squeeeeealing belt...help

[Tim K]

Squealing ALTERNATOR (edit)

I just had my serpentine belt replaced at the end of the summer so the belt is in good shape. However it has started squealing and is driving me batty. I tried spraying it with some belt ease, and that made it better for about 4 seconds...then it got worse. After searching I found some suggestions to use WD-40...but that supposedly only lasts for a while. There were some other suggestions to check the "tensioner pulley"....I will, but I don't know what it is! If someone would be kind enough to explain which of the many "wheels" the belt runs on is the tensioner pulley, and how to check it I would appreciate it.

 

[MrBean972]

Well Tim i know that you have a 1997 so its going to be a bit diff than my 1994.

But under the hood in front of the Fan COver is a little diagram that shows where the Tension Pully is.

Also it may be bearings in a pully causing the squealing belt. Odds are its just a loose belt though.

If you need anymore help feel free to e-mail me.

 

[mdrut]

The tensioner is the pulley to the lower right of the alternator, facing the motor.. It is self adjusting.. Check the under side of the belt, if there are any sections of ribs missing with a lengh of 1/2" or greater or missing sections on side by side ribs, it's time to replace..Also, check to make sure the belt is sitting flat against all the pulleys..

 

[Tim K]

Found it....the squeal that is...

Its coming from the alternator. I took off the belt and checked all of the "wheels". The one on the alternator is the culprit. When the belt turns the alternator "wheel" I get Sqeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek. So now what? I guess I will search the forum for alternator problems. If anyone has the answer please feel free to post it.

Thanks for your help so far!

 

[mdrut]

Bearings are shot..They are exspensive. I got a hi amp at the junk yard for $45 and they gave me a life time warrenty.