced, once last fall and again this spring. The pulleys all look good as well. The only thing that I can find wrong is that the tensioner is at just about the end of its travel. It's running right at the limit mark on the tensioner.

Since this noise started after the engine was pulled (Grrr) for the timing chains, I thought that maybe there was some fluid on the belt, which was what the mechanic said. But 5K later and the squeal is still there, sometimes worse, sometimes better. I looked at the power steering pump, compressor, etc. thinking that there may be a mounting issue with something. Nothing, it all looks good.

I am thinking that I may need to get a shorter belt. I don't want to because then I will always need to remember the number of it. Anybody ever had this type of problem?

 

[Turdle]

If you have to use a shorter belt, you could post the part number in this thread where it will be saved forever. Just a thought.

 

[Rudy602]

You say you've "done it all", does that include changing the belt? The squeal is the belt slipping and the longer it squeals, the more it polishes the pulleys and makes them even more slippery. If it got oil or coolant on it [which it probably did if it was still on when the motor was pulled] it's probably junk. If not, something is dragging - alternator, power steering pump, a/c?

 

[2000StreetRod]

Use a hose

You might try listening to each pulley with a length of hose to try to isolate the location of the sqeal. The largest drag is from the A/C compressor when it's engaged. I don't know if there is belt dressing for serpentine belts like there was for V belts. You might try some if you can find it.

 

[Rudy602]

Belt dressing? I was thinking the same thing, I used my last can on my '79 F350 [I kept it under the front seat] I kept tightening the alternator and spraying it but the squealing didn't stop for good untill I broke down and put a new belt on it. Not a peep since. I hope they still make it 'cause I still have a few relics.

 

[Niels]

Thanks, people. Yes I did replace the belt and the tensioner since this started happening. No change. I didn't see any adjustment on the compressor, alternator, etc. I think that these are all fixed in their respective mounts and the tensioner is supposed to maintain the proper belt tension. It looks like the shorter belt is the way to go. Thanks again!